9 Things We Over-Wash, and 9 Others We Forget to Clean
Approximately 90% of the clothes we wash are not truly dirty, leading to unnecessary laundry. Many people wash garments with slight odors or wrinkles, wasting water, energy, and detergent. This overuse of resources increases expenses and harms the environment.
While we focus on washing some items, we often neglect others that genuinely need cleaning. This neglect allows dirt and odors to build up, requiring more intensive washing later. To improve laundry efficiency, it’s essential to evaluate which items truly need washing and organize them for optimal cleaning.
To address these concerns, we studied how often washing machines should be used. By creating a schedule based on real clothing needs, we can ensure only necessary items are washed, saving resources and reducing environmental impact.
1. Jeans versus leggings
To maintain your jeans, avoid frequent washing. Chip Bergh, Levi’s CEO, hasn’t machine-washed his jeans in over ten years, believing less washing preserves color and structure while saving water. Spot clean when necessary, as early denim wearers did for durability. If machine washing is required, turn jeans inside out and use cold water only when they’re truly dirty.
Leggings need a different approach. Designed to absorb moisture, leggings can develop bacteria and odors. For everyday wear, washing after two or three uses suffices. After workouts, wash them each time to maintain hygiene.
