You're Washing These 9 Things Too Much and Ignoring 9 Others Completely
Approximately 90% of the clothes we wash are not truly dirty, which leads to a great deal of unnecessary laundry. Many people wash garments that only have slight odors or are simply wrinkled, resulting in wasted water, energy, and detergent. This excessive use of resources not only increases household expenses but also has a negative impact on the environment.
At the same time, while we focus on washing certain items, we often overlook others that genuinely need cleaning. This neglect can cause dirt and odors to build up, eventually requiring even more intensive washing. To make laundry routines more efficient, it is important to carefully evaluate which items actually need washing and to organize them for optimal cleaning.
To tackle these issues, we decided to study how often the washing machine should be used. By creating a schedule based on real clothing needs, we can ensure that only necessary items are washed, helping to save resources and reduce our environmental impact.
1. Jeans versus leggings
Washing jeans too frequently can drastically shorten their lifespan and cause their rich color to fade prematurely. Each wash cycle can cause denim to lose its original shape, and exposure to warm water may lead to unwanted shrinkage, making jeans fit completely differently than when first purchased.
To maintain your jeans in pristine condition, resist the urge to wash them frequently. Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi's, has not machine-washed his favorite pair of jeans for over ten years. He firmly believes that washing less preserves both the vibrant color and structural integrity of denim, while simultaneously saving water and reducing environmental impact. He strongly recommends spot cleaning jeans when necessary, following the time-tested habits of early denim wearers who valued exceptional durability. If machine washing becomes absolutely necessary, turn jeans inside out and use only cold water when they are truly dirty.
Leggings, however, require a completely different approach. Since they are specifically designed to absorb moisture and fit tightly against the skin, leggings can rapidly develop harmful bacteria and unpleasant odors. For casual everyday wear, washing after two or three uses is typically sufficient. But after intense workouts, it is absolutely essential to wash them after each use to maintain optimal freshness and proper hygiene.
