How Often Should You Wash These Common Items? A Guide from Made New Laundry
When it comes to laundry, the big question is: How often should you wash your clothes, towels, and sheets? Some items need frequent cleaning, while others can go a little longer between washes. At Made New Laundry, we want to help you keep your clothes and home linens fresh and clean while saving you time and energy. Here’s a practical guide to how often you should be washing your most commonly used items.
1. Bed Sheets: Once a Week
Your bed is your sanctuary, but it can quickly become a hotspot for bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites. That’s why experts recommend washing your bed sheets once a week to keep them fresh and hygienic.
Why Wash Weekly?
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, and over time, sweat and oils can build up in the fabric, leading to unpleasant odors and allergens.
Weekly washes help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your sheets feeling soft and comfortable.
Pro Tip: Use warm water for regular washing, and if you’re prone to allergies, opt for hot water to kill dust mites. Our large-capacity Electrolux machines at Made New Laundry are perfect for washing multiple sets of sheets at once.
2. Towels: After 3-4 Uses
Towels are prone to collecting moisture, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew if not washed regularly. The general rule is to wash your bath towels after every 3-4 uses to keep them fresh and absorbent.
Why Wash Every Few Uses?
Even though you use a towel after you’re clean, bacteria from your skin and moisture from the air can cling to the fibers, creating an environment for germs to grow.
Damp towels can start to smell musty if left too long between washes.
Pro Tip: Wash towels in hot water to ensure thorough sanitization. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can reduce absorbency over time. For fluffier towels, try using dryer balls in our high-efficiency dryers!
3. Jeans: After 4-5 Wears
Unlike everyday clothes, jeans don’t need to be washed as frequently. Washing them too often can lead to fading, wear and tear, and even shrinking. It’s generally recommended to wash your jeans after 4-5 wears, depending on how dirty they get.
Why Wash Less Often?
Jeans are durable and don’t trap odors and bacteria like other fabrics.
Washing too often can cause the fabric to break down, leading to worn-out jeans that lose their fit and color.
Pro Tip: Turn your jeans inside out before washing to protect the color and avoid fading. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to keep them in great shape for longer. Dry them on a low heat setting or hang them to air-dry for the best results.
4. Workout Clothes: After Every Wear
Workout clothes are exposed to a lot of sweat, bacteria, and body oils, which means they need to be washed after every wear. This is especially important for moisture-wicking fabrics, which can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors.
Why Wash After Every Use?
Sweat and bacteria can build up in synthetic workout fabrics, causing odors and skin irritation.
Washing your workout clothes regularly helps prevent the spread of bacteria and keeps your gear in top condition.
Pro Tip: Wash workout clothes in cold water to preserve the elasticity of the fabric and prevent fading. Use a delicate cycle to avoid damaging performance fabrics, and air-dry or use the low heat setting in our dryers to keep them stretchy and durable.
5. Bras: After 3-4 Wears
Bras are another item that doesn’t need to be washed after every use. In fact, washing bras too frequently can cause the fabric and elastic to wear out faster. Aim to wash your bras after 3-4 wears, unless you’ve been sweating a lot or it’s a sports bra.
Why Wash After a Few Wears?
Bras can lose their shape and elasticity if washed too often, reducing their lifespan.
Rotating between a few bras can help extend the life of each one, giving the fabric time to rest between washes.
Pro Tip: Hand-wash bras in cool water or use the delicate cycle in one of our washers at Made New Laundry. Always air-dry bras to preserve their shape and elasticity, as heat from the dryer can damage them.
6. Pajamas: After 3-4 Wears
Pajamas should be washed after 3-4 wears, especially if you tend to sweat while you sleep. However, if you shower before bed and your PJs stay clean, you may be able to stretch the number of wears before washing.
Why Wash After a Few Nights?
Even though you’re just lounging in them, pajamas absorb body oils, sweat, and dead skin cells, which can build up over time.
Washing them regularly helps keep them smelling fresh and free of bacteria.
Pro Tip: Use cold water to keep fabrics soft and comfortable, and avoid over-drying to prevent shrinkage. Our dryers offer a low heat setting to protect your cozy sleepwear.
7. Jackets and Coats: A Few Times Per Season
Outerwear like jackets and coats can usually be washed a few times per season unless they get visibly dirty. Since they don’t have as much direct contact with your skin, they don’t need as frequent cleaning as other clothes.
Why Wash Seasonally?
Coats and jackets are made of durable fabrics designed to withstand outdoor elements, so they don’t trap odors or dirt as easily.
Too much washing can damage water-repellent coatings or cause wear and tear.
Pro Tip: For down-filled jackets, wash in a large-capacity washer to avoid clumping, and use low heat in the dryer with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help maintain their fluffiness. Always check care labels for specific cleaning instructions!
Conclusion
Knowing how often to wash your clothes and household items can help you save time and keep everything in great condition. At Made New Laundry, our high-efficiency machines are designed to handle all your laundry needs, from delicate fabrics to bulky items. With customizable settings, spacious machines, and a comfortable environment, doing laundry has never been easier or more efficient.
Stop by Made New Laundry today, and keep your wardrobe fresh and clean all year round!
