Some people like to limit washing their clothes.
It's often said that washing certain items can damage the material and ruin its quality, and some people try and limit washes to save money too.
To throw another spanner in the works, there's also been a huge "no wash" movement on social media recently, which has got people wondering how often we should be cleaning our garments.
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In a bid to clear a few things up laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov, CEO ofLaundryheap, revealed how often we should really be rinsing out clothes.
Even though people are trying to be more economical, environmentally conscious, and are hoping to cut back on energy bills, it's important to strike a balance between reducing laundry frequency and keeping laundry fresh.
Deyan said there are ways to wash your favourite outfits while saving money, energy and extending the lifespan of your clothes.
Originally popularised among denim wearers, the "no-wash movement" emerged from the belief that fewer washes would preserve the colour and shape of denim clothing.
Over time, this approach expanded beyond jeans, as people became more concerned about the environmental impact of frequent washing.
This included the excessive use of water, energy and carbon-intensive detergents.
Additionally, the desire to save time and money on laundry played a role in driving this movement.
How often should you actually be washing your clothes?
While reducing the frequency of doing laundry can be beneficial for garment durability and the environment, maintaining hygiene remains crucial.
The expert recommends a balanced approach.
Intimate items – such as underwear and swimwear – should be washed after each use.
Gym kit should also be washed more frequently – however if you do not want to wash it after every session – hanging it up to air outside can be a good way to get extra wear out of your kit between washes.
Items that don’t get as dirty – such as tops, jumpers, dresses and trousers – can be worn more frequently between each wash.
There is no hard and fast rule generally speaking, as if something is stained or starts to smell then it should go in the wash.
If it still looks and smells fresh – you may decide not to wash it yet.
For most items, people should wash after five or six wears at least, but you may need to wash things more regularly during the summer months.
Seasonal items such as jackets or coats may require washing only once or twice per season, if at all.
Often coats require dry cleaning rather than a normal laundry cycle.
How do I make the most of every laundry load?
Sort your laundry – separate clothes by colour, fabric type and dirtiness level to prevent colour bleeding, damage and achieve optimal cleaning results
Treat stains promptly – pre-treat visible stains using stain removal products or DIY solutions like vinegar, baking soda or dish soap
Use antibacterial for dirtier items – when dealing with sickness, allergies or heavily soiled items like work uniforms or gym clothes, use antibacterial laundry additives or detergents to eliminate germs and odours
Empty the lint trap – regularly clean out the dryer's lint trap for improved efficiency, reduced fire hazards, faster drying and energy conservation
How do I save time and money when washing my clothes?
Time your laundry – avoid running your washing machine or dryer between 4pm and 7pm when energy consumption tends to peak, potentially leading to higher bills
Embrace cooler cycles – opt for washing clothes at lower temperatures, such as 30 degrees Celsius, and reduce the duration of wash cycles. This approach can significantly improve energy efficiency, reducing consumption by half compared to higher temperature settings
Invest in dryer balls – add wool or rubber dryer balls to your drying cycles. These balls separate clothes, increase airflow and decrease drying time. Wool balls have the added benefit of absorbing moisture, further reducing drying time and energy usage
Tackle odours with vodka spray – for freshening up t-shirts and combating armpit odours, consider spraying a diluted solution of vodka on the affected areas before wearing them again
Air clothes outside between washes – if you’re embracing "no wash", but would like to freshen up your laundry between washes then hanging your clothes outside can help give them that fresh outdoor scent and keep them feeling fresher for longer
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