Many people view washing clothes as a routine chore, but both over-washing and under-washing can have negative impacts on your clothing, health and the environment. Striking the right balance is essential. Understanding the consequences of each habit can empower you to make informed choices about how often to wash your clothes. Here’s a closer look at the effects of both practices.
Consequences of Over-Washing Clothes
Overwashing can significantly diminish the appearance and lifespan of your clothes. The friction generated by washing machines, combined with the harsh chemicals found in many detergents, can weaken fabric fibres. As a result, clothes may look worn out, lose their elasticity, and appear dull over time. This issue is particularly pronounced in delicate fabrics like silk and wool, which are especially susceptible to damage from frequent washing.
Each wash cycle uses a lot of water and energy. If you do three loads of washing per week, that’s around 400 litres of wasted water a year. Plus, each time we wash synthetic fabrics, microplastics are released into waterways, where they can harm marine life. And the carbon footprint caused by increased water and energy use is additionally trashing the planet.
Frequent washing can leave products from detergent and fabric softeners in the fibres of clothes. On sensitive skin, some low-grade products can cause irritation or even allergic reactions and if severe enough, people tend to dislike certain items of clothing.
Consequences of Under-Washing Clothes
On the flip side, if you don’t wash your clothing often enough, a build-up of sweat, oils and dirt can occur. This in turn can create an environment for bacteria to breed especially if it’s an item of clothing that sits close to the skin such as underwear or activewear.
Putting off the laundry means stains will be even harder to remove later. Food spills or sweat stains can become permanent if you don’t take care of them right away.
Repeating the use of unwashed clothes enhances hygiene problems because they absorb sweat and pollutants from the atmosphere.
Finding the Right Balance
- Some clothes may only need washing after several wears, while activewear should be laundered after each use.
- A good rule of thumb is to wash clothes whenever they start to smell or appear dirty. If you detect an odour or see stains, get them in the machine.
- Develop a laundry schedule that suits your lifestyle. Obviously, items worn closest to your skin (undergarments) will require more frequent washings compared to outerwear which can be worn several times before being washed.
- Understanding care labels on clothing can help keep you from washing clothes that don’t need it, protecting the fabric in the process and ensuring that they are clean.
