9 Items You're Overwashing and 9 You're Completely Ignoring
Roughly 90% of the clothing we launder isn't actually soiled, creating enormous amounts of needless washing. Many individuals clean garments that merely have minor scents or are simply creased, wasting water, electricity, and soap. This overuse of resources not only raises household costs but also harms the environment.
Meanwhile, while we concentrate on laundering specific items, we frequently ignore others that truly require cleaning. This oversight allows grime and smells to accumulate, ultimately demanding even more thorough washing. To make laundry habits more effective, it's crucial to assess which items genuinely need cleaning and organize them for best results.
To address these problems, we chose to examine how frequently the washing machine should operate. By establishing a routine based on actual clothing requirements, we can guarantee that only essential items get washed, helping conserve resources and minimize our environmental footprint.
1. Jeans versus leggings
Washing jeans excessively can reduce their durability and diminish their color. Every wash cycle can make denim lose its form, and hot temperatures may cause shrinking, altering how jeans fit compared to their original purchase.
To maintain your jeans' quality, skip frequent laundering. Chip Bergh, Levi's CEO, hasn't machine-washed his jeans in more than a decade. He maintains that washing less protects both the shade and construction of denim, while conserving water and lessening environmental harm. He suggests spot-treating jeans when required, mimicking the practices of original denim users who prized longevity. When machine washing becomes necessary, reverse jeans inside-out and apply cold water only when genuinely soiled.
Leggings, conversely, require a distinct strategy. Since they're created to soak up moisture, leggings can harbor bacteria and develop unpleasant smells. For regular wear, laundering after two or three wears typically suffices. However, following exercise sessions, washing them each time maintains freshness and cleanliness.
