9 Items You Overwash and 9 You Rarely Clean but Should

Studies reveal that nearly 90% of garments sent through the washer are not truly soiled, creating countless needless cycles. Many people launder pieces that are only slightly musty or wrinkled, squandering water, energy, and detergent. This practice swells utility bills and places extra pressure on the environment.

At the same time, items that do require attention often go unwashed, allowing grime and odor to accumulate until a deep clean becomes unavoidable. The key to a leaner routine is to assess what genuinely needs laundering and sort those pieces for the most effective wash.

With that aim, we examined how frequently the washing machine should operate. By following a schedule based on real wear, we can limit loads to essentials, conserve resources, and shrink our environmental footprint.

1. Jeans versus leggings

Advertisement

Washing jeans too often shortens their life and dulls their color. Every cycle can distort denim, and warm water may shrink fibers, changing the fit. To keep denim looking sharp, wash sparingly. Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh has avoided machine-washing his jeans for over a decade, spotting stains instead. If a machine wash is necessary, turn jeans inside out and use cold water.

Leggings need different care. Designed to wick moisture, they quickly harbor bacteria and odor. For daily wear, laundering after two or three uses is fine, but after workouts, wash them every time to stay fresh and hygienic.