Many people use energy inefficiently because 90 per cent of the clothes we wash are not dirty according to statistics. While we wash one item of clothing at the same time, we forget about others that should be tossed directly into the washing machine.
1. Leggings vs jeans
The constant washing of jeans washes the paint out and causes the fabric of jeans to lose form. In addition, high temperatures promote shrinkage that will make your favourite jeans look different on you than on the day you purchased them. “They want to save their jeans? Never put them in the washing machine. “That’s what Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh is advising. The company’s manager admitted he hadn’t had his jeans cleaned for more than 10 years.
“It is best that jeans are washed as rarely as possible. Not only to maintain colour and form but also to conserve energy, as it decreases the detrimental effect on the environment.
You should not, of course, be going to extremes. But bear in mind that jeans were created for cowboys and workers and cleanliness didn’t bother those guys much. Take these guys as an example — relax and clean your jeans as they become soiled heavily in cold water, remembering to turn them inside out.
Problems with leggings are absolutely different. The problem with all tight-fitting clothing is that it absorbs sweat well and creates a favourable environment for bacteria growth which results in unpleasant smells appearing. When you wear leggings in everyday life, you should wash them after 2-3 years, but wash them after each training session, if you use them for physical sports.
2. Sports bras vs everyday bras
About 200 women have been surveyed and asked how often they wash their bras. About one-third of women said they do it every 2 weeks while the rest do it even more rarely, given that they don’t wear the same bra every day.
Having several sets of lingerie, you can change them every day and wash them more rarely. It helps them to keep a good look, as well as preserve their shape and not stretch. Sports bras, however, don’t have such options — you should wash them after every wear.
3. Bath mat vs towel
Between 3-4 uses towels have to be changed. You can use 2 towels to reduce the number of washes to 1 time per 2 weeks so that each of them can get a chance to dry well between uses. When you ignore this law, your towels can smell soggy and the white fabric may turn grey.
Mats in the bath are filthy more often than many of us believe. Wet fabric found in a dark and warm space is an ideal environment for bacteria and mould growth. Since signs of human activity can get on it, the toilet mat should be washed once a week as well.
4. Cap vs winter hat
If the whole autumn-winter season you are not wearing the same hat, it is enough to wash it once every 2 months on average or 3 times per season. Most of them can be easily cleaned in the washing machine without spoiling the quality but always bear in mind reading the label of care.
Caps are advised to be hand-washed in cool water 2 times per summer to avoid spoiling the visor.
5. Pillowcase vs bedsheet
Dust collected on the bedding contains viruses, bacteria, spores, and other harmful microorganisms. There’s a risk of developing allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, and mucosal irritation when constantly inhaling them. Dead cells of human skin are food for mites in bed. It is better to wash the bedding once every 10 days to avoid such problems.
Remember to pay particular attention to pillowcases— they should be changed more often than bed sheets and duvet coverings. Makeup, sebum, and bacteria leftovers collect on them which can cause acne and other skin rashes to appear.
6. Blanket vs coverlet
If you put a coverlet together with bedding into the washing machine, stop doing so. This item should be cleaned once every 2 months since it does not so often touch your skin.
When it comes to blankets that you cover yourself in, look out for your emotions and how often you use them. They are usually washed in the way they get dry but not less than once a month.
7. Jacket vs coat
The jackets should be washed in cold water no more than once every 3 months. Outerwear does not come into contact with bare skin so regular cleaning is not necessary. Here’s a smart lifehack: throw multiple tennis balls into the washing machine to keep the feathers from clumping and falling.
There should be a very thorough approach to removing stains on coats: read the label and understand what the item is made of. Most coats can’t be washed and it’s best to use laundry services right away in order not to ruin the pieces.
8. Pillow vs duvet
Dirt and grease from the skin and hair penetrate into pillows and may cause fungal breeding. A filler which hasn’t been washed in a washing machine for years attracts dust mites which cause human allergies. If you are using bedticks then it will be enough to clean pillows once every 3 months. At the same time, there should be cleaning of bedticks themselves once a month.
Cleaning the duvets only once every 6 months. We are not becoming as disgusting as pillows.
9. Tulle vs curtains
Thick curtains hanging at the sides of a window should be washed once a year if you frequently vacuum them. Such behaviour avoids the accumulation of different micro-organisms such as dust mites on them.
Tulle hangs in the middle and traps dirt and dust from open windows that fly into the house. That is why every half a year, it should be washed no less than once. There should be cleaning of the kitchen curtains even more often.
Bonus: Bath curtains can be cleaned too.
Bath curtains absorb the soapy water leftovers and, over time, it creates different stains. If the curtain is made of polyester or silk then the washing machine will clean it.
If mould or fungus has already formed on it then you must first soak it in a vinegar solution for several hours and clean the stains with a cleaner. Wash in the machine at 140 ° F then add half a cup of baking soda.
Would you think this timeframe for cleaning acceptable? Or is there something you want to fix in it? We’d be happy to hear from you in the comments!
