How often to wash what?

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Towels, for example, are used almost daily – and should therefore be washed regularly.

Washing machines consume a lot of energy and water, but the appliance is essential for hygiene reasons. But do towels, bed linen, jeans, and the like have to be washed as often as you think?

A washing machine consumes around 60 to 100 liters per wash cycle. Particularly in times of energy crisis, one should think twice about whether a piece of clothing can be worn a second time before it ends up in the dirty laundry. On the other hand, other textiles should probably end up in the washing machine more often for hygiene reasons. Bed linen, underwear, bras, and more: How often must these items be washed?

Towels and bed linen

Towels are used almost daily and should therefore be washed regularly. This is especially true for the towels you use to dry your hands. Since they rarely dry completely between two hand washes, they become a paradise for bacteria and germs. It is best to wash towels every week.

Bed linen, on the other hand, can be used a little longer. They should be changed and washed about every two to four weeks more frequently in summer than in winter. However, if you sleep naked or sweat a lot at night, you should change them weekly.

Pajamas and underwear

The washing cycle for pajamas is surprisingly short: pajamas should be changed after three to four nights.

The situation is similar with bras, which are often neglected: they should not be worn for more than three days without washing. Underpants – quite clearly – belong in the laundry after each wearing.

Sweaters

Sweaters can be worn about two to three times before they should be put in the laundry since they are usually worn only over other garments. However, the material makes a big difference: synthetic fabrics must be washed more often. In contrast, natural materials like cotton must go in the wash much less frequently.

Jeans

Even if they don’t look like it – denim fibers are sensitive. If you wash jeans too often, they lose color and fit. Jeans can be worn for about four weeks without washing if not soiled. In between, they can be aired in the fresh air, thus saving a wash cycle.

Leggings, T-shirts and sports bras should be cleaned after every workout. However, gentle, low temperatures are often sufficient to remove dirt and sweat odors from functional clothing. If you want to save energy, you can also wash sportswear by hand with shower gel or shampoo and plenty of water after each workout. After three to four training sessions, however, they should be rinsed through for good in the washing machine.