Do you toss everything you deem dirty or worn in the washer on laundry day? Maybe you shouldn’t. Good hygiene is important, but over-washing can do more harm than good. Some items lose their efficacy, durability, or texture when washed too often. And it’s not just laundry.
Some things, like your kids’ toys, might not require washing as frequently as you think. Doing so can waste water and energy and contribute to unnecessary wear and tear.
How do you know if you’re over-washing? Here’s a list of common household items that you may be washing too much. Of course, these are just recommendations, so feel free to follow what works for you. These are the best tips we rounded up from some of our other favorite home sites.
1. Carpets
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It may feel right to vacuum several times and deep clean your rugs often. Cleaning your carpets too much can cause the fibers to weaken and break down over time. Frequent washing can lead to color fading and mold growth if the carpet isn’t dried properly.
Spot-cleaning spills immediately can help reduce the need for frequent deep cleans. Vacuum your carpet regularly to remove surface dirt and debris. Deep clean or shampoo your carpets only once or twice a year.
2. Bath Towels
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Are your towels losing their absorbency and wearing out quickly as their fibers degrade? You’re likely washing them too often. Tossing bath towels into the laundry after just one or two uses isn’t always necessary.
Towels can be used multiple times before requiring a wash as long as they are allowed to dry completely between uses. Wash bath towels after three to four uses. Allow them to dry thoroughly, preferably on a towel bar, to prevent mildew.
3. Your Pantry
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You might be tempted to clean out your pantry regularly to keep it organized and dust-free. Your pantry may not need that much cleaning unless there’s a spill or visible dirt.
A deep pantry clean once every few months is sufficient. Ensure you wipe surfaces, check expiration dates, and reorganize items. Keep an eye out for pests, but a gentle wipe-down will generally suffice between major cleans.
4. Denim
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Denim is a hardy fabric designed to withstand tough conditions, yet many people wash their jeans after just one or two wears. Over-laundering denim can cause it to lose its shape, fade, and wear out quickly.
Experts suggest washing jeans after about 10 wears or when they start to smell. Spot clean small stains when necessary, and turn them inside out before laundering to preserve the color and fabric integrity.
5. Blankets
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While it’s comforting to use fresh blankets, too many washes can cause them to lose their softness and durability. Depending on the material, frequent washing can cause pilling and thinning.
Wash blankets every couple of months unless they’re heavily used or visibly dirty. Between washes, shaking them out and airing them can help keep them fresh.
6. Wood Furniture
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If you’re dusting and cleaning your furniture regularly, you’re stripping away the natural oils and protective finishes. This can leave your furniture looking dull and dry and more susceptible to scratches and damage.
Instead, dust your wood furniture weekly with a soft cloth. Use a wood-specific cleaner or a damp cloth for deep cleaning only once a month. Dry the surface immediately to prevent water spots and damage.
7. Pillows
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Pillows are either pampered like royalty or forgotten like yesterday’s leftovers. Wash them too much, and they’re as lumpy and not, well, pillowy.
Pillows should be washed two to three times a year, depending on the material. Use pillow protectors to extend the time between washes and dry them thoroughly to prevent mildew. Fluffing and airing them out regularly can help maintain their freshness.
8. Elastic Items
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Are you wondering why your elastic items are suddenly stretching to eternity? It’s all the washing. Elastic items like fitness bands, swimsuits, hair ties, and clothing elastics can lose their stretch and strength if washed too repeatedly.
The heat and agitation from the washing machine can quickly break down elastic fibers. Wash elastic and spandex items only when necessary, such as when they are visibly dirty or have absorbed sweat.
9. Bras
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You can now feel justified to wear that black bra a couple of times. Experts say over-washing bras can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its supportive properties.
Wash bras after three to four wears unless they’ve been exposed to excessive sweat. Hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is best to maintain their shape and elasticity.
10. Pajamas
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Pajamas are typically worn for just a few hours each night, yet some people wash them after every wear. This can cause the fabric to wear out faster, especially if they are made from delicate materials.
Washing pajamas after three to four wears is usually sufficient unless you sweat heavily at night. Rotate between multiple pairs to reduce the frequency of washing and extend their lifespan.
11. Your Mirrors
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Polishing mirrors daily might seem like a surefire way to keep them gleaming, but it could actually lead to more streaks.
A light dusting or wiping with a dry microfiber cloth is often enough to maintain mirrors. Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar only when there are noticeable smudges or marks.
12. Wool Garments
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Wool garments are fantastic natural fiber products and don’t need to be washed too often. Too frequent cleaning can cause them to shrink, lose shape, or become matted, so it’s best to wash them only when needed, usually after five to six wears.
Spot clean and air them out between uses to keep them fresh. When it’s time for a wash, use a wool-friendly detergent and avoid hot water and high agitation to keep them looking their best.