9 Surprising Items You Overwash and 9 You Rarely Clean but Should

Approximately 90% of the clothes we put in the laundry are not actually dirty, leading to a massive amount of unnecessary washing. Many people toss garments into the machine just because they have a faint odor or are a little wrinkled, not realizing this habit wastes water, energy, and detergent with every load. Over time, this excessive washing drives up household costs and puts extra strain on the environment, contributing to water shortages and increased pollution.

While we may obsess over keeping some items spotless, we often neglect others that truly require attention. When these overlooked items are left unwashed, dirt and odors can accumulate, making them much harder to clean later. This neglect can even lead to health issues or require more aggressive washing methods down the line. To make laundry routines more effective and eco-friendly, it is crucial to evaluate which items genuinely need washing and create a thoughtful system for cleaning them.

To address these laundry challenges, we decided to research optimal washing frequencies. By developing a schedule based on actual usage and cleanliness, you can ensure that only necessary loads are run. This approach helps conserve resources, saves money, and lessens your environmental impact—all while keeping your home fresh and your wardrobe in top shape.

1. Jeans versus leggings

Advertisement

Jeans vs. Leggings: Smart Washing and Care Washing jeans too frequently can wear out the fabric, fade the color, and distort their shape. Each trip through the machine can shrink denim, making your favorite pair fit differently and lose their original look. In warmer weather, shrinkage becomes even more likely.

To keep your jeans looking new, limit washes as much as possible. Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi’s, famously hasn’t machine-washed his jeans for over a decade, believing that infrequent washing preserves both the color and structure of denim. Spot cleaning is often enough, just as the first denim wearers did to maximize durability. If a machine wash is unavoidable, turn jeans inside out and use cold water, only washing when there are visible stains or strong odors.

Leggings, however, are a different story. Designed to absorb sweat, leggings can quickly harbor bacteria and odors. For light daily wear, washing after two or three uses is usually fine. But after workouts or intense activity, you should always wash them immediately to maintain hygiene and prevent unpleasant smells.