Expert settles debate on how often you should really wash your clothes

We all dread the moment when laundry day comes around. Specific occasions might require more washing loads to be complete, while certain clothes need to be dumped into the basket after one wear.

Now if you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing things right when it comes to this unpopular housework, the experts at Which? revealed all you need to know.

It so happens that specific clothing items require a certain amount of wears before needing a wash – and these results might just surprise you.

Sharing the information with their nearly 140,000 followers on TikTok, the caption read: “This is one we think might cause a bit of a debate… But take a look at this before you tackle your next load of dirty laundry.”

Which? also shared a diagram showing how many wears certain clothing items need before a wash, from underwear to gym clothes.

How often should you wash your clothes?

According to Which? items like underwear and clothes for the gym must be washed after just one wear. While clothes like jeans can take up to 6-10 wears. The image shows:

• Underwear – 1
• Workout gear – 1
• Swimwear – 1
• T-shirt – 1-2
• Dresses – 1-3
• Bras – 2-3
• Pyjamas – 3-4
• Sweatshirt – 5-6
• Skirts – 5-7
• Jeans – 6-10

*Number shows amount of wears

It’s also worth noting clothes should be washed based on usage, fabric and proximity to skin. It’s not always down to a set number of days.

Generally, underwear, socks and workout gear should be washed after one use, but items like jeans and sweaters can handle a little more.

When to wash your clothes more:

Activity levels: If you’re in workout gear or sweat profusely, you’ll need to wash clothes immediately and more frequently.

Environment: Warmer climates or humid weather will also require more washing due to sweat.

Skin or odour: If clothes have visible stains or smell, they must be washed.

Fabric: Delicates might require more care, while heavier fabrics like denim can withstand fewer washes to keep shape.

To keep the quality of your clothes, make sure to use cold water, wash garments out and skip the drier for air drying to prevent shrinking and fading.

Make sure to sort your laundry based on colour and fabric weight. Also it’s best to use gentle detergents and avoid overloading the washing machine to prevent damage and ensure thorough cleaning.