How Often Should I Wash This?

Jeans: Every 5–10 wears

Unless you spilled something, jeans don't need washing after every wear. Denim experts at Levi's and the American Cleaning Institute agree: the less you wash jeans, the better they hold their shape and color.

Between washes:
Spot-clean stains immediately. Hang them up to air out. Turn inside out when you do wash to protect the color.

T-Shirts & Tops: After 1–2 wears

If it touches your skin, it's collecting oils, sweat, and deodorant. Wash after one or two wears depending on activity level.

Between washes:
Hang shirts to air-dry instead of using the dryer. It prevents stretching, shrinking, and fading.

Sweaters: Every 3–4 wears

Over-washing causes pilling and shrinkage, especially in wool and cashmere. The Woolmark Company recommends rotating sweaters and airing them out between wears.

Between washes:
Steam them or hang them in a steamy bathroom to release wrinkles and odors without a full wash.

Workout Clothes: After every workout

Synthetic fabrics trap bacteria and odor like nothing else. Wash immediately after working out, or at minimum rinse and hang them until laundry day.

Between washes:
If you can't wash immediately, rinse in cold water and hang to dry. Don't leave them balled up in your gym bag.

Sheets: Once a week

According to the Mayo Clinic, washing sheets every seven days reduces buildup of oils, sweat, dead skin, and allergens — especially important if you share a bed with kids or pets.

Between washes:
Wash pillowcases more frequently if you're prone to breakouts. Air out your duvet or comforter weekly instead of washing.

Blankets, Duvets & Pillow Inserts: Every 3–6 months

Most people wash their sheets weekly but forget about what's on top of them. Blankets, duvets, and pillow inserts don't need frequent washing — but they do need it eventually.

How often:

• Lightweight blankets: Every 2–3 months
• Duvets and comforters: Every 3–6 months
• Pillow inserts: Every 4–6 months

Between washes:
Air them out weekly by pulling back your bed and opening a window. Spot-clean spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Washing tip: Use a large-capacity washer for duvets and comforters. Add dryer balls to prevent clumping. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back on the bed — damp filling = mildew.

Towels: Every 3–4 uses

The key is hanging towels to dry completely between uses. If your bathroom stays humid, wash more often to prevent mildew.

Between washes:
If your towel smells musty even after washing, it has mildew buildup. Try washing with vinegar or replacing it.

Outerwear (Coats, Jackets): Once or twice per season

Unless visibly dirty, outerwear doesn't need frequent washing. Spot-clean collars and cuffs as needed.

Between washes:
Hang coats to air out after wearing. Brush off dirt and lint. Over-washing can weaken waterproof coatings and insulation.

Soft Toys & Stuffed Animals: Every 1–3 months

Kids' stuffed animals collect dust, drool, and germs — but they don't need constant washing unless visibly dirty or after illness.

Between washes:
Vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust. Spot-clean stains immediately. For a quick refresh, sprinkle with baking soda, let sit 15 minutes, then brush or vacuum off.

Washing tip: Place machine-washable toys in a mesh laundry bag, wash on gentle cycle with cold water, and air-dry completely to prevent damage.

Underwear & Socks: Every wear

This one's obvious, but worth saying.

Between washes:
There is no between. Wash them.