How often you really need to wash different kinds of clothing

Short answer: Underwear and socks after every wear. T-shirts after one day if you have sweated. Jumpers and trousers after three to five wears. Outerwear only when it is dirty. Fewer washes mean a longer life for your clothes.

Three layers, three rules

The simplest way to think about it is in layers. What sits against your skin needs washing most often. The next layer can be worn a little longer, and the outer layer rarely needs the machine. The further a garment is from your skin, the less sweat and skin it collects.

Against the skin

Underwear and socks should be washed after every wear. They collect sweat, skin cells and bacteria and cannot be aired clean, however fresh they seem. The same goes for an undershirt under a shirt. Keep enough pairs for a full week so you are not tempted to wear them twice. See bamboo underwear for men.

One layer away from the skin

T-shirts, tops and shirts are washed after one day if you have sweated, otherwise after two. A T-shirt worn for a few hours on a cool day can easily be worn again. Hang it up as soon as you take it off so it gets some air. See bamboo underwear for women.

Outer layer

Jumpers, sweatshirts and trousers can be worn three to five times before they need washing. In most places they do not sit directly against the skin, so they collect far less. An hour of airing between wears stretches this further. If there is a stain, treat the stain alone rather than washing the whole garment.

Jackets and coats

Jackets and coats only need washing when they are visibly dirty or smell. They almost always have a layer underneath, and many need special care. A clothes brush and some fresh air take care of most things. Always follow the care label when they do need washing.

Why it matters

Every wash wears on fibres and elastic. Fewer washes mean a longer life, and that is often a bigger factor than differences in quality. A garment washed half as often lasts noticeably longer. It also saves water, energy and time. See washing and care.

Bedding and towels

Change bedding every two weeks, more often if you sweat a lot at night. Towels can be used three to four times if they hang unfolded and dry fully in between. A towel left folded and damp soon starts to smell and should be washed straight away. See bamboo towels.

Airing works

Airing is no substitute for washing underwear, but it works on outer layers. Hang the garment on a hanger by an open window or outdoors in the shade for an hour. Most of the odour disappears and the fibres get a rest. It is especially useful for jumpers, which are often washed more than needed.

In short

Wash what sits against your skin every time. Wash the next layer after one or two days, and outer layers after three to five wears. Air rather than wash where you can, and treat single stains instead of the whole garment. Your clothes last longer and you spend less time on laundry.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a T-shirt be washed?

After one day if you have sweated, otherwise after two. Hang it up as soon as you take it off, so it gets air and can be worn again the next day.

Can you air clothes instead of washing them?

Outer layers, yes. An hour in fresh air removes most of the odour without wearing the fibres. Underwear and socks, on the other hand, should always be washed after every wear.