When you care for clothes too much
Short answer: Washing too often, using too much detergent and too many products wears clothes more than it helps them. Every wash is wear, even a gentle one. Good care is not more care but the right amount, so the clothes last longer.
More care is not better care
Many people believe more care means a longer life. That is only true up to a point. Every wash is mechanical wear on the fabric, even on a gentle programme. Three things often go too far: washing too often, using too much detergent and filling the cupboard with too many products.
Washing too often
An outer layer washed after every wear wears out faster than one that is aired in between. The fibres are bent, rubbed and twisted in the drum each time. Wash only what has been against your skin and air the rest. A sweatshirt or trousers can often be worn several times before they need water.
Air instead of washing
Airing is the gentlest form of care. Hang the garment on a hanger somewhere with good air circulation, ideally outside the wardrobe, and let it rest until next time. It clears the moisture the fabric picked up during the day, and it saves water, electricity and fibres.
Too much detergent
Detergent residue binds dirt and makes the garment smell sooner after washing. Pouring in too much is a common mistake, because people think more gives cleaner clothes. In reality the fabric becomes stiffer and less pleasant. Dose by water hardness rather than by eye, and always use the measuring cup.
How to dose
Water hardness decides how much detergent goes in, and the packaging has a guide. Use the measuring cup every time instead of pouring by eye. Do not fill the drum completely, so the water can rinse residue out. If in doubt, use a little too little rather than too much and check how the laundry smells and feels.
Too many products
Fabric softener, care products and bleach rarely do bamboo viscose any good. One liquid detergent covers almost everything, and the rest are items you can save. That goes for your basics too: bamboo t-shirts and underwear manage well without additives. See bamboo t-shirts for men and bamboo underwear for men.
Softener is the most unnecessary
If you cut only one product, make it the fabric softener. It does more harm than good on most fabrics, because it leaves a film on the fibres and makes them less absorbent. Without it, clothes take up moisture better and smell less. You also save money on every wash.
A simple routine
A good routine is short. Wash what has been against your skin, use one liquid detergent in the right amount and hang the clothes to dry. Air outer layers in between and wash them when they smell or have stains. You use less time, water and detergent, and clothes last longer. For women there is bamboo clothing for women.
When it is enough
The clothes tell you themselves. If they smell or have stains, they need washing. Otherwise they can be aired and worn again. Follow that rule and you avoid both too much care and the opposite. The good thing is that it needs no special products, only a nose and a moment with the garment in your hand.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash too often
Yes. Every wash is mechanical wear on the fabric, even on a gentle programme. A garment with no sweat or stains can often be aired and worn again. Wash what has been against your skin.
What is the most unnecessary product
Fabric softener. It does more harm than good on most fabrics because it leaves a film around the fibres. One liquid detergent handles the rest, and your laundry day gets simpler and cheaper.
How often should an outer layer be washed
When it smells or has stains, not after every wear. Air it on a hanger in between so the moisture clears, and wash it only when it really needs it. That way it lasts longer.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
