Washing clothes too many times and too little: Both can be really harmful

Doing

laundry

is an essential part of life, but at times it feels like a never-ending cycle. It may be possible that some of you are actually overdoing it and may not realise that doing so can be actually harmful for you. On the other hand, some people may dread the laundry day, and may keep delaying it, which could again be troublesome. Both

over-washing

clothes and

under-washing

clothes can have detrimental effects.

Let’s untangle this fabric of laundry wisdom and get to the right balance!
Why too much washing isn’t helping you and your clothes

Wear and tear of fabrics

Over-washing will tear your clothes long before their time. The friction from washing machines, in addition to harsh detergents, weakens the fibres, meaning even the most favourite shirts will fade and lose shape. Delicate material such as silk or wool is especially vulnerable to harsh detergents available in markets these days. Frequent washing will turn your once vibrant wardrobe into a faded memory.

Environmental impact

Talking about Mother Earth here, how much water and energy does washing our clothes consume? It takes a toll on your utility bill as well as the natural resources of the planet with each cycle. Surprisingly, the ‘green footprint’ of continuous washing of clothes also includes carbon emissions apart from using a lot of water.

Skin irritation

Harsh detergents and fabric softeners can stay in the fibres even after you have rinsed them. This can irritate or cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Over-washing makes this problem worse, you may end up hating your clothes because they are too tight on your skin.

Conversely, clothes become too grimy if not cleaned frequently enough. Sweat, grime, and oils begin to collect from the skin, which makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. This is mostly for items worn close to the skin, such as undergarments and activewear. No one wants to be ‘that person’ with the pungent smell!

Stains become permanent

This way, stains are set in the clothes. Wine or a smudge of some sauce may be difficult to remove if it is too long to wash. What was once an easy stain to get rid of could become a permanent fixture on your wardrobe.

Hygiene concerns

This can also cause

hygiene issues

as clothes absorb sweat and environmental pollutants that can be bad, especially for repeated wear. For bedding and towels, it is to ensure cleanliness and prevent skin issues.

Finding the sweet spot

Know your fabrics

Every fabric requires unique conditions. Denim, for instance, does not need to be washed daily while activewear needs to be laundered immediately after use. Read the care labels to know how often you should wash them.

Follow your nose

A good rule of thumb is to wash clothes when they start to smell or appear dirty. If you start to notice a smell, it’s probably time for a wash.

Build a schedule

Consider setting a laundry schedule based on your lifestyle. For example, many things are worn daily that may require more frequent washings like underwear and workout gear. Outerwear might be fine to wait a bit longer between washes.

Better laundry balance is key

Over- and under-washing can provide you with problems ranging from wrecked clothing to real health issues. Understanding your fabrics, trusting your senses, and creating a thoughtful

washing schedule

makes all the difference in keeping your wardrobe fresh, clean, and sustainable. Happy washing!
(Picture courtesy: iStock)