Common Laundry Habits and How to Improve Them
Washing clothes is a routine task for most people, but it turns out many of us are doing it incorrectly. Experts from AO.com have shared insights into the proper care of common clothing items, revealing that some garments don’t need to be washed as frequently as we think.
According to the experts, jeans only require a wash after 10 wears, while hoodies can be worn six or seven times before needing a clean, unless they are visibly dirty. In contrast, socks and underwear should be washed after every use. These guidelines challenge common habits and highlight the importance of understanding how different fabrics are designed to be cared for.
Gwil Snook, Washing Machine Expert at AO.com, explained: “People tend to stick to the routines they’re used to. But a lot of the time those habits don’t match how clothes are designed to be cared for, or how washing machines are designed to help you get the most out of your clothes.”
He added: “Jeans are one of the most commonly overwashed items, as people think that washing them regularly will help the denim to stay structured. In reality, they don’t need frequent washing, and wearing them multiple times actually helps preserve their shape and colour.”
To better understand our laundry habits, the team surveyed 3,000 Brits about how often they wash common items. The results showed that jeans were the most overwashed item. While the guidance suggests jeans can be worn 10 times before needing a wash, the survey found that 79 per cent of Brits wash theirs too often.
The debate around how often to wash jeans has been reignited on social media, with users sharing their personal preferences. Some said, “Unless something has spilt down it, once a week,” while others added, “I am a wear once & wash kind of gal. If the clothes have been in public places they are dirty & have stranger germs.” One user joked, “If I spill water, juice, or booze on it it’s good, but if I spill KFC gravy on it, oil, or anything like that it’s getting washed immediately.”
AO.com’s survey also revealed that hoodies were next on the list, with 65 per cent of people washing them too often, followed by jumpers, with 51 per cent overwashing.
How Often You Need to Wash Common Items
- Jeans: Every 10 wears
- Hoodies: Every 6–7 wears, unless visibly dirty
- Jumpers: Every 5 wears
- Socks: Every wear
- Underwear: Every wear
Mr Snook explained: “Jumpers are really easy to overwash, as people often think they’re the same as t-shirts and should be washed after 1–2 wears. But actually, if you’ve got a layer on underneath, then they can be worn for up to 5 wears. That makes a big difference in keeping them in good condition.”
He added: “The same goes for hoodies: unless a hoodie is stained or starting to smell, it doesn’t need to go straight in the wash. Washing it too often just puts unnecessary stress on the fabric.”
While jeans, hoodies, and jumpers tend to be overwashed, the survey also found that many Brits are washing other items too infrequently. More than a third (35 per cent) admitted to wearing socks more than once, even though guidance suggests they should be washed after every use. What’s more, almost a quarter (24 per cent) said they’ve worn their briefs or knickers on multiple occasions before washing.
Mr Snook added: “They should always be washed after one wear. They’re in constant contact with sweat, so rewearing them isn’t recommended from a hygiene point of view.”
Before washing any new items, the expert also advises checking care labels, avoiding unnecessary washes, and using appropriate settings for different fabrics. This approach not only helps maintain the quality of clothing but also contributes to longer-lasting garments and more efficient use of resources.
