How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?

Washing your clothes frequently is critical for good hygiene, but exactly how often should you wash your clothes to get the right balance? The answer depends on the type of clothing and how dirty they are. Washing too much can wear out fabrics faster, while not washing enough can lead to unpleasant odors and set-in stains. We’ve taken the guesswork out of optimal washing with this helpful guide below. Read on to find out how often should laundry be done.

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes: Casual Clothing

1. T-Shirts, Undergarments, and Socks

Frequency: After each wear.
Reason: These items are worn close to the skin and absorb sweat and oils, making daily washing essential.

2. Jeans

Frequency: Every 3-5 wears, unless visibly dirty.
Reason: Washing too often can cause fading and weaken the fabric. Air them out between wears to keep them fresh.

3. Sweaters

Frequency: Every 3-5 wears for regular use; more often if worn over bare skin.
Reason: Sweaters worn as outer layers don’t require frequent washing. Spot clean as needed.

4. Activewear

Frequency: After each wear.
Reason: Sweat and bacteria build up quickly in these garments, making immediate washing a must.

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes: Special Occasion

1. Dress Clothes (Suits, Dresses, Slacks)

Frequency: After each wear.
Reason: Sweat and bacteria build up quickly in these garments, making immediate washing a must.

2. Outerwear (Coats, Jackets)

Frequency: Every 1-2 months during regular use; spot clean as needed.
Reason: These garments aren’t in direct contact with your skin and don’t require frequent washing.

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes: Household Items

1. Blankets

Frequency: Once per month.
Reason: Dead skin, hair, and sweat all accumulate on your bed over time so monthly cleaning is needed to keep it sanitary.

2. Towels

Frequency: After 3 uses.
Reason: Damp towels can harbor bacteria and mildew if not washed regularly.

3. Bed Linens

Frequency: Weekly.
Reason: Sheets collect sweat, skin cells, and dust mites, so regular washing is important

Extra Dirty Clothing

Sometimes you just know it’s time to throw it in the wash. how often should you wash your clothes if they are obviously dirty? If an item is visibly dirty, has a potent odor, or feels sticky or grimy, it’s time to clean it—regardless of how long it’s been since the last wash. The longer you wait to launder your item the harder it will be to remove stains and dirt. If you absolutely do not have time to run a full wash load consider soaking a quick spot clean + risne in your sink to at least remove the surface-level muck.
For less obvious cases, consider airing out the garment between wears to refresh it.

Quick, Practical Tips

Spot Clean: For small stains or dirt, do a quick clean with a damp rag and detergent. Shout Tripple-Acting Stain Remover is great option to keep on hand.
Inspect Before Washing: Check for stains that need stain-treatment before washing.
Hang Up Items: Hanging clothes after wearing can reduce odors and delay washing.

Knowing how often should you wash your clothes isn’t just about keeping them clean—it’s about making them last. Over-washing can fade colors and weaken fabrics, while under-washing can cause odors and stains to linger. Finding the right balance means your wardrobe stays fresh and lasts longer.

By understanding your garments’ needs, you can strike a balance between keeping your clothes fresh and extending their lifespan! You’ll know exactly how often you should wash your clothes.

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Danielle Balog

Danielle Balog is the founder of Laundry Care, a business she launched as a stay-at-home parent seeking a way to earn extra income while balancing family life. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and the need for flexible work, Danielle turned a simple idea into a nationwide laundry service that helps busy families and professionals reclaim their time. Her vision for Laundry Care is rooted in convenience, quality, and a genuine understanding of her customers' needs. Today, Danielle’s journey from home-based startup to industry leader inspires others looking to create meaningful solutions for modern life.

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