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I’ll be the first to admit — I love the smell of fresh laundry. There’s just something about pulling a warm towel out of the dryer that makes me feel like I’ve got my life together. But somewhere along the way, many of us (myself included) decided clean meant wash it constantly.
Here’s the problem: over-washing is like inviting trouble in for tea. It wears out your stuff faster, wastes water and energy, and sometimes even makes things less healthy — dry skin, dull hair, you name it. And honestly? It’s just more work for us.
So let’s put the laundry basket down for a minute, take a deep breath, and talk about the things we’re all guilty of washing way more than we need to — and how often they actually need it.
1. Bath Towels — 3 or 4 Showers, Not 1
Unless you’re tossing your towel in a damp heap on the floor (which, I get it, sometimes happens), you don’t need to wash it every single time you use it. Hang it up so it can dry properly, and it’ll stay fresh for three or four showers. Over-washing just beats up the fabric and makes it less absorbent. Bonus: fewer loads of laundry for you.
2. Jeans — 6 to 10 Wears (Seriously)
This one makes my mom clutch her pearls, but jeans are tougher than they look. Wash them too often and you’ll end up with faded, shapeless denim. Spot clean when needed, air them out, and aim for every 6–10 wears. When you do wash them, flip them inside out, use cold water, and skip the dryer if you can. Your jeans will thank you by lasting years longer.
3. Bras — Every 2 or 3 Wears
If you’re tossing your bra in the hamper after a single wear, you’re just wearing out the elastic for no reason. Let them rest between uses — they’ll bounce back (literally) better. Hand wash if you can, or use a lingerie bag on gentle. Always air dry. The dryer is basically a bra assassin.
4. Bedsheets — Weekly is Fine
Fresh sheets feel amazing, I know. But unless you’re dealing with allergies or you’ve been sweating like crazy, once a week is perfect. More than that is just punishing yourself with laundry. If you want to keep them fresher longer, use a mattress protector and pillow covers.
5. Hair — You Probably Don’t Need to Wash Every Day
Daily shampooing can strip away all those natural oils your hair wants to keep. Most of us do fine washing every two or three days. If your roots get oily in between, try a little dry shampoo or even just rinse with water. Your hair will actually be healthier and shinier.
6. Hands — Clean, But Not Cracked
Of course you should wash after the bathroom, before eating, and when they’re dirty. But scrubbing every half hour “just in case” will leave your skin raw and dry. In between proper washes, hand sanitizer is fine. And don’t forget lotion — happy skin is healthy skin.
7. Face — Twice a Day is Plenty
Morning and night. That’s all most skin types need. Over-washing strips away natural oils and can make your skin cranky. Use a gentle cleanser, follow up with moisturizer, and only add a third wash if you’ve been sweating or wearing heavy makeup.
8. Dishes — Quit Pre-Rinsing Everything
Your dishwasher is smarter than you think. Just scrape off the big food chunks and let it do its job. Pre-rinsing wastes water and can even make the machine less effective. Think of it like this: you’re paying for it — let it work.
9. Fruits & Veggies — Rinse, Don’t Overdo It
Definitely wash produce before eating, but skip the soap and the scrubbing frenzy. Just a rinse under running water (or a soft brush for firmer stuff) does the trick. And don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat — otherwise they can spoil faster.
10. Cars — Every Two Weeks (Unless Nature Attacks)
Washing too often can actually scratch your paint. Every couple of weeks is fine — more if it’s covered in salt, bird droppings, or tree sap. Use gentle soap and a soft cloth, and consider waxing every now and then to keep it shiny.
11. Pets — Every Few Months, Not Weekly
Unless your pup has rolled in something questionable, most pets only need a bath every couple of months. Too much washing dries out their skin and coat. Regular brushing keeps them clean in between, and when it is bath time, use pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Bottom Line: Clean Enough is Perfect Enough
This isn’t about lowering standards — it’s about saving your stuff, your skin, and your sanity. Washing less means less laundry, fewer ruined clothes, and more time for the things you actually enjoy.
Life’s too short to spend it all in the laundry room.