It’s something most of us do every week, but it turns out you’ve probably been washing your clothes wrong.
Experts from AO.com have revealed exactly how often common items need to be cleaned – including jeans.
According to the experts, jeans only need a wash after 10 wears, while hoodies are fine to wear six or seven times, unless visibly dirty.
In contrast, socks and underwear should be washed after every use.
‘People tend to stick to the routines they’re used to,’ explained Gwil Snook, Washing Machine Expert at AO.com.
‘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.
‘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.’
Experts from AO.com have revealed exactly how often common items need to be cleaned – including jeans (stock image)
To understand our laundry habits, the team surveyed 3,000 Brits about how often they wash common items.
Jeans came out as 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 jean–washing debate is often reignited on social media, with users torn on how often to wash their favourite pairs.
‘Unless something has spilt down it, once a week,’ one TikTok user said.
Another added: ‘I am a wear once & wash kind of gal. If the clothes have been in public places they are dirty & have stranger germs.’
And one 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 revealed that hoodies were next on the list, (65 per cent wash too often) followed by jumpers (51 per cent).
The jean–washing debate is often reignited on social media, with users torn on how often to wash their favourite pairs
‘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,’ Mr Snook explained.
‘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.
‘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 occassions 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.
