Ever wonder how many times you can wear clothes before they need washing? Underwear and socks? Once, straight to the laundry. Bras? Up to 3-4 wears. But what about jeans, sweaters, or pajamas? As laundry experts with years of experience in textile care, we've compiled this trusted guide to help you maintain hygiene, extend garment life, and save time.
Contents
- How often should you wash your clothes?
- How often should you wash everything else?
- Additional tips
Click here to easily print this guide in PDF.
How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?
Unsure about laundry frequency? Follow these proven recommendations from fabric care authorities to balance cleanliness and longevity:
- T-shirts: Once
- Socks: Once
- Underwear: Once
- Tights: Once (hand wash recommended)
- Swimwear: Once
- Sportswear: Once
- White or silk clothing: Once
- Shirts: Once (or twice with undershirt)
- Blouses: Once
- Bras: 3 times (hand wash recommended)
- Shorts: 2-3 times
- Dresses: 3 times (once for evening dresses)
- Pajamas: 3 times
- Suits, jackets, blazers: 3-4 times (wool); 4-5 times (synthetic)
- Skirts, petticoats: 3 times
- Dress bottoms: 3 times
- Sweatshirts: 6-7 times
- Pants: 2-3 times
- Jeans: 4-5 times (or until they smell)
- Sweaters: 6 times (once without undershirt)
- Scarves, hats, gloves: 3-5 times per season (hand wash recommended)
- Leather gloves, hats: Once per season (dry clean recommended)
- Shoes: When dirty or smelly (follow label)
- Coats, outerwear: Every 3 months (down/wool); once per season (leather/suede)
How Often Should Everything Else Be Washed?
Click here to easily print this guide in PDF.
Maintain a hygienic home with these expert-backed schedules for linens and towels:
- Tea towels: Daily
- Hand towels: Daily
- Washcloths: Daily
- Towels: After 3 uses
- Sheets: Weekly
- Pillowcases: Weekly
- Bath mat: Weekly
- Bathrobes: Monthly
- Mattress topper: Monthly
- Under pillowcases: Monthly
- Shower curtains: Every 3 months
- Plaids, blankets: Every 3 months
- Bedside rugs: Every 3 months
- Pillows: Every 6 months
- Duvets: Every 6 months
Linens like sheets and towels touch your skin daily and trap moisture, sweat, and bacteria. Limit towel reuse to 3 times, wash sheets weekly on hot to eliminate germs, and follow care labels for best results.
Additional Tips
For delicates like lingerie, opt for hand washing or gentle cycles. Air dry indoors away from direct sun. Use low-heat dryer settings when needed to preserve fabrics and ensure long-lasting wear.
