Reducing the amount you use your washing machine can save you a small fortune, so are you washing your clothes too often? An expert believes so
Have you ever paused mid-laundry load and wondered, “Am I washing my clothes too often?” If so, you’re not alone. Many of us habitually toss our ‘dirties’ into the wash after a single wear, but is it always necessary? DIY expert Laura de Barra thinks we might be overdoing it.
According to Laura, who spoke about the subject on BBC’s Mornings with Kaye Adams, not every item needs to be put in the wash after one or two wears. In fact, there’s a hard and fast rule for the items that do need to go in more frequently and the ones that you can basically just re-wear with some tricks.
So, when should you wash your clothes?
Not all clothes require a wash after every wear. Items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets can often be worn multiple times before needing a clean, unless they’re visibly dirty or have absorbed pungent odours. On the other hand, undergarments, sweaty gym wear and socks should be washed after each use for hygiene reasons.
Essentially, if the item touches your bare skin in an area where you sweat, chuck it in the wash at the end of the day. But for jumpers, jeans, t-shirts (if you’re not prone to under-arm sweating), jackets, blazers, trousers, skirts or shorts, you can simply refresh them or spot strain treat them (more on this below.
How much money you’ll save by reducing loads
Let’s break down the potential savings. The average washing machine cycle costs approximately 24 pence in electricity and water. Longer wash settings and different machines can cost as much as 50p per load.
If you’re currently running four loads a week, that’s about £50 annually at the very least. Cutting back by two loads per week would halve this cost, saving you around £24.96 each year. While it might not seem like a fortune, these savings can accumulate, especially when combined with other energy-efficient practices.
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Of course, it’s not just about saving money…
Every spin cycle contributes to the gradual wear and tear of our favourite outfits. Fabrics can fade, fibres weaken, and that beloved jumper might lose its snug fit sooner than you’d like. By reducing the frequency of washes, you can extend the lifespan of your garments. Laura says: “If you must wash something, do it at low temperatures.”
Lower temperatures are gentler on fabrics and help maintain colours, ensuring your clothes look newer for longer.
How to reduce your laundry frequency
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Spot clean: Address small stains immediately with a damp cloth or a gentle stain remover, reducing the need for a full wash.
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Air out: Hang worn clothes in a well-ventilated area to freshen them up between wears.
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Use garment refresh sprays: These can neutralize odours without the need for washing.
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Invest in quality fabrics: Natural fibres like wool and cotton tend to resist odours better and can often go longer between washes.
Your clothes refresher toolkit
Clothes Doctor Clothing Spritz White Tea and Mint, £14.10
If your clothes just need a little freshen-up rather than a full-on wash, Clothes Doctor’s spritz is a game-changer. This clever spray helps lift odours and impurities from fabrics, meaning you can go longer between washes without feeling (or smelling) less than fresh. It’s perfect for those in-between wears—think jeans, jumpers, or even coats that don’t need a full soak just yet. A quick spritz, a little air-drying, and you’re good to go.
Pure Apparel – Denim Dry Wash Spray, £7.16
Washing your jeans too often can fade the colour, weaken the fabric and ruin that perfect fit. That’s where Pure Apparel Refresher comes in. This clever spray neutralises odours without the need for a full wash, keeping your denim fresh and ready to wear for longer. It’s eco-friendly and safe for all fabrics—so you can spritz your favourite jeans, let them air out, and skip the unnecessary laundry.
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie, £35
A clothes steamer is a secret weapon for reviving worn-but-not-dirty clothes, especially when paired with a good fabric refresher spray. The Russell Hobbs Steam Genie quickly smooths out creases while the steam helps lift odours and refresh fibres, making your clothes feel fresher without a full wash.
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pens, £10.25
Spilled food or drink on your shirt but don’t want to throw it straight in the wash? The Tide Instant Stain Remover Pen is a lifesaver for tackling stains on the go. This nifty little pen lifts fresh stains from fabrics in seconds, so you can keep your clothes looking clean without unnecessary washing. It’s perfect for treating spills on denim, jumpers, or even delicate fabrics—just dab, blot, and carry on