9 Things We Overwash and 9 Others We Tend to Neglect

"Approximately 90% of the clothes we wash are not truly dirty, leading to unnecessary laundry. Many people wash slightly odorous or wrinkled garments, wasting water, energy, and detergent. This overuse of resources raises expenses and harms the environment.

Meanwhile, we often neglect items that genuinely need cleaning. This oversight allows dirt and odors to accumulate, requiring more intensive washing later. To improve efficiency, it’s crucial to assess which items need cleaning and organize them accordingly.

To address these issues, we studied optimal washing machine usage. By creating a schedule based on actual needs, we can save resources and reduce environmental harm.

1. Jeans versus leggings

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Jeans vs. Leggings: Washing Habits and Care Overwashing jeans can fade colors and shorten their lifespan. Denim loses its shape with each wash, and warm weather may cause shrinkage, altering the fit. To preserve jeans, avoid frequent washing. Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh hasn’t machine-washed his jeans in over a decade, advocating for spot cleaning and cold water washes only when necessary.

Leggings require different care. Designed to absorb moisture, they can harbor bacteria and odors. For daily wear, wash after two or three uses. After workouts, wash leggings immediately to maintain hygiene.