When you wash towels, clothing, and linens too often, you can disrupt your routine and waste water and energy. But washing them too infrequently can lead to hygiene issues, allowing bacteria and other pathogens to build up. Striking the right balance is key. In this blog post, we’ll break down how and when to wash your laundry to keep things clean and efficient—without wasting resources or making extra trips to the laundry room.

Washing Your Clothes To Preserve Them

When it comes to clothing, energy usage varies from person to person. The types of fabrics in your wardrobe and how often you wear them both play a role. Heavier materials like denim can go longer between washes, while lighter fabrics like cotton may need more frequent care.

Denim: Wash every 3–10 wears. Most experts advise against frequent washing, as it can break down the fibers and shorten the life of the fabric. Instead, wash denim only when it’s visibly dirty or smells off. To preserve its structure and save water, use cold water and avoid overwashing. The Strategist recommends this method for maintaining durability.

Cotton (e.g., T-shirts): Wash every 1–2 wears. Check for odors or stains before tossing in the wash—spot cleaning can reduce the need for full loads.

Workout clothes and undergarments: Wash after every wear. These items collect the most bacteria and sweat. For efficiency, wash them in bulk with similar colors and follow detergent instructions to ensure a thorough clean with minimal water and energy use.

Wash Towels According to Color

Towels require different care than clothing to maintain their absorbency and hygiene. Each type of towel—whether bath or kitchen—should be washed differently to stay fresh and effective. In general, towels should be washed every 3–4 uses. Keep an eye (and nose) out for odors, stains, or residue, especially on frequently used items like bath and kitchen towels.

To treat smells and stains before washing, Martha Stewart recommends soaking towels in white vinegar for a few minutes before running them through a warm water cycle. This pre-wash step helps lift odors and buildup naturally. Just be sure not to mix vinegar with bleach, as the combination can produce harmful fumes.

Washing by Type:

• White Towels:
  Wash in hot water to maintain brightness and sanitize effectively. Use regular detergent and, if needed, a chlorine-free bleach. For an extra boost, opt for a natural fabric brightener to keep whites looking fresh. Again, never combine vinegar and bleach. 
• Colored Towels:
  Use a cool-water setting to wash towels with fabric dyes. This protects the color and has the added benefit of saving energy on heating water for your wash. A color-safe bleach is fine for occasional deep cleans. Avoid overloading the machine—giving towels enough room improves washing efficiency and reduces water and energy waste.

For drying, consider air-drying to save dryer energy. If you use a dryer, shake towels out before tossing them in to improve airflow and reduce dry time.

Washing Linens to Keep Fresh

To keep linens soft and long-lasting, it’s important to wash and dry them properly. Linens—including bedsheets, curtains, and duvet covers—can typically be cleaned in similar ways depending on their fabric type. One of the benefits of linen-based fabrics is that they don’t always require machine washing. Instead, you can gently hand wash them in a bathtub or basin using lukewarm water and a mild detergent to protect the fibers and extend their lifespan. For cotton-based linens, follow detergent instructions and opt for cold water to prevent damage and save energy. Treating linens with care not only helps preserve their quality but also reduces water and energy usage. According to The New York Times, bedsheets should be washed once a week, as going longer can lead to a buildup of bacteria and allergens you don’t want lingering in your bed.

General Efficiency Tips

Keeping your laundry routine eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tips, you can save energy, conserve water, and extend the life of your clothes. Here’s how to make your laundry more sustainable and efficient.

• Wash towels and other laundry in large loads to conserve both energy and water. Washing only a few items at a time can be inefficient and wasteful, so grouping your laundry helps save resources and time.
• Air dry your clothing whenever you can. If you have the space in your home or unit, consider installing a clothesline or drying rack. According to the University of Michigan, air drying not only conserves energy but also helps extend the life of your garments if done properly.
• Use cold water for as many loads as possible. Washing your clothing in cold water is a simple way to reduce energy usage, protect delicate fabrics, and lower your environmental impact during every cycle.

Conclusion

Applying these tips can transform your laundry routine while helping you conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint. By planning your laundry trips wisely, you’ll save time and contribute to a greener planet—making sustainable living easier than ever. Small changes in how and when you wash can add up to big environmental benefits over time. For more expert advice and practical tips, explore Automatic Laundry’s blog or contact us directly today!