How Often Should You Wash It? A Guide to Laundry Frequency for Every Item

Laundry can feel like a never-ending cycle — especially when you're not sure how often everything really needs to be washed. Wash too frequently, and your favorite items wear out faster. Wait too long, and you risk bacteria, smells, or even skin irritation.

So what's the sweet spot? This guide breaks it down for you, item by item.

👕 Everyday Clothing

T-Shirts, Underwear, and Socks

Wash After Every Wear

These items sit closest to your skin and absorb sweat, oils, and odor throughout the day. Rewearing can lead to skin issues and smells that are hard to remove later.

💡 Pro Tip: Wash with cold water and a gentle detergent to preserve color and fabric.

Jeans

Wash Every 3–5 Wears

Unless they’re visibly dirty or smell, jeans benefit from fewer washes. Overwashing can fade dye and break down denim fibers.

🧼 Spot clean stains and hang them between wears to keep fresh.

Sweaters, Hoodies, and Light Outerwear

Wash Every 5–7 Wears

If worn over a shirt and not directly against the skin, these can go longer between washes. Wool and delicate knits may need special care (hand wash or dry clean).

🛏 Bedding & Towels

Bed Sheets

Wash Every 1–2 Weeks

You spend hours sleeping in your sheets, and they accumulate sweat, body oils, and dust mites. Weekly washing is ideal for hygiene and allergy prevention.

🛌 If you sleep with pets or sweat at night, lean toward weekly cleaning.

Pillowcases

Wash Weekly (or More Often)

Pillowcases come into direct contact with your face and hair. Frequent washing helps prevent breakouts and buildup of oils and products.

Towels

Bath Towels: Every 3–4 Uses
Hand Towels: Every 2–3 Days

Towels trap moisture, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Always hang them up to dry fully between uses.

🧘‍♀️ Activewear & Specialty Items

Workout Clothes

Wash After Every Wear

Sweat + synthetic fabrics = bacteria and odor. Don’t let these sit in your laundry basket for days — the smell will only get worse!

Swimsuits

Rinse After Each Use & Wash After 1–2 Wears

Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen can all degrade fabric. Rinse immediately and hand wash gently to preserve elasticity.

Jackets and Coats

Wash 1–2 Times Per Season

Unless your coat is visibly dirty, spot cleaning or a mid-season refresh is usually enough. Down or wool coats may require dry cleaning.

Pajamas

Wash Every 3–4 Wears

If you shower before bed and wear PJs for only a few hours, you can stretch washes. Otherwise, aim for more frequent cleaning.

🧸 Miscellaneous Items

Blankets and Throws

Wash Every 2–4 Weeks

Used frequently on the couch or bed, blankets can collect dust, pet hair, and sweat. A regular refresh helps keep them cozy and clean.

Reusable Cloth Masks (if used)

Wash After Every Use

Even though mask mandates have eased, if you're still using cloth masks, wash them daily to prevent bacterial buildup.

🧺 Bonus Tips for Smarter Laundry

• Use a breathable hamper to avoid trapping moisture and odor.
• Let items air out between wears to extend their freshness.
• Separate loads by soil level — heavily soiled items should not be washed with lightly worn clothes.
• Check care labels before washing specialty fabrics or blends.
• Use a laundry service like Laundry Buddies to keep up with routine washes and deep cleans — we’ll do the hard work for you!

Final Thoughts

Staying on top of laundry doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a consistent schedule and a little planning, you can make sure everything stays clean, fresh, and long-lasting.

Too busy to manage it all? Laundry Buddies is here to help. From everyday clothes to delicate fabrics, our pickup and delivery service saves you time and hassle. Schedule your first pickup today!