How often should you wash clothes? A practical guide to maintaining personal hygiene, caring for your clothes, and protecting the environment.

In a world where the fast-paced lifestyle leads us to adopt automatic habits, one of the most common mistakes is thinking that all clothing must be washed after each use. While some garments do require it for hygiene reasons, others can be worn multiple times without needing to be put in the washing machine , which not only benefits your fabrics but also the environment.

The key is to identify which garments need frequent washing and which can be done more sparingly. For example, underwear, bras, and hosiery are items that come into direct contact with bodily fluids. These should be washed after each use to prevent the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Similarly, tight-fitting underarm shirts require immediate washing after each use , as sweat and microorganisms can generate moisture and create an environment conducive to the growth of microbes.

On the other hand, fabrics like denim offer greater resistance to dirt. According to the iconic Levi's blog, denim jeans, jackets, and dresses can be washed after five wears , as long as they haven't been exposed to oil stains or sticky liquids that could damage the fabric. In case of accidents, it's best to wash them immediately to preserve their quality.

Pajamas, the garment we wear every night, have their own washing schedule, which largely depends on your routine and the season. If you sweat a lot while sleeping, it's recommended to wash them every three or four uses. However, if you don't tend to sweat excessively, you can spread them out to after five uses. In summer, when the nights are warmer, you may need to wash them more frequently, while in winter, you can extend the washing intervals, unless you've worn your pajamas all day.

In addition to maintaining hygiene and health, respecting these washing frequencies has a positive impact on the environment. Reducing the number of unnecessary washes reduces the use of water and detergents, which contributes to the conservation of resources and the reduction of pollution. It also prolongs the lifespan of your clothes, preventing premature wear and tear.

Ultimately, adopting these habits is not only a way to take care of your well-being, but also a small step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. So the next time you think about washing your clothes, ask yourself if they really need it. Your clothes, your skin, and the planet will thank you.

This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from La Nación.