How often to wash clothes: A complete guide

How often should you wash your underwear, socks and bras?

Underwear, socks and undershirts should be washed after every use, while bras can be worn 3-4 times before washing. Since underwear, socks and undershirts are in close contact with your skin and sweat, washing them after every use helps keep them smelling fresh.

Bras can be washed less frequently—after 3-4 wearings—particularly if the weather is cool and you don’t sweat much. Always check your care tags, but in general, women’s lingerie should be washed using a delicate cycle or washed by hand. Dry lingerie on an indoor drying rack to protect it from sunlight. You can also sometimes use a low heat or delicate dryer cycle.

How often should you wash clothes you wear daily?

Clothes like jeans, sweaters and jackets can be worn multiple times before they need to be washed. Still, it’s important to know how often you should wash your clothes to help ensure they look their best. Also, keep in mind that any stained or soiled clothes should be washed as soon as possible. Here are some basic guidelines on how often to wash clothes:

• Shirts and blouses: after 1-2 wearings

• Dress pants or slacks: after 2-3 wearings

• Jeans: after 4-5 wearings

• Sweaters: up to 6 wearings, if worn with an undershirt; 1-2 wearings if worn without an undershirt

• Suits/blazers/casual jackets: after 5-6 wearings

• Workout clothes: after 1 wearing

• Sleepwear: after 2-3 wearings

• Sweatpants: after 2-3 wearings; 1-2 wearings if worn during exercise

• T-shirts: after 1 wearing

NOTE: These are just general guidelines and depend on your preferences and your situation.

How often should you wash sheets and towels?

Wash your sheets once a week and wash your towels after no more than three uses. Even though you don’t wear these items, it’s important to wash them frequently—not only do they have close contact with your body, but they can also absorb water or sweat and become breeding grounds for bacteria if left ignored for too long.

Be sure to use hot water and dry towels and sheets on high heat to help sanitize your laundry and keep these important items as clean as possible.

Laundry frequency FAQs

Still have more questions about the recommended washing schedule for your family’s clothes? Explore the frequently asked questions below to help fine-tune your laundry routine.

Should you wash new clothes before wearing?

Yes, you should wash new clothes before wearing them. Clothes go through a long journey from the manufacturer to the store and eventually to your home. Washing new garments following the instructions on the laundry care label is recommended.

How often should you do laundry for a family?

How often you should do your family’s laundry varies based on several factors including family size and activity level. To find the right schedule for your household, consider the following:

• Your current weekly routine

• Your available time

• Special circumstances (sports, work uniforms)

• Your laundry capacity

How can you make clothes last longer between washes?

You might be able to help some fabrics stay fresher longer by hanging them up or putting them nicely away after each use, wearing an undershirt and spot-treating stains when they happen. It depends on the clothing and your situation.

Shop all Whirlpool^® Washers

Whether you’re caring for your family’s bedding, towels, delicates or everyday items, Whirlpool brand has washing machine options designed to help you tackle laundry day. Select Whirlpool^® Washer models feature the Load & Go^™ Dispenser that lets you skip loading detergent at the beginning of every load or the Pretreat Station that lets you soak, scrub and wash stains all in one spot. Pick the features you find most convenient and find a Whirlpool^® Washer that will fit your family’s laundry needs. For added convenience, find a washer and dryer set for appliances designed to work together.