When to Wash clothes, bedding and other washables

Wash everything before you wear it.

I was in fashion for over 10 years, and between the fabric gnats (which bite), the dirt and the residual dyes and chemicals, I have learned you REALLY want to wash clothes and every other washable item before you use or wear it.

Wash some things separately

Some things need to be washed separately the first time (at least) because they can run (dyes bleed into the water causing stains on other items in the laundry), crock (while wearing, the dyes rub off onto furniture and other items of clothing) or lint.

Wash clothes or other items separately that are

• brights (bright or royal blue, emerald or Kelly green, royal purple)
• jeans
• black or very dark things about which you have any concern
• any garment that you can rub the dye off or
• items that you think might lint all over other items (some heavy fleeces/ sweatshirts  and towels do this).

How often?

Wash Sheets:

Wash sheets at least once every two weeks. Once a week is better. At the very least, wash the pillowcases every week. If you are sexually active or have been ill, wash the sheets weekly.

The best way to do this is to have two complete sets and remake the bed as you strip it. If you can get 2 sheet sets into the washer, then, if you have 3 sets, you can wash every 2 weeks, while changing every week.

Wash Blankets:

Launder blankets once a month is good; more often if you are allergic, or if they are exposed or dirty; less often if they are kept covered by sheets and coverlet, duvet or comforter.

Wash Towels:

Use towels for 3 baths or showers maximum. Wash them more often if they end up on the floor (which of course, they don’t, right?) Be sure towels are (and everything else is) totally dry before you put them in a hamper.

Wash Clothes:

Use good sense. If you wore it all day, put it in the wash. You may wash outer layers like sweaters and hoodies less frequently. If you are around smoke or other strong odors, you will need to wash after each wearing.

What you will need to wash your laundry:

• Laundry detergent
• Non-Chlorine bleach
• Fabric softener
• A bar of Dove soap this will get out most stains (Dove because the moisturizers lift oily stains)
  1. Moisten area with cold water
  2. Between your hands, lather up the Dove bar
  3. Apply the lather to the stain and lather the stain
  4. You may need to add more Dove
  5. Rinse out with cold water, then wash as normal
• Hairspray or stain remover (gets out the other stains, like pen, tar)

Optional:

• Chlorine bleach- be careful where and if you use this. Use it only on white cotton that does not have a ‘do not use chlorine bleach’ care label. Chlorine bleach is the best thing to use to get rid of mold and mildew and (diluted) to clean wooden cutting boards.
• Vinegar- I use a cupful with the fabric softener in the rinse cycle to remove soap or detergent residue.

Can I have my clothes laundered?

Really don’t want to wash clothes? Sending them out to be laundered at a laundry (or some dry cleaning shops also launder) is an option. If it saves you time and aggravation, it may be financially worth it to you – if you can afford it.

I will caution that if you have any allergies, this may not be a good choice because you have less control over the products that are being used. For line-dried and dry flat items, be sure to find out if they have the capacity to do these.

How often to dry clean

Dry clean items depending on usage, wear and your budget. If its dirty, wrinkled or smells, get it dry cleaned. Also dry clean all your dry-cleanables at the end of the season so they are stored clean and are ready to wear next year. After cleaning, be sure to take off the bag and let them air (preferably NOT in the bedroom) for a day or two before wearing.

You are worth clean clothes. It’s good to look your best, and this is a great place to start!