Here are the things you can wash less often to lighten laundry load
Think you do a lot of laundry? You’re not alone. Research shows the average American family does about 300 loads of laundry per year.
The only way to cut back is to reduce how often you wash your clothes.
Consumer Reports suggests ways to cut back, especially when washing items that don't directly touch a sweaty body.
Erica Dickman-Wilkes says she washes comforters every week.
That is not necessary, says Consumer Reports. Unless a pet sleeps on the bed, comforters can be washed about every three weeks. Don’t go too much longer, because dust mites, bacteria and dead skin cells can accumulate and trigger allergies and skin irritation.
Sheets are another matter. Consumer Reports recommends washing at least once a week, more often if someone is sick.
Fear of a dank, moldy towel had Dickman-Wilkes washing towels after every use.
Rich Handel, of Consumer Reports, says, "Don’t throw it on the floor. Hang it up. If you allow it to dry in between, you won’t have to wash it as often. We generally suggest 3 to 5 days.”
Undergarments, T-shirts, socks and especially gym clothes should be washed after each use.
“Don’t bunch them up in a bag and leave them there," Handel said. "It’ll become a science experiment.”
Dress pants and shirts, unless stained or sweaty, can be worn up to three times before they need to be washed. Jeans can go even longer!
To get the most out of your detergent, use those tested by Consumer Reports. Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release, Tide Oxi and Persil Pro Clean Stain Fighter earn top spots. But don’t overdo it, more detergent is not necessarily better.
And don’t forget: How you sort your laundry is key. Consumer Reports recommends washing heavily soiled items separately from lightly soiled ones. Treat stains before you throw items in the wash, and of course separate whites from colors.
