Laundry is my favourite chore. Sit me down with a basket of laundry that needs folding, a nice cup of tea and something good to watch and I’m good to go. I’d choose laundry over dishes any day of the week. Seriously. I know. Not every mum feels this way but I think we can all appreciate an empty laundry basket and a pile of fresh, clean, clothes. Folded and put away is just a bonus. But how often should you wash each thing?
Many items need to be washed every wear, including undies, school uniforms and exercise clothes but what about sheets, pillows or towels?
Here’s a quick laundry how-to guide to help you navigate the laundry routine including how often to wash various items in your home and wardrobe.
How often should you wash …Â
Bed Sheets:
Wash bed sheets every 1-2 weeks. If you sweat heavily during sleep or have allergies, you might want to wash your sheets more often to maintain a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment.
Pillowcases:
Wash pillowcases every 1-2 weeks. Change pillowcases more frequently if you have acne or use hair products to prevent the transfer of oils and residues onto your skin.
Couch Cushions:
Wash couch cushions every 1-2 weeks. If you sweat a lot, have couch pets or allergies, consider washing them more often to uphold a clean and pleasant seating area. Regular washing helps eliminate sweat, allergens, and bacteria, ensuring your couch remains a cosy and healthy space.
Towels:
- Bath Towels: Every 3-4 uses
- Hand Towels: Every 1-2 days
- Kitchen Towels: Every 1-2 days or when visibly soiled
Towels, especially in the kitchen, can harbour bacteria, so regular washing is crucial. Bath towels, used on clean bodies, can be extended for a few uses.
Underwear and Socks:
Wash underwear and socks after each use. Wearing clean underwear and socks daily helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and odours, maintaining personal hygiene.
End of Day Sigh of Relief (aka Bras):
Wash bras after 3-4 wears. Rotating between bras allows elastic fibres to recover, extending their life.
T-shirts and Tops:
Wash every 1-2 wears, unless extra dirty or sweaty. Give tops worn close to your skin a breather between wears unless visibly soiled or odourous.
Jeans:
To wash or not to wash? Jeans can be worn multiple times between washes unless visibly soiled or odourous. Washing every 4-6 wears helps maintain the fabric’s colour and integrity. Air them out and spot clean between wears to keep them fresh.
Dress Shirts and Blouses:
Wash dress shirts and blouses after each wear, especially if you sweat or it’s stained. Stains can set over time, so prompt washing is crucial. Air-dry to avoid shrinkage.
Jumpers:
These can be worn a few times before washing. Follow care instructions, as some sweaters may require hand washing to preserve their delicate fibres.
Outerwear (Jackets, Coats):
Wash jackets and coats as needed, such as when stained or after a season. Avoid unnecessary washing to preserve water-repellent attributes and insulation properties.
Exercise Clothes:
Wash after each workout, as they tend to trap sweat and odour. Technical fabrics benefit from prompt washing to maintain their moisture-wicking properties.
Swimwear:
Wash your swimwear after each use, especially if in chlorinated water. Rinse swimwear immediately afterwards to remove chlorine or salt and prolong its life.
Curtains:
Lightly Soiled: Wash every 3-6 months or as needed. Regularly shake or vacuum off dust to extend the time between washes. Lightly soiled curtains in low-traffic areas may require less frequent washing.
Heavily Soiled: Wash every 1-3 months or as needed. Curtains in high-traffic areas or those exposed to cooking odours may accumulate more dirt and require more frequent washing.
*LIFE HACK* Machine washable curtains can be washed and then hung back on the rods to dry. This is particularly helpful on hot summer days when your room feels like an oven in the hot Aussie sun.
How to keep laundry costs down
When you add in the various household items, plus the everyday clothes that need washing, you’re probably looking at least a few loads a week. Most families will do around 4 laundry loads a week, but many find themselves using the washing machine every day. This can add up!
So, how can you keep laundry costs down while ensuring your clothes, sheets and other items are adequately clean? These six tips will make a big difference over the long run.
Six steps to reduce your laundry costs and save money
1. Cold water only
Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot or warm water can significantly reduce energy costs. Most laundry detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, and using cold water also helps preserve the colour and fabric of your clothes.
2. Fill your machine
Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running your washing machine. Running full loads maximises the efficiency of each wash cycle and reduces the number of cycles you need to run overall. Plus, it’ll reduce the amount of laundry product you’ll use if you do fewer loads.
3. Quantity matters
Another important thing to do every wash is to use the recommended amount of detergent for each load. Using more detergent than necessary doesn’t always mean cleaner clothes and can be wasteful. Consider using less detergent for lightly soiled loads.
4. Choose the right washing machine
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, consider investing in a high-efficiency model. HE machines use less water and energy, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
5. Clean the lint trapÂ
Regularly clean the lint trap, check for leaks, and perform any recommended maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently.
6. Air Dry When Possible
Skip the dryer and take advantage of our beautiful Aussie sun to air-dry your clothes whenever possible. Hanging clothes on a clothesline or using a drying rack can save a significant amount of energy. If you need to use a dryer, consider using a lower heat setting or a timed dry option to avoid over-drying.
7. Optimise the Spin Cycle
Take advantage of your washing machine’s spin cycle. The higher the spin speed, the more water will be removed from your clothes, reducing drying time and energy consumption.
If your washing machine has variable spin speed settings, choose the highest spin speed suitable for the type of fabrics in your load. This can contribute to more efficient drying and ultimately save you money on energy costs.
8. Select the right laundry detergent
As a shop-the-specials type of gal, I’ve tried a lot of different laundry detergents depending on what’s on sale that specific week. On my journey, I’ve discovered that not all detergents are the same. Biozet Attack has been an absolute laundry legend for us and it’s by far the best stain removal but also leaves our clothes smelling fresh, fragrant and ready for wear. I absolutely love how clean my laundry smells every time I use it. Yes, I’m one of those mums who now get excited about nice-smelling sheets. #OfficiallyOld.
The problem with some detergents is that they simply don’t do the job they are meant to do, and thus you may need to rewash them again and again, which not only costs money every time but also costs you precious time. All Biozet Attack products offer exceptional cleanliness for the first time, every time.
9. Purchase in bulk
Buying your laundry detergent in bulk can really save you a packet! The Biozet Attack range includes a few different laundry liquids and powders, some of which are also available in a bulk range which is by far the best value.
Biozet Attack’s bulk range, which comes in a whopping value pack includes:
- Biozet Attack Plus Softener is a dual-action formula that softens fabrics with a light floral fragrance.
- Biozet Attack Plus Eliminator eliminates 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria and reduces damp smells in the washing machine.
- Biozet Attack Plus Stain Power attacks extra tough stains fast even in tough conditions.
The non-bulk range also includes Biozet Attack Plus Sensitive for skin sensitivities and Biozet Attack Plus Essential Oils.
Shop Biozet Attack bulk products at Big W
Suitable for front loaders, top loaders, grey water and septic tanks, Biozet Attack has changed me from a “Grab-the-deal-and-go” shopper to a “Look for the Biozet Attack Label” girl. The full range is available at grocery stores plus the bulk range is available through Big W.
Look out for the new Biozet Attack logo and the fresh new packaging but same exceptional value.
This is a sponsored post for Biozet Attack
