How often do you have to wash clothes?

Sheets, a nest of germs

Changing the sheets regularly is not only a matter of aesthetics. Every night, while we sleep, they collect germs, sweat and body fat that our bodies and our clothes give off, and they become a veritable nest of pathogens. At the latest, they should be washed every two weeks, experts say, although it is best to do it weekly.

How often to wash them: Once a week, or at most every two weeks.

How to wash them correctly: With hot water. "Washing clothes at 70º totally destroys them," says Dr. Josep Torres, from the Allergology Unit of the Teknon Medical Center. And it recommends the use of dryers to eliminate mites, pollens and environmental fungi.

Covers and fillings, the paradise of mites

Do you never wash the covers and the stuffing of the cushions or the duvet? In addition to sheets, one of the places where there is a greater concentration of dust mites is in the covers and fillings of duvets, cushions and pillows. You just have to think about all the products that we apply to our hair, face and hands, along with the dirt we are in contact with throughout the day, to realize why it is so necessary to wash them. sleeves and fillings.

How often to wash: The pillowcases on the bed, as often as the sheets. And those of the sofa cushions and other rooms, as well as the fillings of cushions and quilts, every six months (a couple a year or coinciding with the summer and winter wardrobe changes).

· How to wash them correctly: Both foam and feather ones can be washed, but respecting the instructions on the label. And if you fold the pillow in half and when you release it it does not regain its shape naturally, it is an indicator that you should be thinking about changing them.

Protectors, they also deserve a wash from time to time

Nor should we forget the protective covers for mattresses and pillows. Since they sit under sheets and outer covers, they don't need to be washed as often as bedding, but that doesn't mean you can get past the topic.

How often to wash them: It is advisable to wash them every month or two.

How to wash them properly: Most kinds should be washed in warm water and tumble dried on low heat. But be careful in the event that the protective cover has plastic or similar materials to prevent urine leakage or other flows from reaching the mattress. If it is here, check the manufacturer's label.

The bath mat, that great forgotten …

Yes, that mat that never seems to take a vacation also has the right to go through the washing machine from time to time. It gets wet every time a member of the family cleans, showers, or bathes, and it never really dries completely. Those that are under the sink are a powerful magnet for dirt as a result of the times we step on them throughout the day with coming and going (and if they are near the toilet, they can even accumulate fecal remains …).

· How often to wash it: It is recommended to do it every week.

· How to wash it correctly: If your bath mat is made of cotton or synthetic fibers, wash it along with the other towels. If it has a rubber base, they can also be machine washed but on a gentle cycle with cold water, and less frequently as the non-slip coating cannot withstand very frequent cleaning. And if it is made from vegetable fibers, be sure to change it every so often for a new one.

Towels where humidity is free

According to the experts, if you hang them spread out on a towel rack or a clothesline and let them dry well after each use, they can be used more than three times before throwing them into the laundry tub (and thus saving energy and being more respectful with the environment). But, even in this case, it is advisable not to leave them unwashed for more than a week.

How often to wash them: Every three to seven uses (if you let it dry well before using them again).

How to wash them correctly: Wash them with warm water to eliminate germs and dispense or avoid overdoing the fabric softener. This type of substance hinders its absorption power and prevents towels from drying out.

And what about bras?

Hardly anyone ignores the fact that panties have to be washed after each use, but what about bras? We wash them little or hardly ever. In this case, it is not so much the pure and hard dirt as the wear and tear they suffer and their exposure to sweat. Sports bras should be washed after every workout. But the daily ones that we wear for only a few hours and take them off as soon as we can, it is not necessary to wash them as often as it can damage and deform them.

How often to wash them: According to experts, it is best to wash them every three or four uses on average.

How to wash them properly: Before washing, close snaps and zippers, and put them in a mesh bag. Wash them on the most delicate cycle you have and with a delicate laundry detergent. And to dry them, place them on a towel instead of hanging them. That way they won't stretch or deform.

Pajamas and nightgowns that could walk alone …

Do you remember what we said about the sheets and bedding? Well, the same is applicable to pajamas and nightgowns with the aggravation that it is the clothes that are in direct contact with your skin every night …

How often to wash them: Every three to four uses (on average wears one pair of pajamas or nightgowns per week)

How to wash them correctly: If they are made of cotton or resistant fabrics, put them together with the rest of the laundry. But if they are made of delicate fabrics, better wash them like bras or delicate underwear.

Wash each garment in its proper measure

That the clothes we wear have to be washed regularly is something that almost no one overlooks. But there are garments that resist visiting the washing machine more than others: jeans, sweaters, jackets …

How often to wash them: Shirts, T-shirts and tops (garments that are in direct contact with the skin) are recommended to be washed every time you wear them. Dresses, skirts and pants every three uses. Sweaters and sweaters, every five or six uses. And jackets and coats at least once a season.

How to wash them correctly: When doing the washing machines, separate the clothes by colors (white, dark and bright colors), fabrics (more resistant or more delicate) and turn them over so that they are not damaged and retain their original state for longer .

Plaids, auxiliary blankets and bedspreads also exist

That we have to wash the sheets, towels and the clothes we wear is something that is quite obvious. But how many people forget to wash the plaids, auxiliary blankets and bedspreads that we use to warm ourselves on the sofa or in the bedroom. And we are precisely aseptic … In addition to the usual germs they can have food remains from when we use them while we eat, have dinner or snack, watching TV, for example.

How often to wash them: Every three months. One trick to remember is to wash them at the end of each season.

How to wash them correctly: Depending on the type of fabric, it will be convenient to do it one way or another. To avoid making mistakes, follow the washing instructions on the label.

Dishcloths, dirtier than underwear

Even if you wash your hands before, during and after preparing food, if you dry them with the same cloth, you can collect and transfer germs and other agents that are harmful to health. According to some recent studies, more than 75% of sponges and kitchen towels have dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. To reduce the spread of germs, use a clean dish towel every day. This also applies to hand towels when you are several members of the family (or each has their own).

How often to wash them: Daily.

How to wash them correctly: With hot water to eliminate germs and bacteria.

As you have seen, not cleaning your clothes and the house when you touch can be harmful to your health. But when it comes to doing laundry you can also have health problems if you don't do it correctly …

How to wash clothes in a healthy and correct way

Keep the washing machine in good hygienic and operating conditions.
Use neutral and fragrance-free soaps so as not to harm your skin, the environment or your clothes.
Wash bedding and in hot water to kill all germs.
Wash underwear separately (and if possible by hand). It is also one of the simple and effective tricks to extend the life of clothes.
Empty the washing machine as soon as it is finished and before the bacteria attracted by moisture begin to proliferate.
Ventilate the washer room to prevent mold in damp spaces.
Also ventilate the washing machine. It is one of the premises of how to clean the washing machine step by step.
Watch your posture when putting it on if you don't want to harm your back.

If you want all the details point by point, do not miss our keys to wash clothes without harming your health.