14 Mar 2025
Laundry is like the never-ending cycle of life (except it’s all about clothes).
But how often should we actually be running that washing machine? Do your household habits measure up to the rest of the nation? Are you overwashing, underwashing or washing just right?
Let's lift the lid on the UK’s laundry basket and discover the BEST laundry schedule for you, your clothes and the planet!
the nation’s wash stats…
But first..
The average UK household runs their washing machine 260 times a year. That’s an average of five loads a week! ¹
And there’s a twist: 77% of us rarely use the eco-mode on our washing machines, with 56% put off by the longer cycle times. In fact the majority of cycles are run at 40°C or higher² which means most households are missing out on energy and cost savings.
Time to rethink our laundry habits?
Given that smol laundry capsules are designed to work effectively in a cold wash of 20°C - we think that’s a definite YES!l
so, how often is okay to wash clothes?
… it’s going to depend on the clothes in question.
1. underwear.
These little guys are in the front line of contact with your skin and sweat which means:
- underwear & socks: wash after every wear at 40 - 60°C.
- bras: not quite as often - wash after 3-4 wears, unless it’s sweltering out there, then maybe sooner. Treat them to a delicate cycle or hand wash at a cooler temperature.
2. everyday clothes.
There’s different guidelines for different clothes so here’s the scoop…
- shirts & blouses: after 1-2 wears.
- trousers: good for 2-3 wears.
- jeans: Levi’s suggest after every 10 wears.
- sweaters: If there’s a t-shirt underneath - every 6 wears.
- suits or blazers: get them dry cleaned every 5-6 wears.
- gymwear: no messing around here. wash after every session.
- nightwear: 2-3 wears before washing.
3. sheets & towels.
So how about your bedding. After all, you’re sleeping in it every night for hours…
It’s best to wash these once a week - or at least once a fortnight. Our sheets absorb much more than we might think so a weekly wash at 40°C should be sufficient - with a monthly wash at 60°C.
As for our towels: After 3 uses, it's time for a wash. They’re damp and a perfect breeding ground for bacteria otherwise. Use hot water every few washes for a really deep clean.
how do you measure up?
With so many UK households still running warm washes and skipping the eco-mode, there's much room for improvement.
Our best advice?
Opt for lower temperatures for the majority of your laundry, switch to that all-important eco-cycle and use concentrated detergents (hint: smol’s got you covered with our FREE TRIAL). All these simple small changes can make a big difference.
And there you have it! The lowdown on how often to wash everything in your wardrobe and beyond.
Remember, staying fresh doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Happy washing!
₁ Censuswide 2020
₂ The Scottish Sun 2025