There are numerous compelling reasons to reduce the frequency of washing your clothes. Not only will they have a longer lifespan, but it’s also beneficial for the environment and can save you money on the cost of running a washing machine. However, the most significant advantage, in my opinion, is the amount of time you can save by doing less laundry. It’s a mundane task that makes you feel like you’re trapped in a fairytale created by Rumpelstiltskin.
Before diving into the practicalities of joining the no-wash movement, it’s essential to rewire your brain a bit. Richard Blackburn, a professor of sustainable materials at Leeds University, suggests conducting a stress test for washing clothes. Do you rely on your senses of smell and sight, or do you wash out of habit? Blackburn highlights that bedding, the fabric with the most contact with your body, is not washed after every use, so why should your other clothes be any different?
Fashion designer and author of Loved Clothes Last, Orsola de Castro, firmly states that the washing machine is not an extension of your wardrobe. While it may make washing easier, frequent washing is not the goal. NJ Stevenson, a fashion historian and curator, asks us to consider what people did before washing machines and dry cleaning facilities existed. They would spot clean and air their clothes, rarely resorting to washing them entirely.
Determining how long it’s acceptable to wear something before washing depends on the fabric, season, and how you behaved while wearing the garment. De Castro delves deeper into our emotional attachment to clothing and how it impacts how we care for them. She treats her clothes with the same consideration as the food in her fridge, understanding what they need and how they relate to her body.
Considering how clean we are underneath our clothes, Blackburn points out that most people shower or bathe once a day, and many professions don’t involve much perspiration or dirt. Being overly clean is not ideal as we have a natural microbiome of bacteria on our skin that helps maintain healthy skin.
Blackburn is not opposed to wearing socks or pants multiple times if they are still clean. De Castro also spot cleans underwear if it looks fine, while Stevenson notes how underwear historically served to absorb sweat and protect outer clothing. However, it’s essential to gauge your personal hygiene and level of activity before deciding whether to rewear underwear without washing.
When it comes to bras, De Castro believes they should be washed less frequently than pants since they don’t get as dirty. Underwired bras, in particular, last longer when washed less frequently due to the structural complexity and delicate wire. However, De Castro dispels the notion that luxury bras last longer, as her La Perla bra didn’t outlast her Victoria’s Secret bra.
Regarding gym clothes, De Castro labels athleisure as an oxymoron due to the materials used. She prefers to wear cotton and only wash it after vigorous sweating. Blackburn, on the other hand, supports polyester for its sweat-wicking properties and suggests rotating tops for different activities. For example, if he goes running, the top needs to be washed afterward, but if he attends yoga, he can wear the same top without washing.
Certain fabrics require minimal washing. Wool, for instance, is excellent at regulating heat, self-cleans, and doesn’t retain odors. Hand-washing vintage fabrics is advisable, while silk should generally not be machine-washed as it can become stiff. Hand-washing can be tedious, leading to fewer washes.
Airing clothes outside helps keep them smelling fresh as it allows volatile molecules to evaporate quickly. De Castro enjoys airing and sunbathing textiles like throws, cushions, and duvets. For clothes that smell like the night before, she hangs them in the bathroom while taking a shower and utilizes essential oils for a fragrant steam. Stevenson suggests hanging clothes in a room with airflow or using the downstairs loo, where the boiler is, to air them in winter.
Despite my initial skepticism, I decided to put these claims to the test. I hung two dresses, both made of a viscose mix, outside during intense heat, and surprisingly, they smelled as if they had just been dry cleaned at the end of the day.
As for moths, De Castro accepts that her knitwear attracts them due to keeping it dirty. She sees herself as a “biodesigner” who co-designs with moths and appreciates the beauty in clothing adorned with holes. However, for those who prefer to avoid moth damage, De Castro provides alternative tips that don’t involve washing.
In conclusion, washing your clothes less frequently offers numerous benefits. By rewiring your brain to view laundry differently, considering garment cleanliness and personal hygiene, and understanding the properties of different fabrics, you can reduce the frequency of washing without compromising freshness and durability.
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