How often should you wash jeans? Bolton AO experts issue warning

AO.com experts have warned that Brits’ bad laundry habits are not only affecting how clothes look and feel, but also shortening their lifespan – meaning they could end up paying as much as £275 a year replacing their favourite items.

The Bolton-based online electrics online retailer, which has its own laundry advice hub, conducted a survey of 3,000 Brits, which revealed that many still use outdated laundry habits – and are washing their favourite items more than they need to. 

Jeans were revealed as the most overwashed item, with 8 in 10 Brits (79%) saying they wash their jeans too often, despite guidance suggesting jeans can be worn up to 10 times before needing a wash. 

Hoodies were also identified as an overwashed item, with two thirds of Brits (65%) admitting they wash this beloved staple more often than the recommended 7 wears, and half of Brits (51%) are washing jumpers more frequently than needed. 

However, whilst Brits have an over-washing tendency in general that is damaging their favourite items, the survey also revealed some interesting guilty habits. 

A third of Brits (35%) admit to rewearing socks, despite guidance stating these should be washed after one wear, and a quarter of Brits admit they wear underwear items like briefs and knickers more than once. 

The top five clothing items Brits are washing wrong – and cost them over £275 a year to replace:

1. Jeans – 79% of Brits are washing them too often, despite being wearable up to 10 times before needing a wash. With jeans costing £40–£80+ on average, this is one of the most costly items to replace if damaged in the wash.
2. Hoodies – 65% of people are washing them too often, even though they can usually be worn 6-7 times unless visibly dirty. Hoodie prices typically range from £30-80, so it’s important not to overwash this item.
3. Jumpers – Half of Brits (51%) wash them too frequently, despite getting around five wears out of them when layered over other clothing. Overwashing your favourite jumpers and knits could cost you from £25-75 to replace based on highstreet prices.
4. Socks – 35% of Brits admit to wearing them more than once, even though guidance suggests they should be washed after every use. Whilst socks are on the cheaper end of wardrobe staples, a new multipack could cost £5-15 to replace damaged items.
5. Underwear – A quarter (24%) of Brits say they wear their briefs and knickers more than once, despite guidance suggesting these should be changed daily. Multipacks for underwear can range from £10-30, meaning this staple can easily wrack up costs if it’s damaged during the wash. 

Gwil Snook, Washing Machine Expert at AO.com, says that laundry behaviours are often based on assumptions rather than expert guidance.

“People tend to stick to the routines they’re used to, but a lot of the time those habits don’t match how clothes are designed to be cared for, or how washing machines are designed to help you get the most out of your clothes,” Gwil explains.

“Jeans are one of the most commonly overwashed items, as people think that washing them regularly will help the denim to stay structured. In reality, they don’t need frequent washing, and wearing them multiple times actually helps preserve their shape and colour.”

“Jumpers are really easy to overwash, as people often think they’re the same as t-shirts and should be washed after 1-2 wears. But actually, if you’ve got a layer on underneath, then they can be worn for up to 5 wears. That makes a big difference in keeping them in good condition.”

“The same goes for hoodies: unless a hoodie is stained or starting to smell, it doesn’t need to go straight in the wash. Washing it too often just puts unnecessary stress on the fabric.”

“Socks are different, they should always be washed after one wear. They’re in constant contact with sweat, so rewearing them isn’t recommended from a hygiene point of view.”

Gwil added that incorrect laundry habits can also affect washing machines, stating: “Washing machines work by gently aggravating the fabric of your clothes, and different settings do this at different levels. So washing items more than you need to, or even worse on the wrong settings, can easily reduce the lifespan of clothing by weakening fibres and fading colours. Underwashing on the other hand can create hygiene issues, so it’s really important to get the balance right to help both your clothes and your machine to last longer and avoid unnecessary washing.

(Image: Tom Molloy)

“Running unnecessary cycles or using the wrong settings can lead to a build-up of detergent and residue inside the machine.

“Over time, that can create conditions where bacteria and mould develop.”

He advises checking care labels, avoiding unnecessary washes and using appropriate settings for different fabrics.