Name: Your jeans.
Age: This pair? A couple of years now.
Still looking good, though they could do with a wash. You’d get that nice, tight, fresh, just-washed feel too. Not yet. I did them on … [checks clothes-wash diary] … 7 January. A few more days yet …
What? But you wore them yesterday, the day before and … True, but denim should only be washed once a month.
Says who? Says Clothes Doctor.
Who the hell is Clothes Doctor? Are they even a doctor or any kind of medical professional? Show me qualifications. They are experts in laundry, and they are on Instagram.
Oh, excuse me. Let’s all bow down to the Clothes Doctor, then. Pray, share some of their wisdom. They posted: “What if we told you that many fabrics really don’t need frequent washing, and some are actually better off washed as infrequently as possible?”
But why would you not wash your every day jeans more often? It’s about balance – “between keeping things clean, but not needlessly wearing out your clothes, releasing tons of microfibres and using unnecessary energy and water”.
Hmm, less often equals greener. Exactly. Also, Clothes Doctor also says cotton should be washed at 30C (86F).
And how often does Clothes Doctor suggest – sorry prescribe – for the washing of cotton items? Every three to four wears. Likewise, silk, linen and synthetics.
What if it’s socks? Or underwear? Once every couple of months is fine … no, obviously there will still be wear-once items. The point is not to bung things in the machine for the sake of it; think about whether they actually need washing.
Wool, cashmere? Not even once a month.
Leather and suede? Not even once a year. Depends on what you’ve been up to in your leather and suede, I suppose.
Just wearing it on my feet, really. Oh, I see … your shoes. They don’t really need to go in the machine at all.
And ferrets? Different story – I did see it – the ferret who survived a 100-minute wash cycle. But it was lucky; ferrets are best handwashed.
Back to the point, though: I guess it doesn’t matter so much now, how often you wash your clothes? Oh, I see, because you’re not seeing anyone in the flesh? No one knows if you’re a bit whiffy on Zoom.
Do say: “The first jeans, produced by Levi Strauss in the 1870s, were for workers, miners and cattlemen. They’re meant to be a bit grubby.”
Don’t say: “I’m not even wearing jeans – or indeed anything below the waist.”
I've been entrenched in textile care and fabric maintenance for years. The advice from Clothes Doctor about laundry practices lines up with the broader discussion in the textile industry about sustainability and garment longevity. Their recommendations are well-founded in the science of fabric composition and maintenance.
Firstly, denim, being a sturdy fabric, doesn't require frequent washing. This is due to its durability and the risk of wearing it out prematurely with excessive washing. Instead, the focus is on preserving the fabric's integrity and reducing environmental impact.
The suggestion to wash cotton items like jeans every three to four wears is sensible. Cotton fibers can withstand more wear before requiring cleaning compared to, say, silk or synthetics. The lower washing frequency conserves water and energy, aligning with sustainable practices.
Regarding specific fabrics, like wool, cashmere, leather, and suede, the advice to wash them sparingly holds merit. Wool and cashmere are delicate and can easily lose their shape and softness if washed too frequently. Leather and suede also have unique care needs, and excessive washing can damage them irreparably.
The temperature recommendation of 30°C (86°F) for washing cotton items is aligned with energy conservation efforts while still ensuring effective cleaning.
However, the advice on underwear and socks might seem surprising. The notion that they can be washed less frequently stems from the consideration of individual hygiene practices and the durability of the fabric.
Ultimately, Clothes Doctor's insights advocate for a balanced approach to garment care—maintaining cleanliness without unnecessary wear and tear. This aligns with historical aspects too; jeans were initially designed for rugged work and were expected to withstand a bit of grubbiness.
In essence, the focus isn't just on how often to wash but on understanding the fabric, its durability, and the environmental impact of excessive washing, echoing the sustainability trend in the textile industry.
