How often to wash clothes in Singapore?

We’ve all been taught to wash our clothes to keep ourselves as well as our clothes clean and smelling fresh. But, washing your clothes too much can actually ruin them faster than they were made to last -- especially for certain fabrics! So, how often to wash your clothes in Singapore?

This general guide tells you the advised number of wearings per clothing item before you toss them into the wash.  

1. How often to wash bras?

After 2 to 3 wears

The frequency of washing bras can depend on a variety of factors, including climate, activity level, and personal hygiene preferences. In a hot and humid climate like Singapore, more frequent washing may be necessary to maintain freshness and hygiene.

Over washing will damage the elasticity and the shape of the bra. Once the shape is gone, the support of the bra is compromised. We recommend washing bras after every 2-3 wears. This helps remove sweat, oils, and bacteria that can accumulate and cause odor or skin irritation.

How to wash bras?

Hand washing is gentler on bras, helping them maintain their shape and elasticity. Use a mild detergent and cool water. If using a washing machine, place bras in a mesh laundry bag and use a delicate cycle with cold water. Finally, air dry bras to prevent damage from the heat of a dryer, which can degrade the elastic fibers.

However, for sports bras or bras worn during high-intensity activities, it’s advisable to wash them after each use to remove sweat and bacteria.

2. How often to wash underwear, socks, leggings and tights?

After every wear

While you enjoy the luxury of not having to launder your bras every day, the same rule does not apply to these clothing items. When it comes to underwear, socks, leggings, and tights, these are tight-fitting, absorb body oils and perspiration, and are close to your genital and perspiration zones resulting in lots of bacteria build up. 

How to wash underwear?

It is best to hand wash your underwear to retain its elasticity and shape - especially so if they come in delicate fabrics. Fill a basin or bucket with water. Use lukewarm water for most fabrics; cold water can be used for delicate materials like lace or silk. Use a mild detergent or one specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

Soak the underwear for about 10-15 minutes. Gently swish the items in the water to loosen dirt and oils. Rinse with clean, cool water until all the detergent is removed. Press out excess water gently without wringing the fabric, which can damage the elastic. Finally, lay flat on a towel or hang to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration of elastic.

If you’re washing your delicate underwear in your washing machine, place underwear in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from tangling and stretching. Use a mild detergent, cold water, and the delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine.

Same goes for socks and tights made from delicate fabrics.

3. How often to wash T-shirts and camisoles?

After every wear

Treat T-shirts, singlets, and camisoles like your undergarments. These clothes are body-hugging, close-fitting and thin, so they tend to absorb sweat easily. However, there’s a bit of a wiggle room; if you wear them for less than four hours (and little sweat) you can probably get away with one more wear before washing.

4. How often to wash sweaters?

After 3 wears or more

There are many variations of sweaters so it depends greatly on the type. For cotton and cashmere sweaters, you can probably wash them after three to four wears. For sweaters made of chunkier and more durable fabrics like wool and acrylic, they can go longer without washing. You can wear them up to 10 times.

5. How often to wash blouses and dresses?

After 2 to 3 wears

You can get away with two or three wears before you wash blouses and dresses if you are in a cool or air-conditioned environment most of the time because you won’t perspire heavily. Remember to check the care labels to select the correct washing or dry cleaning methods.

6. How often to wash dress pants and skirts?

After 5 wears

Clothing items like formal dress pants and skirts can be worn multiple times without washing, especially if you are wearing them in an air-conditioned office. To ensure hygiene and freshness between wears, hang dresses, pants or jackets you've just worn for at least 24 hours before wearing them again so the fibers can relax and air. This will allow fibers to rebound and wrinkles to relax.

7. How often to was jackets and blazers?

After 8 or more wears

Technically, jackets and blazers are the most low maintenance of the lot. They usually don’t touch much skin, so they don’t need constant cleaning. However, they tend to retain odors. If you wear them out to lunch or places with strong smells, it’s advisable to give it a sniff test before putting it back into your wardrobe. Apart from washing, you can also try spraying fabric fresheners. 

8. How often to wash jeans?

After 8 or more wears

When it comes to denim there’s always a huge debate on whether or not your jeans should be washed - at all! Some people believe denim jeans shouldn’t be washed frequently for several reasons, primarily related to preserving the quality, fit, and appearance of the jeans.

Washing jeans too often can break down the fibers, leading to a loss of the denim’s natural texture and structure. The agitation in washing machines can cause the fabric to wear out faster.

Raw denim, in particular, is known for molding to the wearer’s body over time, creating a personalized fit. Washing raw denim too early or too frequently can disrupt this process.

Since we live in hot and humid Singapore, as a general rule, we would recommend that you wash them after 8 wears or more.

9. How often to wash pyjamas?

After 2 to 4 wears

If you sleep in a cool air-conditioned environment, you can definitely try to maximise your pyjamas by wearing it up to a maximum of four times. However, it’s important to note that, you might sweat while you are sleeping at night and dirty pajamas can lead to skin problems like acne, so be careful about that! 

10. How often to wash white clothes?

After every wear

If you want to keep your white clothes staying white, there’s no laziness to be had. They get dirty easily and absorb perspiration that will result in yellowing. 

This list is non-exhaustive. It’s a general guide for you ladies to refer to when in doubt. But of course, as long as there are spills, stains or signs of perspiration, there’s no need to wait! Throw them into the wash as soon as possible. 

This article was first published in Her World Plus.