Things You Should Wash Weekly

This guide provides a clear, practical overview of "Things You Should Wash Weekly". It organizes the most useful details, explains important considerations, and highlights the steps or choices that matter most.

Not washing these items weekly cannot only cause odors—they can also potentially cause skin irritation or bacterial infections. And all that accumulated dirt can take a toll on your fabrics, too. ' Washing your fabrics regularly will prolong their life by preventing dirt and odor buildup ,' says Kim Romine, a P&G fabric care scientist.

Towel

Since you only use a bath towel to dry yourself off after a shower, many people assume that they can keep using that towel for a while. But Romine says to wash them at least once a week. " Bath towels are used to dry yourself off, and they can quickly accumulate excess oil, dead skin cells, and other dirt. You should wash them after two to three uses. "

There's another potential problem with towels—especially if they're left in a pile on the floor, rather than hung up to dry. Towels stay damp and can harbor bacteria and mold.

Pet Bed

Pets shed hair and dead skin cells all over their beds—and leaving them there until you smell the dog (or cat) odor can leave them (or any sensitive people in your home!) vulnerable to allergies—or even skin infections for the poor little guy.

Bed sheets and pillowcases

You can try extending this schedule to every two weeks, but laundry experts agree that you need to change your sheets at least once a week in the summer or if you sweat at night.

These items should be washed weekly because they come into direct contact with our bodies and accumulate oils, dead skin cells, bacteria, and moisture. Bed sheets and pillowcases accumulate sweat and oils from skin and hair overnight."

Of course, if you have a particularly sweaty night during the hot summer months, you should wash your pillowcases immediately.

Blanket

Whether it's a living room throw or a throw that you use in place of a bedspread, weekly washing is essential, as food crumbs, body oils, pet hair, and other contaminants can build up. You can extend the washing time if your sofa throw is usually just folded over the armrest, but otherwise, wash it weekly.

Bathroom rugs

It may seem like something you rarely use, but bathroom rugs are prone to getting damp. And that makes them a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Washing them weekly helps prevent bacterial growth.

Casual clothes

While underwear and athletic wear should be washed after every wear, some items can go a few wears before needing a wash. Experts recommend washing shirts and blouses after one to two wears, and dress shirts after two to three wears—unless they're visibly soiled.

Bra

Bras need to be washed after two to three wears—this means they may need to be washed weekly, depending on how often you wear them.