LAUNDRY routines appear straight forward – you simply wear then wash.

But you could be throwing items in the machine more often than you need too, according to an expert.

Laundry expert Lulu O’Connor says some items can be worn dozens of times before washing

1

Laundry expert Lulu O’Connor says some items can be worn dozens of times before washing

At around 41p per wash, an unnecessary spin could be adding to your bills – and even more if you use a tumble dryer too.

This cost per load is based on the average washing machine using 0.79kWh of electricity per cycle, according to inthewash.co.uk.

With energy costing 34p per kWh under the price cap, you pay around 27p per cycle for electricity, plus around 14p for water.

Lulu O’Connor is the founder of the Clothes Doctor, a firm which specialises in eco-friendly detergents and products.

Deals expert shares little-known trick to get up to 75% off groceries
Four ways to get free or cheap white goods including air fryers and fridges

She told The Sun: “These days it is so easy to bung everything in the washing machine, with a lot of households doing daily, or even twice-daily washes.

“Many of us could cut down on a couple of loads a week by wearing our clothes a bit more.

“Obviously if items have food or dirt on them, or smell as though they need a good refresh, you should wash them. But only when they get to this point.”

Lulu says most fabrics are actually better off washed as infrequently as possible as this reduces bobbling, thinning and colour fading.

Most read in Money

As well as saving money on a wash it could mean your clothes last longer too, says the laundry whizz.

“Cutting down by a couple of loads a week can help save money on your energy bills,” says Lulu.

There’s also a benefit to the environment, as over-washed clothes can release damaging fibres.

So just how many times can you wear your clothes before putting them through the wash?

Lulu explains how long you can wait between washing different items.

Of course the exact amount you can save will depend on how regularly you wash clothes now, how many loads you do, and how much you can cut back.

Pants

According to Lulu, your underwear is one of the few items you have to launder after every wear.

She said: “I’d also suggest the same for socks, as they can get dirty quickly.”

Bras

Slightly different rules apply to your bra.

“Even though bras are an under-garment, they are definitely not on the same level as your pants,” said Lulu.

“Since a bra only touches your skin, it doesn’t get as smelly or dirty, so you can wash them less often.

“I’d recommend only washing your bra every seven wears.”

Jeans

The frequency with which you should wash your denim is a hotly-debated issue.

Mum-of-two, Lindsay Edwards, caused a stir recently when she suggested that people could save on their energy bills by only washing their jeans every six weeks.

Lulu takes a similar view, and recommends washing jeans around every 15-30 wears.

“Washing will fade the colour over time, and cause the fabric to thin,” she said.

“I’d recommend washing denim as little as possible to keep it in good nick.

“If you like to wash jeans to shrink them back into shape, try steaming them instead. This should do the trick, and will protect the fabric long-term.”

T-shirts

Lulu suggests not going more than four or five wears without throwing your t-shirts in the wash.

“Obviously this depends on what you’re doing while wearing them,” she said.

“If they get a bit mucky, or smell as if they need a wash, I would launder them more frequently.”

Dresses

According to Lulu, you should only look to wash your dresses around every four to six wears.

Jumpers

While you might like the idea of throwing on a fresh jumper, you really don’t have to wash your woollens that often.

Lulu said: “My advice is to only wash jumpers between every 10 to 20 wears.”

How to make clothes last longer

There are plenty more simple things you can do to make your clothes last longer.

“A really easy way to cut out a few washes is to firstly, use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or marks,” she said.

“Then, to keep clothes smelling fresh, use a deodorising clothing spritz.

“This product contains a cleaning agent which acts like a dry shampoo for your clothes, and will make them smell as though they have just come out of the wash.”

Fabric freshener sprays can be picked up from as little as a few pounds, but be sure to check the instructions carefully and suitability on different fabrics.

“You could try popping special items, such as those made from silk, in a laundry bag when washing them,” said Lulu. “This provides more protection.”

She also recommends taking steps to protect your clothes from moths.

“Start by storing items in a clean, uncluttered wardrobe, with natural moth deterrent scent bags,” said Lulu.

“If you are putting your woolly jumpers away for the summer, store them folded in a cotton or linen bag, as this will help prevent any moth attacks.”

Don’t run your washing machine half full

Tempting as it may be to start the load before the machine is full, try to resist this.

“You may be yearning to get your hands on your favourite piece of clothing,” said Lulu.

“But waiting until the appliance is almost at full capacity will help you save energy, detergent and time.”

If you need to wash a garment urgently, think about hand-washing it. This may be more energy-efficient.

Lulu also suggests washing clothes at lower temperatures.

“If you combine this with an effective low-temperature detergent, you can still get rid of stains,” she said.

“Doing your laundry at 30C rather than a higher temperature will save you both energy and money.”

According to Which?, making the small adjustment to a 30C wash could cut £29 off your annual bills.

Lulu recommends ditching the tumble dryer, too, as this is a really energy-guzzling appliance.

Major change to benefits from today and thousands can get up to £10,000
I’m a taxi driver who handed back £570 I found in car - but reward blew my mind

Research by Which? reveals a tumble dryer costs the average household a huge £140 a year.

“Switch to other drying methods to save cash,” said Lulu. “Alternatives such as a heated towel rail or airer are much cheaper and more energy-efficient.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

You May Also Like

McDonald’s is launching TWO new McFlurry flavours – but fans are going wild for another Halloween menu sweet treat

MCDONALD’S is launching TWO new McFlurry flavours – but fans are going…

NY bin collection & holiday rules explained – ignore them & it could cost you £400

BIN collection times and holidays rules are now out for the New…

Pensioner locked in £100k 20-year fight with her neighbours over fence ‘that crossed into her property’

A WIDOW has been locked in a fight with her neighbours for…

I saved £72 a year on my broadband and TV bill just by asking – how you can too

MILLIONS of broadband and TV customers can save can slash their bills…