I put together this handy dandy “How Often to Wash Things” chart. Or, as I like to call it, Laundry Frequency Chart because I found myself thinking “How often should I wash that?” I figured that many of you probably have the same questions. And I’m sure I’m not alone where I rarely wash it more often than I should, I am much more likely to put it off way too long.
You’ll notice it also matches my laundry schedule printable so that they can brighten up your laundry room by hanging together.
What Affects How Often to Wash Things?
Items that come into contact with body oils and fluids should be laundered more often than items that don’t. For example, workout clothes or underwear should be laundered more often than jeans or dress pants. All that should be washed more often than your bed spread. Our chart uses rules of thumb that work for most people. Remember that your specific circumstances might require you to wash some items more often than suggested.

Thinking Ahead!
How you will clean your home’s soft furnishing is a good thing to consider when making your purchases. Easily washable rugs, comforters and pillows will be a better value in the long run even if they cost more to purchase. You’ll be able to keep them clean and fresh for years to come whereas items that can’t be cleaned will have to be thrown away and repurchased or specially cleaned which can be expensive.
And remember, though products like Febreze can make things smell better in a pinch, it’s not actually cleaning the fabric.
Laundry Tips
- When in doubt, wash in cold. Today’s laundry detergents are formulated to work just as well in cold water AND you save money!
- If you have a front load washer, wipe the gasket between each load to cut down on mildew.
- Determine if your washing machine has a filter (it probably does) and how to clean it.
- Always clean out the lint screen between each dryer load and clean the exhaust once per year.
- Never overload your washer or your dryer. Your clothes don’t come as clean and it is hard on the machines.
- When washing large items like mattress pads, comforters or rugs, a trip to your local laundromat might be worth it to avoid wear and tear on your home machines.
Washing Your Face Mask
Using a cloth mask these days? It should be washed daily! Don’t just keep wearing it. That is not good for your airways or your skin! You can throw it in the washing machine with your regular laundry with normal laundry detergent. You can usually throw them in the dryer too. Just watch out for scented products or bleach because the smell can cause irritation.
Printing Your Laundry Frequency Chart
Print off your laundry schedule by clicking here – Printable How Often to Wash Things Chart or on the image below. You can print in color or black and white. I recommend printing on cardstock or framing the printable for hanging in your laundry room. Don’t have a printer? You can download the pdf onto a memory stick and take it into Staples or your library to print. Easy peasy (and FREE)!
