How often should I Kair for it?
One of the questions we get asked the most is how often different items need washing, so we’re here to set the record straight and level-up your laundry knowledge. From wardrobe staples to activewear to delicates to bedding, we’ve got you covered.
Denim: once a month
There’s more than one benefit to washing denim pieces as infrequently as possible: monthly washes not only lengthen the life of your denim, but also reduce your carbon footprint. It’s about finding the balance between keeping your clothes clean without needlessly wasting energy and water. For more handy tips and tricks on looking after these pieces, check out our guide to more durable denim on The Laundry List.
Activewear – activity level dependent
Depending on the level of sweat your workout produces, it may not always need a wash. Some gentle hatha yoga, for example, won’t leave you as drenched as a vigorous HIIT session. Even if you aren’t washing straight away, we recommend always rinsing out your activewear after a workout to remove any lingering sweat and then hang to dry. The only exception to the level or sweat rule is sports bras, which need to be washed after every wear: the skin underneath our breasts is prone to yeast infections, so make sure you’re not spreading harmful bacteria around this sensitive area.
Knits – less than once a month
To maximise their lifespan, delicate fabrics such as cashmere and wool should be washed no more than once a month. These precious pieces are made from self-regulating fibres, which don’t need to be laundered as often as other materials. So, if you can, try to avoid washing after every wear. If there’s a stain, consider spot treating the area in lieu of a full cycle.
Bras/Bralettes – every two to three wears
Unless you’ve worked up a sweat or you’ve been wearing body moisturisers and oils, your bras and bralettes don’t need to be washed after every wear: too-frequent washes can in fact be more damaging to the fibres. You can keep your bras fresh between wears by hanging them somewhere with good ventilation. But don’t be afraid to follow your intuition when it comes to these pieces. If you feel you need to wash or change sooner, do so!
Bedding – at least once a week
In the interests of optimum hygiene and freshness, we recommend laundering your bedding at least once a week. Clean bedding – especially pillows – not only makes for healthy skin, but also that fresh-sheet feeling which makes falling asleep oh-so-breezy.
Towels – every three to four uses
Bath towels - especially those doubling as hand towels - should be washed every three to four uses, which translates to around twice a week. Even though you don’t wear them, frequent washes are essential: towels not only come into close contact with your body, but also absorb oil, dirt, sweat and makeup, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Tea towels – every other day
It may sound like a lot, but not when you think about how many times your tea towels get used each day, and how much dirt and grime they’re exposed to. Plus, even if you hang them up to dry, they rarely dry fully between uses. So keep on top of washing and changing your tea towels to ensure that they remain germ-free.
Throws/Blankets – every three months
If you’re using your throws and blankets more for decorative than functional purposes, then you can comfortably go a few months between washes. But if you’re more often using them to keep snug on a chilly evening, we recommend washing bi-weekly. Either way, keep these pieces fresh between washes with a comforting burst of our Finishing Spray, which brings us to a final important point: above all other things, when your laundry day comes around, don’t forget to use the right Kair for every wash. Visit our online shop to discover our selection of expert clothing care for every item in your wardrobe.
