How much pleasure it is to come home and automatically put on comfortable clothes after the workday. Or wearing this type of clothing during the day with teleworking, a practice that came with the pandemic and that has partially remained in many companies. Or that the long-awaited weekend arrives and you decide to spend it enjoying the warmth of home.
However, we may not be clear about how often to wash these clothes, unlike the ones we use to go out.
In our house we also share space with bacteria, germs and dead cells, which we do not usually take into account as much as the dirt that comes from outside. Taking care of the hygiene of these garments is important since the home can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mites.
On the other hand, you have to maintain a balance when washing household clothes. If we do it too frequently it can shorten the life of the garment. Frequent washing can cause more delicate items to wear out more quickly.
Environmental conservation must also be taken into account, because with each wash, millions of plastic microparticles are released into the oceans as they cannot be filtered in water treatment plants. Furthermore, if we wash taking this into account, we can save this precious liquid.
It is not necessary to wash each piece of clothing with each wear, but we must be aware of the ideal frequency of washing each type of garment.
What should be done with any garment, including those we use at home, is to wash them before the first time we wear them to remove any dirt that has accumulated during transportation, storage, and handling in the store.
Another tip is not to overload the washing machine since doing larger and less frequent loads can reduce the amount of time you spend looking at the washing machine, but the clothes may not end up as clean.
Pajamas
The quintessential homemade garment. When we sleep we get rid of dead skin, so we must keep in mind that bacteria accumulates in our pajamas. The ideal frequency for washing pajamas is every three or four days, that is, an average of twice a week. In this way, we will ensure that good hygiene is maintained.
People who have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should be more aware of this issue.
In summer, the nights become hot and humid and you may sweat more. In that case, you will probably need to wash your cotton nightgowns more often to ensure that the moisture accumulated in your sleepwear does not return to your body. In this case, daily washing may be necessary, like other clothes.
The fabric of the pajamas must be taken into account when washing. For example, if they are made of flannel, they stay in good condition longer if you wash them inside out, while those made of silk should be washed by hand.
Coat
Another item of clothing that we wear at home is the robe. This item of clothing helps us not get cold in winter and, at the same time, protects the clothes we wear underneath. Some of them can also have a very pleasant feel and now there are all kinds of designs that allow us to find the ideal one for us.
Just because it is a piece of clothing that we use on top of others and does not have direct contact with our skin, its washing frequency decreases. This frequency also depends on whether it is used to simply be at home or if we put them on with the exclusive objective of cleaning the house. In the first case it could be washed every fifteen days, while in the second it should go directly into the washing machine bucket.
Track-suit
Another useful and comfortable garment to wear at home is the tracksuit. Normally, sports clothing should be washed after an intensive exercise session where you have sweated a lot. But in the case of using it as a home garment, the washing rate can be equivalent to that of pajamas and put it in the washing machine after using it for two or three days.
House slippers or Nordic socks
How often you should wash your slippers depends on how you use them at home. In general, it is recommended to wash them at least once a month to keep them clean and free of bacteria.
If you use them every day or in high humidity conditions, you can wash them every two weeks. Maintaining a regular cleaning routine helps prolong the life of your slippers or Nordic socks and maintain a healthy environment at home.
When it comes to washing them, the washing machine is an efficient method that allows us to clean several slippers or Nordic socks at the same time. In addition, the washing machine guarantees a deep cleaning, eliminating both dirt and bacteria. If hand washing is indicated, it is important to keep in mind to use a soft brush, rinse them with cold water and let them air dry.
If the slippers smell bad, you can sprinkle baking soda on them and let them sit overnight. Baking soda is great for absorbing odors and killing bacteria. You have to shake it before using them again.
Recommendations
We remind you of a series of recommendations when washing these pieces of clothing. As with any other garment, it is important to separate dark colors from light ones to prevent them from fading and staining your clothes. You must also check the label to verify the specific washing conditions of each garment and, thus, avoid damaging the fibers of the fabric.
On the other hand, it is recommended to use a mild detergent to maintain the comfort of your home clothes and, on the other hand, not to use fabric softener as it can reduce the fabric’s ability to absorb moisture and, incidentally, its ability to maintain dry and fresh skin.
Finally, to maintain the freshness and comfort of the pajamas, it is best to dry them in a dryer at a low temperature or directly in the open air, which is the best option.
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