15 Reasons You Should Stop Washing These Winter Clothes

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While winter clothes keep us warm and comfortable during colder months, our laundry habits can end up doing them harm. After just a single wear, it’s tempting to just toss everything into the washer, but that doesn’t always do as much good as you might think. Winter fabrics are often delicate and need to be handled more gently in order to keep them from wearing out quickly.

Over washing winter garments is also adding to carbon footprint as the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. Let’s go over which items you shouldn’t be washing so often and why.

Wool Sweaters

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Wool sweaters are always the winners when it comes to staying fresh because wool naturally resists odors and wicks moisture. Washing them all the time, however, wears down the fibers, causing them to shrink or pill. Your wool sweater doesn’t need to be worn every day, and you can spot clean any small stains. Good airing out often does the trick to keep them smelling fresh.

Down Jackets

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Frequent washing of down jackets will damage their insulating properties. The feathers clump together over time and make the coat less effective for keeping you warm. They should be washed only once or twice a season, unless they’re visibly dirty. Use a gentle detergent formulated for down jackets, if you must clean them.

Cashmere Scarves

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Cashmere scarves are luxury items, but they need a little TLC. Washing them often can strip them of their softness and make them form fuzzballs. They should be shaken out lightly and stored flat after wearing. It doesn’t need to be washed every few months, once a season suffices.

Jeans

Who would’ve thought, but jeans (yes, even in the winter) do not require washing that often. This fabric is designed to hold up against dirt and wear, and too many washes fade it. If they feel less than fresh, freeze them for a few hours to kill bacteria. It works, yes, and it’s a great party convo starter.

Puffer Coats

Although puffer coats may look tough, their synthetic insulation is easily damaged by regular washing. Not only does this flatten the ‘puff’, but it also decreases the heat trapping ability of these particles. Most spots can be dealt with by a damp cloth, but one thorough cleaning a season is all that is needed.

Gloves

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For the most part, you should not have to machine wash most winter gloves. Many times the outer layers are water resistant and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. Specifically, leather gloves do better with an occasional conditioning, rather than soaking in soapy water.

Wool Coats

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Wool coats belong to the cold weather staples that never need to see the dry cleaner. Constant cleaning weakens the fabric. A professional cleaning at the start or end of the season is fine, but typically, a lint roller and spot treatment will do.

Knitted Hats

Knitted hats do tend to absorb sweat but don’t need to be washed weekly. They can be stretched out or lose shape if you over-wash them. They just need an occasional hand-wash for deep cleaning, and usually, spot cleaning is enough.

Fleece Garments

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There’s nothing wrong with fleece — it’s cozy — but it’s also known to shed microplastics into waterways when washed. One fleece jacket can release up to 250,000 fibers per wash, according to a Patagonia study. Washing your fleece less doesn’t only preserve it but also preserves the environment.

Silk Long Johns

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Silk long johns will last a long, long time, but they’re not so great at resisting multiple washes. Air them out after you’ve worn them and hand wash them only when necessary. They are lightweight, so they dry quickly and are low maintenance.

Thermal Socks

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Thermal socks are made to be warm and not to withstand constant cycles in the washer. Their snug fit is worn down by regular washing. Switch a few pairs around during the week so they stay fresh without killing the laundry.

Velvet Dresses

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Though synonymous with winter elegance, velvet is fragile. It can be ruined from machine washing where the fibers can be crushed. If your velvet piece needs freshening up, spot cleaning and professional care are better choices.

Leggings

Winter leggings with fleece lining are delicate and pilling-prone. Washing them too often not only thins the fabric down, but it also makes it less effective at insulating. Try airing them out if they aren’t visibly dirty.

Winter Boots With Liners

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While the liners in winter boots can be removed for a cleaning, the boots themselves rarely need a full wash. Most odors or stains can be dealt with a damp cloth and some baking soda. Cracks can occur if you over clean the material because it weakens.

Quilted Vests

Quilted vests are often treated to repel water and stains. These coatings are dissolved by regular washing, reducing their efficacy. The upkeep is usually a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.