People aren’t intentionally cutting corners, they’re simply stuck in the same weekly habits
One in five don’t wash their bed linen for two months – with a quarter admitting they rewear sweaty gym gear. 15% wash their towels every two weeks and wear the same underwear without a wash – with 30% re-wearing bras and 26% re-wearing socks.
Clothes are often reworn, with nearly half of people frequently re-wearing jeans (47%), jumpers (42%), and pyjamas (41%) without washing them. A third (35%) only manage to wash or change their bed sheets weekly, according to a survey by Dr. Beckmann.
The study revealed 45% of 25-34-year-olds change their bed sheets weekly, compared to just 29% of over-65s. Of those quizzed, a quarter (24%) confessed they dumped everything into the same cycle or left it in the washing machine for too long (22%), while 21% never bother to follow care labels.
Even though nearly one in four households (23%) has the washing machine running every day, 64% admit they’ve ruined clothing because of bad laundry habits. Dr. Beckmann teamed up with stylist and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon to launch the Great Laundry Reset.
Lisa said: “Most of us don’t realise how much we run our laundry routines on autopilot, waiting until something smells before washing it, squeezing in one more use of a towel or relying on bulky detergents that take up too much space in the home.
“It’s easy to fall into patterns that don’t work for our clothes or for us. As someone who lives out of a suitcase for work and relies on wardrobe staples day in day out I know how important it is to make sure to care for fabrics properly and ensure garments regularly receive a freshen up.”
Natasha Brook, Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, said: “The research shows that people aren’t intentionally cutting corners, they’re simply stuck in the same weekly habits. Our Great Laundry Reset initiative is about empowering people to make small and effective changes that keep clothes fresher for longer.
“Today’s homes need products that work harder without taking up too much space.”
She added: “There is a common misconception around laundry care, with 64% of people believing that everyday fabric conditioner can be used on items such as sportswear and towels. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Traditional fabric conditioners leave a build-up that clogs fibres, preventing them from breathing, reducing towel absorbency and, over time, trapping odours and dirt.
LISA’S TOP FIVE LAUNDRY ROUTINE RESET TIPS
Give your bedding a bi-weekly ‘fresh start’
Your bed is where you relax and recharge, so your bedding deserves the same care. Washing at 60C is recommended to kill bacteria, dust mites and allergens. However, if you wash your bedding more regularly (once a week), you can turn the temperature down to 40C, which will keep sheets fresh and help your bedroom feel like a true sanctuary.
Learn to love the care label
It doesn’t take long to check the label – one quick read can save your favourite outfit. It might only be small, but it’s mighty and it’ll tell you everything you need to know to ensure your fabrics stay looking their best – especially knits and delicates.
Don’t overload or add too much detergent or fabric conditioner
Your machine can only handle so much, so don’t fill it to the brim with clothes and detergent. More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In some instances, it can leave behind residue that makes the fabrics feel stiff. Likewise, too much conditioner can damage fabrics over time. Using Dr. Beckmann’s pre-dosed Laundry Sheets ensures you’re sticking to the recommended measures and allows your clothes space to breathe.
Low-temperature = high impact
Most of the clothes in your wardrobe come out smelling fresh and beautifully clean at 30°C or less. It’s also gentler on fabrics helping clothes last longer while being kind to the planet. Save hotter washes for bedding and towels.
TLC on towels and sportswear
These items collect bacteria, not just water. Wash regularly and with products designed to protect absorbency, breathability and performance.
