🧼 Your Washing Machine Is Dirtier Than a Toilet: 4 Laundry Mistakes That Make Clothes Even Dirtier

How often do you wash the clothes you wear every day? And if you have babies or young children at home, hygiene becomes even more crucial.

Surprisingly, the clothes you wash daily might actually be getting dirtier instead of cleaner.

Many experts warn that although your clothes may look fine on the surface, certain items must be washed daily to prevent bacteria buildup.

Different types of clothing require different cleaning frequencies — but some items should never be worn twice.

Below is a guide to the 4 types of clothes you must wash regularly, followed by 4 critical washing machine mistakes that can make your laundry less sanitary.

👕 4 Types of Clothing You Should Never Skip Cleaning

1. Workout Clothes & Yoga Pants – Wash Daily

Activewear sits close to your skin and absorbs sweat, bacteria, and body oils.

They should be washed after every use, no exceptions. Wearing them repeatedly increases the chance of skin irritation and unpleasant odors.

2. Pajamas – Wash Regularly

Although pajamas aren’t exposed to outdoor germs, they still collect sweat, dead skin, and bacteria.

• If you shower before bed,

• Wear underwear inside your pajamas,

• And are not a heavy sweater,

you can wear pajamas for about one week.

Otherwise, they should be washed daily.

3. Socks – Never Rewear

Socks belong to the category of non-repeatable clothing.

Your shoes create a warm, enclosed space where sweat accumulates easily — a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

To maintain hygiene:

• Change socks daily

• Wash shoes and insoles once a month

4. Coats & Outerwear – Depends on Wear Frequency

Thick coats don’t require frequent washing because they rarely touch your skin.

However, if you wear the same coat every day or use it as part of daily outfits, aim to wash it every two weeks.

5. Jeans – Wash Once a Month

Frequent washing can damage denim fabric and fade color.

If your jeans aren’t stained or sweaty, washing them once a month is sufficient. Adjust based on your personal activity level and environment.

🚫 4 Washing Machine Mistakes That Make Clothes Dirtier

Even if you wash your clothing properly, the wrong washing habits can turn your laundry into a bacteria trap.

❌ Mistake 1: Overloading the Washing Machine

Stuffing too many clothes into one wash may seem efficient, but it:

• Creates heavy drum load

• Weakens the shock absorber

• Prevents water and detergent from circulating properly

If you have pets, remember to remove hair before washing to avoid clogging your machine.

❌ Mistake 2: Not Cleaning the Washing Machine

Studies show that 60% of washing machines contain E. coli bacteria.

If left uncleaned for three years, a washing machine can contain over 700,000 bacteria — 530 times more than a toilet.

To avoid this:

👉 Clean your washing machine once a month

❌ Mistake 3: Incorrect Laundry Loading Order

Experts recommend placing clothes in this sequence:

1. Heavier items first

2. Medium-weight items

3. Light clothes

4. Socks, underwear, and soft toys last

This helps stabilize the washer’s bottom weight and increases the efficiency of the agitator.

❌ Mistake 4: Closing the Washing Machine Door Immediately After Use

Never close the door right after washing.

A sealed, humid environment leads to:

• Mold growth

• Bacterial buildup

• Lingering odors

• Clothes becoming dirtier over time

👉 Always leave the washer door open to air dry.

🧽 Final Thoughts

Your washing machine plays a major role in keeping your clothes clean — but only if it’s maintained properly and used correctly.

By avoiding common mistakes and washing specific clothing items at the right frequency, you can keep both your garments and your home far cleaner and more hygienic.