What happens if you don't wash your jeans for a month, according to experts

Not whitening them often enough could be dangerous for your health.


My teenager and I have developed a good system to share a pair of jeans that we both love: when they are freshly out of the dryer, she wears them several times, until they stretch. Then she hands them to me and I wear them until she wants them again, when I throw them into the laundry And they shrink to adapt it perfectly.

This routine means that these jeans will At least a week between washing , and generally more like a month. Of course, we hang them up to broadcast when they are not worn, but sometimes I wonder if we should wash them more often. Could we put our health in danger by wearing dirty jeans? How often are you supposed to wash your jeans anyway?

Read the rest to find out what three doctors told me when I asked the question: what's going on if you don't wash your jeans for a month?

Read this then: Half of single men only wash it every 4 months, new research reveals .

Your jeans become a reproductive ground for bacteria.

Dirty jeans on floor
Jarupan Art / Shutterstock

"If you don't wash your jeans for a month, it can have negative effects on your health," said dermatologist Wendy Long Mitchel , MD, health advisor for Gryt . "Jeans are often worn for long periods, and during this time, perspiration, bacteria and dead skin cells can accumulate on the fabric. This can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi", she explains. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Dirty clothes make an excellent reproductive ground for bacteria and germs," accepts Noor hanif said , MBBS, a dermatologist in the United Kingdom and certified in the United Kingdom and the Renaissance dermatology medical director .

Mitchell says that this accumulation of bacteria can have "negative effects on your skin", including irritation and itching. And that's not all…

You will be more vulnerable to infections and allergic reactions.

person scratching their itchy leg
Kittima05 / Shutterstock

Bacteria and mushrooms living on dirty denim can cause more serious symptoms than itching, explains Mitchel, who notes that "skin infections, rashes and even respiratory problems if they are inhaled", are all concerns valid.

Wearing dirty clothes puts you in danger skin infections , which can be painful and embarrassing, "said Mitchel Better life . "In addition, if you have pre -existing skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, wearing dirty clothes can exacerbate them."

Hanif stresses that If you have allergies , you must be even more vigilant about the whitening of your clothes. "Allergens can also accumulate on unwashed clothes. Such allergens can irritate the skin, cause itching or even allergic reactions, especially for those who have sensitive skin."

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Always wash new jeans before wearing them too.

security tags on jeans
ArtBackground / Shutterstock

I am generally so excited to wear a new pair of cute jeans that I remove the label and remove them directly. But Hanif specifically advises this.

"Allergic reactions can come not only from Dirty clothes and reimbursed , but new unwashed clothes too, "he warns." Manufacturing processes often contain formaldehyde, which can trigger allergic reactions in some. ""

Even if you have no allergies, Hanif says it's a good idea to wash new jeans before going out in town. "As new clothes are not necessarily clean, I would recommend washing them before wearing them," he said.

Read this then: The only thing you should never put in your washing machine, experts warn .

Here are how long the experts say to go between the loads of detergent.

Washing jeans in machine
Dropout

Although it is important to wash your jeans quite often to keep bacteria, mushrooms and allergens remotely, that does not mean to whiten them after each wear. In fact, clothing experts urge us to wear our jeans as long as possible Between washing. "We recommend that you wash after about 10 usals - or each time the jeans feel that they are stingy or unpleasant," Gwen Whiting And Lindsey Boyd , co-founders of The whiteness , said Really simple .

However, doctors have another catch. "As a health care provider and a mom , I recommend washing your clothes at least once a week to avoid the accumulation of harmful bacteria, mold and mushrooms, "said family doctor certified by the board of directors Laura Purdy , Md. "For those suffering from sensitive skin or allergies, it is important to use gentle and scent-free detergents and softeners," she said Better life .

Hanif adds that the frequency you need to wash your jeans depends on your activity level. "If you have been sedentary enough, carrying them several times between washing is generally good. However, if You have sweated Or if the jeans have visibly become dirty or smelly, it's a good idea to wash them. ""

And with regard to the Jeans exchange routine my daughter and I, Mitchel offers this advice: "For teenagers specifically, it is important to understand the health problems associated with not washing clothes regularly. Adolescent, your body Cross many changes, and it is important to take care of your skin and overall health to avoid complications. "

Excuse me while I'm going to start a laundry charge ...

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. If you have health questions or concerns, always consult your health care provider directly.


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