Do You Wash Your Pajamas Often Enough?

In a recent poll by Mashable and Survey Monkey, over half of adults surveyed said they wear (or have worn) the same pajamas for a week before laundering them. But how often should you wash your pajamas? That’s the question I aim to answer in this post!

Some folks wash their pajamas (or whatever clothes they choose to sleep in) after wearing them once, while others will happily wear them again and again before washing them. Some of that comes down to personal preference, but the main consideration is hygiene — at what point do repeat wearings become unhygienic?

Just like your sheets and blankets, your pajamas are exposed to sweat, body oils, and even bacteria on a nightly basis. Failing to wash your pajamas frequently enough can lead to skin irritation (or worse!)

How Often Should You Wash Your Pajamas?

Experts recommend washing your pajamas at least every 3-5 wearings. However, some factors can affect the rate at which your pajamas get dirty, including your pajama-wearing habits and preferences.

How Do You Wear Your Pajamas?

• Do you shower before bed? If so, you may be able to wash them less frequently.
• Do you sweat at night? Sweaty pajamas should be washed right away.
• Do you wear underwear with your pajamas? If not, you should wash your pajamas every time you wear them.
• Do you apply lotions or oils before or while wearing your pajamas? If so, they may need to be washed more often.
• Do you eat in your pajamas, or wear them around the house during the day? The more time you spend in your pajamas, the dirtier they will likely get.

What Are Your Pajamas Made Of?

• Natural fabrics: Cotton, bamboo, silk, and other natural materials make great fabrics for pajamas due to their breathability. Some even have natural antibacterial and odor-resistant properties.
• Synthetic fabrics: Not only are synthetic fabrics less breathable than natural ones, but they attract dirt and oils rather than repelling them. Pajamas made of synthetic fabrics or fabric blends may need to be laundered more frequently.

Jillee’s Take:

To summarize, wearing pajamas about 3 times between washes strikes a good balance between hygiene and lifespan. If you want to go longer between washes, showering at night is an easy and effective option!

3 Useful Pajama Care Tips

1. If you plan to wear your pajamas again, don’t fold them (or ball them up) right after removing them. Let your pajamas air out before putting them away to help keep them fresh and odor-free.
2. Read the clothing care labels on your pajamas and wash them in the warmest water they can handle.
3. Prevent flannel pajamas from pilling by turning them inside out before laundering.

Conclusion

To prevent the buildup of dirt, dead skin, natural oils, and bacteria, aim to wash your pajamas after wearing them 2-3 times (or 3-4 times, if you shower at night, wear underwear underneath them, or wear pajamas made from natural fabrics).

How often do you wash your pajamas?