An expert has left many people stunned after revealing how often we should actually be washing our garments.
Dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD, FAAD, also warned of the dangers of failing to wash our clothes frequently enough.
Speaking to Brightly Eco, she says a whole host of nasty skin conditions can occur from wearing unwashed clothes - including back acne and infected hair follicles.
But with energy bills skyrocketing amid the cost of living crisis - Brits are becoming more aware of how expensive doing the laundry can be.
So, what is the best practice when it comes to washing clothes?
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"If you’re wearing something for a few hours, and not sweating, it’s probably okay to wait two-four wears before washing. Or, after a full day’s use,” says Dr Gonzalez.
“If you’re working from home, it’s probably okay to wait after three-four wears before washing your clothes...
“You should always wash undershirts, underwear, and socks after every use because these pieces of clothing are in very close contact with your skin and sweat".
However, there is one exception: bras.
Bras only have to be cleaned after three or four wears - unless you've worked out in it or sweated.
“If you wear a bra too many times without washing it, microorganisms, fungi, yeast, and bacteria begin to grow on the bra. This can cause an infection or rash, which can cause the skin to become itchy and red," the expert says.
"Oil can also grow on an unwashed bra, which can trigger an acne breakout under your breasts, or along your ribcage.”
Dr Gonzalez' post sparked debate online - with many slamming her washing suggestions.
"We're all looking around nervously about the bra one, right?" One user wrote.
Another added: "Bra: until it's stinky".
However, it's not just the frequency in which you wash your clothes that's important - getting the right temperature is also important.
According to The Hygiene Doctor, Lisa Ackerley: "With knickers and pants, anything under 60 degrees won't kill the bacteria.
"Don't put the knickers in with the tea towels on a low wash, because you might have faecal contamination in your knickers and you wouldn't want that near your kitchen."
So all those times you washed your delicates at 30ºC or 40ºC, or shoved them in with the rest of your clothes, you weren't actually getting them very clean.
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