Winter staple Aussies aren't cleaning enough: 'Do every two to three weeks'

Yahoo

3 days ago

When winter hits, there are a few things that we instinctively reach for. A thicker doona, cosy flannel PJs and furry slippers, for starters. For many Aussies, the advent of chilly weather also means that another essential is never far away and that it is the humble Oodie.
These oversized blanket/hoodie combos have become a trusty crutch through winter, but there is one little issue that often gets overlooked. Given that the Oodie is something you eat in, sleep in, and even traipse to the supermarket in, how regularly are you washing these comfy wardrobe staples?
As CEO and Founder of The Laundry Lady, Susan Toft is a laundry expert with gold standard advice on how to get anything clean. Appearing on Shark Tank in 2023, she told shark and Oodie founder Davie Fogarty that her business often washes Oodies, so she knows her stuff!
Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Susan breaks down how often you should wash your Oodie and the laundry no-nos you should avoid when doing so.
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According to Susan, the first trick is temperature and cycle.
'Use cold water on a gentle cycle. You can use a warm wash up to 40 degrees, but can get just as good results with a cold wash,' Susan tells us. 'The delicate fibres in your Oodie don't need aggressive washing. Think of it like washing a favourite woolly jumper.'
She also advises washing your Oodie by itself because it's a big, bulky item that will nearly fill most domestic washing machines. If you're going to the trouble of washing it, you might as well give it the best chance of getting really clean!
'You also want to avoid washing it with items that have zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could snag the fabric,' she adds.
In terms of detergent, Susan recommends a laundry liquid.
'Opt for ones that are approved for wool or silk. A small amount goes a long way. Too much detergent can leave residue that makes the fabric feel stiff,' she says.
Interestingly, she also suggested skipping the fabric softener. 'It can actually coat the fibres and reduce their natural softness over time. The fabric is designed to be soft without additives,' she explains.
Half the items in my closet tell me I should handwash them (but I rarely do), and the idea of wringing out a soaking wet Oodie in the sink does NOT appeal. Still, Susan says, if you really want to preserve your Oodie's cuddly texture, it's the best way.
'Hand wash in cold water using a large laundry tub, bucket, or even a strucket. This bulky item needs room to move freely in the water, but due to size, this option may not be possible for everyone,' she says.
It goes without saying that the tumble dryer is a no no. The heat can damage the fibres and cause shrinkage so the expert advice is to air dry.
'Lay it flat on a clean towel or hang it up...away from direct sunlight,' Susan tells us.
Given this process doesn't actually seem as arduous as expected, it's now for the big question of how often you should do it? The answer might surprise you.
'If you're wearing your Oodie regularly, while snuggling up on the couch aim to wash it every 2-3 weeks, or when you notice it's lost that fresh smell,' Susan says. 'Unlike regular clothing, Oodies don't need frequent washing because it's worn over other articles of clothing rather than directly on the skin. You can stretch that 2-3 weeks longer if you're not wearing it every day.'
Of course if you take your trusty Oodie out and about...camping or are just regularly wearing it outside you might want to throw it in the weekly wash.
Along with the Oodie there are other cosy comforts dragged out of storage to make winter more palatable. The kids and the dog are usually the biggest fans of snuggling up in a blanket or throw but again, how much thought do we put into making sure they aren't also cuddling up to an army of bugs and germs in there?
'Heavy blankets and throws are often sent to the too hard basket, but they need regular attention, especially in homes with children or pets,' Susan says.
She advises that in a pet and kid-free home, 2-3 months between washes is ok but add some furry friends to the mix and she ups the washing frequency to monthly—or more if they sleep on them.
'With young kids [wash] every 3-4 weeks because spills and accidents happen,' she says. "Plus, if there's sickness in the house and kids have been sniffing and sneezing on the lounge it's a good idea to do an extra wash afterwards."
The first thing to do is check weight limits on your machine, as many heavy blankets exceed standard capacity. If it's ok, then pre-treat any stains before washing, and Susan advises using cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent shrinkage.
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'Air dry when possible,' she adds. 'The weight when wet can damage your dryer.'
If the thought of washing your heavy blankets makes you want to hide under them instead, she suggests using a professional laundry service.
'Some items are simply too bulky, delicate, or time-consuming to tackle at home,' she says.