Leggings, Water Pollution: How Often Should You Wash?

Polyester leggings are a popular choice for many, whether for working out or lounging. However, the question of how often to wash them sparks a debate between maintaining optimal fabric care and the environmental impact of frequent washing. While not washing polyester leggings enough can lead to odour, bacteria growth, and skin irritation, it is essential to consider that washing synthetic leggings contributes to water pollution through the release of microplastic fibres. This raises concerns about the optimal washing frequency for polyester leggings to balance personal hygiene and environmental sustainability.

How often to wash polyester leggings

• Wash leggings immediately after a workout
• Wash sweaty leggings
• Light use, such as lounging, can be worn 2-3 times before washing
• If you have sensitive skin or dermatological conditions, change more frequently to avoid irritation caused by sweat
• Wash after 3-4 wears if used as pyjamas

Fibers water pollution

Washing polyester leggings releases microplastics into water systems, which is a major contributor to plastic pollution

While it's important to wash polyester leggings regularly to prevent odour build-up, bacteria growth, and skin irritation, doing so contributes to water pollution. Washing polyester releases microplastics into water systems, which is a major environmental concern.

Polyester is a synthetic fibre, and during the washing process, these synthetic textiles can release microplastics into the water. A single garment can release more than 1900 microplastic fibres per wash cycle, with almost all garments emitting more than 100 fibres per litre of wastewater. These microplastics are then discharged into water streams, contributing to water pollution.

The issue of microplastic pollution from laundry is not new. A study published ten years ago already pointed to laundry as a significant source of plastic pollution in the oceans. Today, scientists estimate that textiles produce 35% of the microplastic pollution in the world's oceans, making them the largest known source of marine microplastic pollution. This pollution has severe consequences for marine life and ecosystems, as microplastics move up the marine food chain and are taken up into crops through soil.

To minimise the environmental impact of washing polyester leggings, individuals can use microplastic-filtering products like the Guppyfriend laundry bag or the Cora Ball. These products are designed to catch microplastics shed during washing, reducing the amount that ends up in water systems. While these solutions do not solve the global problem of microplastic pollution, they can help raise awareness and reduce pollution on an individual scale.

Additionally, consumers can make conscious choices when purchasing leggings to minimise their environmental impact. Opting for natural fibres like cotton, silk, or wool can be a more sustainable alternative, as these fibres tend to absorb less sweat, resulting in less frequent washing. By being mindful of the environmental consequences of polyester leggings, individuals can make informed decisions about their laundry routines and purchasing choices to reduce their contribution to water pollution.

The use of tumble dryers can damage the fabric of polyester leggings

The use of tumble dryers can indeed damage the fabric of polyester leggings. Polyester is a synthetic material, and subjecting it to high heat can break down its fibres and cause damage to the garment. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using high heat when drying polyester leggings. Instead, use the tumble dry setting on your dryer, which uses low heat.

To prevent damage to your polyester leggings, it is also important to consider the washing process. Before washing, always check the care label on your leggings and follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Separate your polyester leggings from other fabrics and launder them separately using a normal wash cycle and warm or cold water. Avoid washing polyester leggings in hot water, as this can cause shrinkage and fibre breakdown.

Additionally, there are several other measures you can take to maintain the fabric of your polyester leggings. Pretreat any stains, fasten any zippers or buttons, and turn the leggings inside out before washing. Avoid overloading the washing machine, and always use the correct type and amount of detergent.

By following these guidelines for both washing and drying, you can help prevent damage to the fabric of your polyester leggings caused by the use of tumble dryers and other factors.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the production, consumption, and disposal of polyester textiles have significant environmental impacts, including water pollution. The dyeing and finishing step of polyester fabric production is particularly harmful, contributing to climate change, water withdrawal, resource depletion, ecosystem degradation, and adverse effects on human health. Additionally, the washing of polyester fabrics releases microplastic fibres into the water, which eventually end up in our oceans, contributing to marine pollution and harming ecosystems, animals, and people.

Polyester leggings should be washed inside out, in cold water, and on a gentle cycle to maintain their colour and shape

To prevent odour and fabric breakdown, it is important to wash your polyester leggings regularly. However, each time you wash your polyester leggings, millions of microplastic fibres are released into the water, which eventually end up in our oceans, contributing to plastic pollution. To minimise this, use a microplastic-filtering laundry bag, such as the Guppyfriend, which is designed to catch the microfibres shed during washing.

To maintain the colour and shape of your polyester leggings, it is recommended that you wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle. This is because polyester is prone to snagging and pilling, and hot water can break down the fibres, causing damage over time.

Before washing your polyester leggings, check the care label for any special instructions and pre-treat stains with a stain remover. When it's time to wash, turn the leggings inside out and select the "gentle" or "delicate" cycle option on your washing machine. Use cold or warm water, as specified on the care label, and add your regular detergent and fabric softener.

Wash your polyester leggings with like colours and fabrics, keeping them separate from other items with zippers, buttons, or hooks that could cause damage. To prevent bacteria and odours from building up, wash your leggings after every use, especially if you've been exercising in them. If laundry day is still a few days away, rinse your leggings with plain water and let them air dry before putting them in the hamper.

The presence of bacteria and odour build-up on leggings can cause skin irritation

Wearing leggings can cause friction on the skin, leading to chafing, which in turn contributes to skin irritation, including cracks on the outer layer of skin, a lack of hydration, and inflammation. This can be treated by removing the leggings, moisturising, and allowing the skin to recover.

Bacterial and fungal infections can also occur as a result of wearing leggings, with bacterial infections causing folliculitis, and fungal infections leading to ringworm or jock itch. These infections present as red, scaly, and itchy rashes, and can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or prescription medication for more severe cases.

Yeast infections are another common issue associated with wearing leggings, as yeast thrives in warm and moist environments. Symptoms of a yeast infection include vaginal itching, unusual discharge, and a fishy odour. It is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of yeast infections, as they can be mistaken for bacterial vaginosis (BV) or other infections.

To prevent skin irritation and infections, it is recommended to maintain good legging hygiene, including regular washing, showering after working out, and changing out of sweaty leggings. Additionally, moisturising before wearing leggings can help reduce skin irritation and the occurrence of dry skin.

When washing polyester leggings, it is important to follow the care instructions on the label. Pretreating stains and separating colours can help maintain the quality of the leggings. Polyester is durable and can be washed in a washing machine, but it is recommended to use cool or cold water and a gentle wash cycle to prevent shrinkage, fading, and fibre damage.

To address the issue of microfiber pollution caused by washing polyester leggings, individuals can consider using products like the Guppyfriend laundry bag or the Cora Ball, which claim to reduce the release of microplastics into wastewater. While these products may not completely solve the global problem of microplastic pollution, they can help raise awareness and reduce individual wastewater pollution.

The longevity of polyester leggings can be preserved by using mild detergents with less aggressive washing agents

It is important to avoid harsh chemicals such as optical brighteners and fabric softeners, as they can reduce the effectiveness of polyester leggings. Optical brighteners, for instance, are compounds that stick to the fabric and make it appear whiter, but they have been associated with potential toxicity concerns. Fabric softeners can leave a residue that affects the breathability and moisture-wicking abilities of the leggings. Therefore, it is recommended to use detergents specifically designed for synthetic fabrics, such as ACTIVE Detergent, which can clean and maintain the properties of technical fabrics like polyester.

The delicate wash cycle or hand washing is ideal for polyester leggings as it protects them from the stress and damage caused by more aggressive cycles. Cold water is also recommended as it helps prevent shrinkage, colour fading, and wrinkling. Additionally, air-drying leggings on a flat surface is preferable to using a tumble dryer, as high heat can reduce the moisture-wicking ability and damage the fabric.

Washing polyester leggings can contribute to water pollution as they release microplastic fibres into the water supply, which eventually reach the oceans. These microfibers, which are less than 5 millimetres in length, add to the microplastic pollution in the marine environment and can be ingested by marine wildlife, potentially impacting their health. To minimise this environmental impact, the use of microplastic-filtering laundry bags, such as the Guppyfriend, is recommended to catch the microfibers and prevent them from entering water systems.

Overall, by using mild detergents with less aggressive washing agents, avoiding harsh chemicals, opting for gentle wash cycles and cold water, and air-drying the leggings, individuals can effectively preserve the longevity of their polyester leggings while also reducing their environmental footprint.

Frequently asked questions