7 Things You're Most Likely Washing Too Much

Many Canadians take cleanliness to the nth degree. Although that’s usually a good thing, there are some things that can be over-washed.

So, before you get out your scrub brush, mop or paper towels, have a look at these seven items that could stand a little less TLC when it comes to cleaning:

High-end jeans. If you’re shelling out some serious cash for designer jeans, you’ll want them to last, and over-washing will just make them lose their shape sooner. In fact, you might want to consider having them dry cleaned since the process is easier on them. Here’s a tip: Throw them into your freezer for a bit to freshen them up instead of washing them.

Your hair. Who doesn’t love squeaky-clean hair? Unless you have very fine hair or work out every day and perspire a lot, washing your hair a couple times a week should suffice.

Your vehicle. If your car or truck won’t hold a waxing, you may be washing it too often. Over-washing can also cause small cracks in the finish, a condition known as spiderwebbing. If your vehicle looks dull and tired, give the washing a rest for a bit and consider having it professionally detailed to restore the paint’s lustre.

Your hands. Of course, it’s crucial to wash your hands after using the washroom or before preparing food, but it’s easy to become excessive in the hand-sanitizing department. Over-cleaning can have the opposite effect though. Antibacterial sanitizers and soaps can not only cause dry skin and cracks, but could also lead to bacteria resistance.

Carpets. Cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting too often can erode the fibres, which causes more dirt and dust to be trapped deep down. You may even want to be mindful of spot cleaning since some cleaners may cause fading. It’s best to have carpets deep cleaned a couple times a year.

Cast iron frying pan. While you shouldn’t use soap at all to wash a cast iron pan, you’ll also want to avoid letting it soak in water because it will start to rust. Instead, hot water and a sponge will do the trick if it’s cleaned right after use. Otherwise, make a paste of salt and water if it needs a good scrubbing. Rinse, dry and give it a light coating of oil before using it again.

Floors. With the active lifestyles many Canadians have, high-traffic areas may be subject to wear and tear at a faster pace. That doesn’t mean you have to wash the entire surface of the floor more than necessary though. Water can seep into cracks, causing warping and mold. Dry mopping or spot cleaning can take the place of a full, wet mopping, which should only be done once every two weeks or so.