When not to wash clothes?

There are several situations when you should not wash clothes, either to protect the garments, save energy, or for practical reasons. You should not wash clothes that are labeled dry clean only in a regular washing machine, as water and agitation can shrink, distort, or destroy delicate fabrics like wool, silk, leather, and structured suits. You should avoid washing clothes when they are not actually dirty, over-washing causes fading, thinning, and wear, for example jeans and sweaters often only need washing after several wears unless visibly soiled or smelly. You should not wash clothes during severe weather events like thunderstorms or power outages when using electrical appliances could be unsafe or when water supply is limited. You should not wash clothes in a machine that is overloaded, as it prevents proper cleaning and can damage the machine and clothes. Avoid washing clothes with incompatible colors or fabrics that bleed or produce lint that sticks to other items. From an environmental perspective, you should avoid washing during peak energy hours if you want to save electricity, and you should not wash small loads inefficiently. Also avoid washing clothes with harsh chemicals like bleach if the fabric is not bleach safe, and avoid washing clothes with zippers and hooks left open that can snag other items. Finally, do not wash clothes immediately after applying stain repellents or waterproof coatings that need time to set.