I asked a counsellor

Hey Gary,

I’m staying in a safe house right now, and some of the routines here are different from what I’m used to. I’ve looked for information, but nothing is written down, and when I asked one of the counsellors, they suggested I write to you directly. So I’m hoping you can help me understand this better.

I know you’re supposed to change your underwear every day, but what about t-shirts and socks? Is that every day or every two days? And what about other clothes? Should those be changed daily, or can they be worn more than once? Also, is it okay to have a bath every two days, or should it be more often?

Lastly, should bedding, sheets, be washed every week? I’ve tried looking online, but I can’t find clear answers about personal hygiene, like how often you should change your clothes or bathe to stay clean and not smell. It feels like nobody really talks about this, and I don’t want to get it wrong.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’d really appreciate your help.

Hey there,

First off, thank you for writing in with such honesty. You’re absolutely right—people rarely talk about this stuff clearly, and it can feel like you're supposed to just “know.” But hygiene isn’t instinctive for everyone, especially when routines get disrupted or you’re in a new environment. So let’s break it down.

Underwear and socks: Yes, daily is the gold standard. They sit closest to your skin and collect sweat and bacteria fast. Fresh ones each day help prevent odor, irritation, and infections.

T-shirts: If you’re sweating a lot or wearing them as a base layer, treat them like underwear—change daily. If it’s a looser shirt and you’re not sweating much, every two days can be fine. Do the sniff test if you’re unsure.

Other clothes (jeans, hoodies, jackets): These can usually go a few wears before washing, unless they’re visibly dirty or smelly. Jeans, for example, can go 3–5 wears. Hoodies maybe 2–3. The key is airflow—hang them up between wears so they don’t trap moisture.

Bathing: Every day is ideal, especially if you’re active or in close quarters with others. But every two days is okay if you’re not sweating much and you’re changing your clothes regularly. If you’re skipping a bath, at least wash your face, armpits, and groin with a washcloth and soap.

Sheets and bedding: Weekly is a solid rule. If you’re sweating a lot or eating in bed, maybe more often. If laundry access is limited, aim for every 10 days max. Clean sheets help with sleep and skin health.

And here’s the real talk: hygiene isn’t just about avoiding smell—it’s about feeling good in your body, showing respect to yourself and others, and keeping things predictable when life feels chaotic. You’re already doing the hard part by asking. That’s more than most.

Regards, Uncle Gary