At a time when so many people want to help the planet but feel powerless to do so, eco-friendly laundry stands out. Looking for a productive way to support the environment each and every wash day?
Embracing an eco-friendly laundry routine doesn’t just reduce your impact on our planet—it also saves money and prolongs the life of your clothing! Plus, there’s no one way to do eco-conscious laundry. No matter your lifestyle or wardrobe, a few tweaks can go a long way.
Keep reading for 15 eco-friendly laundry tips to customize a cleaner, greener washing routine.
Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips: 15 Ways to Help the Planet on Laundry Day
Product Tips
Swap Standard Detergent for Eco-Friendly Detergent
Many conventional detergents contain harmful chemicals that pollute waterways every time you run them through your machine. While you may not notice the difference, the planet’s water system and wildlife sure do!
The good news is you can make your own eco-friendly laundry detergent. Your concoction will also last longer than store-bought options, so this DIY project can also save money.
Use Dryer Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets
Like traditional detergent, dryer sheets are loaded with synthetic chemicals. They’re also single-use, meaning each sheet you use eventually ends up in a landfill. The worst part? Dryer sheets are actually pretty damaging to clothing!
Instead, consider switching to dryer balls. They’re both reusable and help reduce your overall drying time by separating clothing mid-cycle. Here’s how to make your own.
Try Natural Stain Removers
Did you know that most stains can be removed with everyday kitchen products? From vinegar to lemon juice to hydrogen peroxide, natural stain removal ingredients are way gentler on the environment than chemical ones.
Washing Tips
Choose Cold Water Settings As Much as Possible
Your watching machine doesn’t conjure up warm and hot water from thin air. Nearly all machines rely on gas-powered water heaters, which aren’t exactly known for being environmentally friendly.
That’s why switching to cold water is an easy choice! With effective detergent, you can still get a clean wash with tap, cool, and cold water.
Select the High Spin Washer Option
The wetter your clothes, the more energy your dryer uses. If you aren’t washing delicate fabrics, consider selecting a high spin speed to expel maximum water pre-dryer!
Wash Less Frequently
If you wash every single garment in your closet after one use, you’re definitely washing your clothes too often. Other than undergarments and workout clothes, most items can be worn at least once before washing! Less washing means less water usage and less energy consumption.
Drying Tips
Air Dry and Line Dry
Dryers may make life easier, but they aren’t strictly necessary. In fact, line-drying makes clothing last longer, reduces static, enhances fabric texture, and lowers electricity bills!
Lower the Dryer Temperature
If you’re committed to your dryer, at least consider reducing the temperature. Super hot settings are notorious for damaging clothing anyway!
If a cooler setting doesn’t dry your clothes completely, air-drying damp items instead of starting a new cycle is an eco-friendly next step.
Clear the Lint Filter After Every Load
Finally, remember to check the lint filter before every drying cycle. Clogged filters mean more drying time and more electricity usage!
Timing Tips
Don’t Run Small Loads
Running entire washer and dryer cycles for tiny loads dramatically increases your personal electricity, gas, and water consumption. Unless you need that one garment ASAP, do your best to wait until your laundry bin is full!
Pre-Treat Stains As Soon As They Happen
Everyone knows the painstaking feeling of rewashing a garment over and over just to erase one tiny stain.
Instead, try tackling stains as soon as you spot them. The right technique can reduce your cycle count to just one wash.
Run Machines at Off-Peak Energy Times
Did you know that energy demand is often lower in the early morning and late evening? By timing your laundry machine usage to off-peak hours, you can reduce your overall strain on the power grid.
Lifestyle Tips
Consider Using a Laundromat
Laundromats are all about efficiency, especially when it comes to energy usage. The machines often have higher load capacity and are designed to use as little electricity and gas as possible!
After all, sharing resources is one of the best ways communities can shoulder the responsibility of reducing environmental impact.
Additionally, using a laundromat instead of at-home machines can dramatically lower your water and electricity bills. Talk about a win-win!
Purchase Sustainable Fabrics
In a market dominated by fast fashion, materials are too often produced using harmful synthetic chemicals and microplastics. Each time you wash clothing with these risky fabrics, those microplastics and chemicals are swept up into the water system.
The easiest way to avoid releasing these materials on laundry day is to avoid purchasing them as much as possible.
Although this isn’t technically a laundry tip, when buying new clothes, opt for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled fibers. Even if they seem more expensive, higher-quality fabrics also last longer, saving you money long-term!
Fix, Don’t Replace
Similarly, it would be hard to discuss the environmental toll of laundry without addressing the elephant in the room: overconsumption. While replacing a damaged garment with a brand-new purchase is the easier option, look into repairs before shopping new.
You can also proactively avoid laundry-related damage by:
Closing zippers and buttons as you toss clothes in your laundry bin
Turning garments inside out before washing
Using a garment bag for delicates
Congratulations! You’re now ready to become an eco-friendly laundry pro!
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient laundromat in Thornton, WaveMAX is here to help with top-of-the-line machines and an amenity-packed laundry room. Search WaveMAX ‘laundromat near me’ or visit our website to find your closest location.
