Every time we load up the washing machine, add laundry powder, and hit “start,” we’re making a choice that affects our planet. It might seem like a small task, but laundry uses a lot of water around 20 gallons per load in high-efficiency machines and up to 40 gallons in regular ones. Plus, heating that water uses plenty of energy. And don’t forget the chemicals that run off with every wash!
Traditional laundry habits can be hard on the environment. They contribute to water pollution, microfiber shedding, and unnecessary energy consumption. With climate change and sustainability in mind, switching to eco-friendly laundry practices is an easy yet powerful way to reduce our environmental impact. Making laundry more planet-friendly is simpler than you think, and you won’t have to compromise on cleanliness, freshness, or the life of your clothes!
Let’s explore some easy steps to turn your laundry routine into an eco-friendly one.
Step 1: Sort Smarter, Not Harder
Sorting laundry isn’t just about keeping your whites white; it’s also about making your clothes last longer. By sorting clothes carefully, you’ll reduce wear and tear. You won’t need to replace clothes as often, saving money and helping the planet!
Look out for fuzz, lint balls, or any other signs of wear and sort your laundry to prevent permanent damage.
Step 2: Choose the Best Laundry Powder
Now, it’s time to choose the right laundry powder. Many regular laundry products have harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and leave residues on your clothes. Choosing the best eco-friendly laundry powder can make a big difference.
Here’s what to look for:
- Biodegradable Ingredients
- Phosphate-Free Formulas
- Low or No Fragrance
Using the right eco laundry powder keeps your clothes fresh without harming the planet. For example, pairing eco-friendly laundry powder with products like Biorestore Cotton can give your cotton clothes a second life without harsh chemicals. It has just six simple ingredients, no brighteners or bleaches, and is safe for you and the environment!
Step 3: Wash in Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy consumption. Heating water takes up a lot of energy sometimes up to 90%!
Most eco-friendly laundry powders work great in cold water, so no need for hot washes. Lowering the water temperature saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and extends the life of fabrics by preventing shrinking and fading. Plus, it saves your money on utility bills!
Hot water is best for heavily soiled clothes or when you need to sanitize, like for kitchen towels or baby clothes. For everything else, cold water works just as well, helping your clothes and the planet.
Step 4: Use the Right Load Size
Overloading or underloading your washing machine is a clear no-no. Aim for a ‘just right’ load about three-quarters full for sparkling clean clothes and happy appliances. This way, you’re using the right amount of water and electricity, and your clothes will get super clean!
Step 5: Care for Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or fine knits need extra care to keep them looking great and lasting longer. Washing them the wrong way can cause damage and make you replace them sooner.
Here are some tips for delicate fabrics:
- Hand Wash if Possible: Hand washing uses less water and is gentler on fabrics. Just use a basin and a little eco-laundry powder made for delicate.
- Use a Laundry Bag: If you’re machine washing, put delicate items in a mesh bag to protect them.
- Avoid High Spin Cycles: Stick to gentle spin cycles to prevent fabric damage.
For cotton clothes, try adding Biorestore Cotton to your laundry routine. It helps reduce lint, pilling and restores old cotton clothes to keep them looking fresh for longer.
Step 6: Rinse Responsibly
Rinsing is just as important as washing! Using too much detergent can leave residues on your clothes, which can irritate your skin and harm the environment.
Here’s how to rinse right:
- Use the Right Amount of Laundry Powder: Don’t overdo it. Too much detergent creates excess suds that need more water to rinse out.
- Consider a Second Rinse: If your clothes are very soiled and greasy, an extra rinse cycle can help remove leftover dirt and soap.
- Check Your Machine Settings: Many modern machines have eco-rinse options that use less water while still cleaning your clothes well.
Step 7: Dry with Care
Drying clothes uses a lot of energy, especially with a tumble dryer. If you can, air dry your clothes instead. It’s gentler on fabrics and helps extend the life of your clothes.
Here are some drying tips:
- Air Dry: Hang clothes on a line or drying rack whenever possible. It’s the most eco-friendly option!
- Tumble Dry Sparingly: Use the dryer only for bulky items like towels. To improve efficiency, add dryer balls to reduce drying time.
- Flat Dry: Lay delicate items like sweaters flat to avoid stretching and maintain their shape.
Pro Tip: When air drying, give your clothes a shake and straighten the seams. This helps reduce wrinkles, so you can skip the iron and save more energy!
Step 8: Maintain Your Machine
Taking care of your washing machine helps it run more efficiently, saving both water and energy. Plus, it extends the life of your machine.
Here’s how to keep your washing machine in tip-top shape:
- Clean the Filter: Regularly remove lint and debris to prevent blockages.
- Run a Maintenance Wash: Do an empty hot wash with a bit of vinegar or machine cleaner to remove buildup.
- Check the Hoses: Inspect hoses for leaks or damage to avoid wasting water.
Step 9: Refresh Instead of Wash
Not every garment needs a full wash after every wear. Refreshing your clothes between washes saves both water and energy!
Here are some ideas for refreshing clothes:
- Air Drying: Let your clothes air out between wears. Fresh air and sunlight can naturally eliminate odors.
- Spot Clean: Target stains with a quick spot clean rather than a full wash.
- Use a Mist: Spray a fabric refresher to freshen up your clothes.
By following these simple yet impactful steps, you’ll be doing your laundry and the planet a huge favor without sacrificing the quality of your clothes! Ready to make your laundry routine more eco-friendly? Let’s get started!
