Green Laundry Tips: How to Wash Clothes in an Eco-Friendly Way

 

Laundry is a regular chore, but it doesn’t have to negatively impact the environment. By adopting eco-friendly practices, you can save water, energy, and reduce waste while keeping your clothes clean and fresh. Here’s how to wash your clothes the green way.

1. Wash with Cold Water

Heating water accounts for a significant amount of energy used in laundry:

• Switch to cold water for the majority of your laundry loads. Cold water is effective for most fabrics and stains, and it saves energy that would otherwise be used to heat water.
• Use cold-water detergents that are formulated to work well at lower temperatures.

2. Run Full Loads

Running your washing machine at half capacity wastes water and energy:

• Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the machine. This maximizes the use of water and energy per load.
• If you need to wash smaller loads, adjust the water level settings to avoid using excess water.

3. Choose an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine

If you’re in the market for a new washing machine:

• Look for an ENERGY STAR-certified washing machine. These machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than regular models.
• Front-loading washers tend to be more energy-efficient and use less water than top-loaders.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Detergents

Many commercial detergents contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment:

• Switch to eco-friendly detergents that are biodegradable, free of phosphates, and made from plant-based ingredients.
• Avoid detergents with synthetic fragrances and dyes, which can contribute to water pollution.

5. Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners can contain harmful chemicals:

• Instead of commercial fabric softeners, use vinegar during the rinse cycle to soften fabrics naturally and reduce static cling.
• Wool dryer balls are a reusable alternative to dryer sheets and help soften clothes while reducing drying time.

6. Wash Less Frequently

Not all clothes need to be washed after every wear:

• Air out clothes that haven’t been heavily soiled and re-wear them before laundering. Items like jeans, sweaters, and jackets can often go multiple wears between washes.
• Spot clean small stains rather than washing the entire garment.

7. Line Dry Whenever Possible

Tumble drying uses a lot of energy and can wear out your clothes more quickly:

• Air dry your clothes by hanging them on a clothesline or drying rack. This not only saves energy but also helps prolong the life of your garments.
• If you need to use the dryer, choose a low heat setting and remove clothes while they’re still slightly damp to finish drying naturally.

8. Reduce Microfiber Pollution

Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed microfibers during washing, which can end up in oceans:

• Use a microfiber-catching laundry bag or filter (like the Guppyfriend or Cora Ball) to capture microplastics during the wash cycle.
• When possible, choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool that shed fewer harmful microfibers.

9. Avoid Dry Cleaning

Traditional dry cleaning involves the use of toxic chemicals:

• Choose “green” or eco-friendly dry cleaning services that use non-toxic, biodegradable solvents.
• For delicate garments, consider hand washing or spot cleaning at home instead of relying on dry cleaning.

10. Use Less Detergent

Many people use more detergent than necessary:

• Measure your detergent carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using too much detergent can lead to residue buildup on your clothes and in your washing machine, requiring additional rinses and water.
• Less detergent can often clean just as effectively, especially in high-efficiency (HE) machines.

11. Fix Leaks and Maintain Your Washing Machine

An inefficient machine can waste water and energy:

• Regularly check for leaks in your washing machine’s hoses and fix them promptly to avoid water wastage.
• Clean the lint filter and detergent drawer regularly to maintain efficiency.

12. Reduce Waste by Reusing Gray Water

If you’re able to set up a gray water system:

• Reuse water from your washing machine for other purposes, such as watering plants or cleaning floors, especially if you use eco-friendly detergent.

13. Repurpose Old Clothes

Before discarding worn-out clothes:

• Repurpose old garments into rags or DIY projects instead of throwing them away.
• Donate or recycle clothes that are still wearable to reduce textile waste.

By incorporating these green laundry tips, you can reduce your environmental impact while still keeping your clothes clean and well-maintained.