From the chemicals we use to the energy demands of washing machines and dryers, laundry has a pretty significant impact on the environment. If you are looking for an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint, laundry is a great place to start. 

In this post, we explain 6 ways to make laundry more eco-friendly. 

Is Laundry Bad for the Environment? 

It’s not the laundry itself that’s bad for the environment but how we do it in modern times. Centuries ago, someone beating clothes against a rock or rubbing them against a washboard had minimal impact on the environment. 

But the invention of the washer and dryer changed things. These appliances use a lot of water and emit lots of greenhouse gasses via their energy use. Dryers are especially energy-intensive. 

But it’s not just the machines that are a problem for the environment; if anything, modern washing machines have gotten more efficient and eco-friendly. The detergents we use also harm the environment when they end up in the soil and water bodies.

And don't forget that the manufacture and transport of laundry machines and detergents also have a big impact on the environment.   

6 Ways to Make Laundry More Eco-friendly 

1. Do Less Laundry 

An obvious solution is to simply do less laundry. This may sound crazy in a world where laundry is part of our everyday lives. But there are ways to cut down on your laundry as we discussed in this post.

For instance, not all clothes need to be washed every time they are worn. Jeans, sweaters, coats and jackets can be worn multiple times before they need to be washed. You can also get Hercleon’s self-cleaning clothes like the HercShirt that stay fresh through multiple wears.  

Clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton, wool, bamboo, hemp and linen also stay fresher after multiple uses compared to synthetic fabrics. 

2. Set a Lower Wash Temperature

Up to 90% of a washing machine energy usage goes to heating water. So setting a lower wash temperature is the single most consequential step you can take to make your washer more eco-friendly.

Most clothes don't need to be washed in anything warmer than 90F to 110F, and most items will get clean in even colder water. A lot of detergents these days are formulated to work well in cold water. Only use hot water for heavily soiled items or things that need to be sterilized like towels. 

Washing clothes in cold water is not just good for the environment; it also protects your clothes from fading, tearing, wear and other kinds of damage caused by high temperatures. 

3. Use Eco-friendly Detergent 

Regular detergents are full of chemicals that destroy habitats and the environment when they end up in the ground or water. 

So when you go shopping, look for eco-friendly detergent that’s gentler on the environment. 

Another tip is to reduce how much detergent you use. Most of us use way too much detergent, which actually keeps clothes from getting clean. 

Another change you can make is doing away with the fabric softener. Use vinegar instead in the rinse cycle to freshen up clothes. It does a great job eliminating odors, it’s safer for the environment and it doesn't clog your washer. 

4. Get a High Efficiency Washing Machine

Modern washing machines and dryers use a lot less water and energy compared to machines from a few decades ago. But there are still major differences in how efficient different machines are. 

Check the energy rating of a washing machine or dryer to make sure it’s efficient. Also consider buying a high efficiency (HE) washing machine.

HE washing machines use up to 3 times less water and up to 65% less electricity compared to regular washers.

5. Wash Full Loads

The energy and water usage of a washing machine doesn't vary much whether you are washing half a load or a full load. So for the sake of efficiency, try to wash full loads most of the time. 

But keep in mind that a full load doesn't mean overloading the washer. That won’t get your clothes clean.  

6. Do More Air Drying 

A dryer is one of the biggest energy users in the house. So if you can eliminate it or reduce how much you use it, it will go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint. 

You can air dry your clothes outside. They get naturally sterilized and deodorized by the sun, they have fewer creases and you don't have to worry about damage from high temperatures. 

You can also use an indoor drying rack. Open the windows or turn on a fan to speed up drying. 

Tip: Whether you are using a dryer or an eco-friendlier alternative, spin clothes at the highest speed in the washer (use lower speeds for delicates) to wring out as much water as possible. This will shorten drying time.