As mundane a task as laundry seems to be, did you know that it has a humongous environmental cost? A University of Plymouth research says that every wash load releases thousands of microfibres down your drain. Most of these reach the oceans and harm the aquatic environment.
Not to mention how repeated use of washing machines and dryers adds to your water and electricity consumption.
This doesn’t mean that you stop laundering your clothes. You just need to be smart about a few basic things.
This blog is all about effective and practical tips about laundry services that will help you make your washing habits less harmful and more sustainable.
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12 Hacks To Make Your Laundry Routine Eco-Friendly
Here are some awesome hacks to simplify your laundry routine to make it greener and easier on the environment.
Tip 1: Wash Less Often
The simplest solution is to do laundry less often. We are not talking about socks and undergarments, which need to be washed daily. Think denim, jackets, sweaters, and shirts.
You can easily wear them 3-4 times before tossing them in the machine. This way you don’t just minimise your energy use but also prevent your clothes from fading and shrinkage.
Tip 2: Use Eco-Friendly Detergents
Toxic and chemical-based detergents that come in plastic packaging are a source of water and soil pollution.
Ditch them with green alternatives such as vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to clean and soften your fabrics.
Tip 3: Switch to Eco-Friendly Clothing
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester release microplastics that pollute the environment. They also become unwearable after a few washes, which means more spending on replacing them.
Instead, opt for natural fibres like cotton and flax. They are easier to wash, better for your skin, and hardly pollute.
Tip 4: Wash More Clothes Together
Multiple light wash loads during the week are not just tiresome but also increase your water and power usage.
To avoid this, fill your machine on your wash day and limit it to once a week.
Tip 5: Air Dry Your Clothes
Using your dryer or radiator repeatedly adds to the bills. So, next time dry your clothes outside in fresh air on a sunny day. Trust us, you will love how crisp your clothes feel.
Tip 6: Stop Using a Fabric Softener
While we love the fragrance and softness that they lend to our clothes, fabric softeners are extremely toxic. They contain phthalates that are not just polluting but may also trigger respiratory problems.
Instead, try soap nuts, which are dried berry shells from the Himalayas. They contain saponins, which clean the clothes without hardening them and contain antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Tip 7: Use Cold Water
Did you know that almost 90% of your machine’s electricity goes into heating the water? This adds to the carbon dioxide emissions while hiking your energy bills.
The best thing is that almost all kinds of fabrics can be washed in cold water. Make this switch today to make your wash day environment-friendly.
Tip 8: Switch to an Energy-Efficient Machine
Next time you are in the market for a new washing machine, opt for the one that has an Energy Star rating. This helps you save gallons of water and electricity.
Also, opt for a front-loader machine to help you save more energy.
Tip 9: Use Less Detergent
While it’s tempting to use more detergent on a particularly dirty load, using extra detergent may leave a residue on your clothes. This makes them stiffer, leading you to want to wash them again.
You will be surprised to know that you need only 1-2 tablespoons of detergent per wash to clean your laundry perfectly.
Tip 10: Use Iron Less Often
Skip the iron next time you launder. It not only adds to your electricity bills but also damages your clothes.
To prevent your clothes from crumpling, hang them up as soon as you finish washing. The weight of the water will keep the wrinkles out and your clothes will be ready to wear.
Tip 11: Reduce Dryer Use
Using your dryer repeatedly consumes a lot of energy. To avoid this, add an extra spin cycle to your washing routine to squeeze out excess water.
Don’t forget to clean your lint trap before each wash. This helps your dryer consume less energy.
Tip 12: Use a Green Laundry Service
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to use a laundry service that is committed to sustainable washing solutions. At Prime Laundry, we use eco-friendly detergents, fuel-efficient delivery vehicles, and efficient machines to contribute to a greener future.
Summing Up
Clean clothes shouldn’t come with a huge environmental cost. Make these small investments today to build a better future.
