10 Sustainable Laundry Tips

Main Points to Remember

Laundry can feel like an ongoing task. Between clothes, bedding, and towels, there's always something to clean. Even as you finish one load, more begins to pile up. It's no wonder that after refrigerators, washing machines and dryers are the next biggest energy consumers in the home, especially when they're older models. With the addition of chemical-laden laundry products, it's clear that traditional laundry routines aren't very eco-friendly. However, there are ways to use these necessary appliances while still caring for the environment. This chapter provides simple laundry guidelines to help you save energy, time, and products. We’ll focus on our top four eco-friendly cleaning agents: vinegar, salt, baking soda, and lemon juice—four natural products that do an excellent job cleaning clothes and preserving their freshness.

10. Laundry Guidelines: Reducing Water and Energy Consumption

A washing machine consumes a significant amount of water. Since the water needs to be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for effective cleaning (lower temperatures struggle to activate the chemicals in the detergent), it also requires considerable energy to heat the water. Standard top-loading washers, when set to a regular cycle and the highest water level, use around 40 to 57 gallons of water per load. Using such large amounts of water and energy contradicts the essence of living sustainably!

With that in mind, here are some tips to help reduce resource consumption with each laundry load, without resorting to the old-fashioned method of washing clothes in a stream and beating them on rocks (though, if that’s your thing, go for it):

Eco-friendly laundry habits

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9. The Essential Details

­Before we proceed, let’s take a look at our list of the Dirty Dozen Household Cleaning Products:­

Note that detergents are not included in our list. This is because the discussion around detergents and their ingredients is still ongoing. Back in the mid-1960s, people noticed that lakes and rivers were becoming clogged with excessive plant growth due to the phosphates found in detergents. Phosphates help break down soapy buildup, such as the rings that form on shirts or in tubs, and tackle some of the issues associated with soap usage.

Phosphates are effective cleaners, but their environmental downsides have overshadowed their benefits. Since the 1960s, activists have worked to ban phosphates, limit their usage, or set standards for their use. These attempts have had varying degrees of success. In some areas, phosphates are banned, while in others, their use is regulated. However, there is still no universal standard governing phosphate content in detergents.

What You Can Do

In general, detergents have improved over time, but many still contain synthetic petrochemicals derived from oil. Some detergents also contain brighteners, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Fortunately, an increasing number of eco-friendly laundry options are available. However, keep in mind that no laws require companies to fully disclose all ingredients in their products—even in the case of eco-friendly brands. Moreover, there is no standard definition for terms like "natural" or "earth-friendly." The best green detergents are those free of nonrenewable, petroleum-based chemicals, biodegradable, plant-based, and free from optical brighteners, dyes, and artificial fragrances.

Some companies choose to fully disclose their product ingredients, allowing consumers to make well-informed decisions. Some also take part in voluntary programs that demonstrate they meet certain environmental standards. Being a conscious consumer requires doing a little research, but it is certainly worthwhile.

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8. Soap or Detergent?

­More and more people are choosing soap over detergent for washing their clothes. But how do these two differ?

­In fact, the history of soap dates all the way back to ancient Babylon, around 2800 B.C. By combining water, alkali, and cassia oil, they created the first soap, and the world has enjoyed its benefits ever since.

Both soap and detergent are types of surfactants. This means that they both lower the surface tension of water in a process called "breaking the surface," allowing the water to penetrate and spread more easily. Soaps are derived from natural substances like ash and alkali, while detergents are typically made from synthetic compounds, including phosphates and petroleum-based ingredients. While soap has ancient roots dating back to the Babylonians, detergents gained widespread use during the economic boom following World War II.

While soap is made from natural ingredients and can clean clothes, there are a few green concerns to consider. Soap can be harder to rinse out of fabrics, particularly in homes with hard water, and this can cause soap residue to build up. In contrast, clothes washed with detergents tend to be less affected by this issue. Some also argue that soap has a limited shelf life and deteriorates over time, while modern detergents are typically designed to last longer. So, think carefully about your laundry habits – can soap meet your needs effectively?

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7. Drying the Old-fashioned Way

­Eliminating the dryer from your laundry routine is an easy and effective way to introduce a greener practice in your household. By hanging your clothes to dry or using a collapsible drying rack, not only will you extend the life of your fabrics, but you'll also save energy since it requires no additional power—just your effort. Drying whites and linens in the sunlight can also naturally brighten them without needing bleach or other whitening agents.

If the idea of air-drying your laundry feels overwhelming or if you're short on time, start small. Consider air-drying items that are less prone to wrinkling, such as synthetic fabrics or blends. Delicate materials like wool, silk, and silk blends should always be air-dried. You can also shorten your drying time by putting towels in the dryer just long enough to fluff them, then finish drying them by hanging them up. Using indoor racks or clotheslines during winter can also increase humidity indoors, which can be an added bonus for your home's air quality.

Washers and dryers have a significant environmental impact because both consume energy, and the washer uses a substantial amount of water. In fact, household appliances account for 20% of the total energy usage in homes, with washers, dryers, and refrigerators being the biggest contributors. On average, a single load of laundry in the washing machine costs around 12 cents in energy, though drying that same load can be nearly three times more expensive, especially with the fluctuating oil prices.

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6. Getting the Greenest Machines

Front-loading washers are the most environmentally friendly option, and fortunately, they are becoming more available in standard appliance stores. While they may come at a higher upfront cost compared to top-loaders, over time, they save money through reduced energy usage and water consumption. In fact, front-loading models can use up to 38% less water and 58% less energy.

However, don't rush to replace your perfectly functional top-load washer just to switch to a front-loader—that would be wasteful. When you're shopping for a new washer, focus on finding an energy-efficient model that suits your needs. Look for washers with the Energy Star certification, which guarantees the appliance meets international energy efficiency standards. To make an informed purchase, consult resources like Consumer Reports or other consumer organizations. The Energy Star website, www.energystar.gov, also provides helpful tools to guide your decision-making process.

5. The Deal with Dryers

When it comes to choosing a washing machine, energy and water efficiency are crucial considerations. However, with dryers, the situation is different. Despite the many makes and models available, they don’t vary much in terms of energy consumption. That’s why dryers do not carry the Energy Star label. Typically, dryers are the second largest energy consumer in the home, following refrigerators, and electric dryers alone account for 5 to 10 percent of a household’s electricity use.

But don't despair, there are still ways to optimize dryer efficiency! For example, you can opt for dryers equipped with moisture sensors, which detect how much moisture is left in your clothes. The dryer will automatically stop once the clothes are dry, avoiding unnecessary drying time. This feature is commonly found in newer models, making it easier to make an eco-friendly choice when shopping for a new dryer.

While new, more energy-efficient drying technologies are under development, few have become widely available. Until a more eco-friendly drying solution is on the market, it's best to minimize your dryer use and ensure it's used efficiently when necessary.

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4. The Fantastic Four in the Laundry Room

­Let’s dive into eco-friendly methods for cleaning those dirty clothes! Fortunately, baking soda proves just as effective in the laundry as it does in the kitchen. Not only is it eco-safe, but it also has mild alkaline properties that help break down grease and grime. Baking soda can be especially beneficial in areas with hard water: When added to the rinse cycle, it helps clothes rinse more thoroughly and prevents the buildup of stains that often result from hard water. Plus, your clothes will feel softer too – a nice bonus!

To get the best results when using laundry detergent, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a top-loading machine or 1/4 cup for a front-loader along with your usual detergent. The baking soda enhances the detergent’s effectiveness and acts as a natural deodorizer, making it especially useful for dealing with stubborn odors in items like sports gear or a teenager’s stinky socks.

If you're using bleach on certain items, adding baking soda can significantly increase the bleaching power, allowing you to use less bleach while still achieving great results — an excellent choice for both your clothes and the environment.

Salt, vinegar, and lemon juice all have their place in the laundry room. A simple mixture of equal parts water and vinegar works wonders as a pretreatment for common stains. It’s a good idea to keep a spray bottle filled with this mixture handy. Just spritz it on the stain a few minutes before you wash, and proceed with your usual laundry routine.

Salt is another effective stain fighter, especially when the stain is fresh. Its properties help preserve and restore vibrant colors, reduce yellowing, and fight mildew in fabrics. We’ll dive into the specifics of how to use salt for these purposes a bit later.

Like baking soda, vinegar is incredibly versatile in the laundry room. When using vinegar in your laundry, opt for distilled white vinegar, usually available in gallon-sized jugs in the baking or laundry aisles at the grocery store. While apple cider vinegar works too, it typically comes in smaller, more expensive bottles.

Vinegar is an excellent pretreatment for many stains and works wonders at softening hard water, helping to prevent soapy residue buildup. It can also enhance both regular laundry detergents and eco-friendly commercial cleaners. To soften a regular load, add 1/2 cup of vinegar during the final rinse cycle. This not only softens but also reduces lint buildup and helps keep pet hair from clinging to fabrics.

Among the Fantastic Four, lemon juice really shines for certain laundry tasks. Add 1/2 cup to a regular load during the wash cycle for a fresher smell. For whites, it’ll make them even brighter. When mixed with cream of tartar, lemon juice becomes a powerful stain remover. We’ll explain all of this in more detail soon.

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3. The Case Against Dry Cleaning

In all honesty, dry cleaning is not the most environmentally friendly option, so why is it necessary for certain clothing items? Typically, dry cleaning is used when there’s a risk that water, soap, or detergent could damage the fabric. The main ingredient in commercial dry cleaning is a chemical called tetrachloroethylene, or perchloroethylene (PCE), commonly known as dry cleaning fluid. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies this chemical as a hazardous air pollutant and treats it as hazardous waste.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t always been managed properly in the United States. Countless gallons of it have seeped into or been dumped into drinking water supplies. In fact, the accidental or deliberate release of PCEs into groundwater is so common that many commercial landlords now refuse to lease space to dry cleaning businesses altogether.

Some innovative, more eco-friendly dry cleaning techniques are in the works, but as of now, they are not widely available and are still hard to find.

Dry cleaning agents

So how can we bypass the dry cleaning dilemma? The simplest and most obvious solution is to avoid purchasing items that require dry cleaning. Opting for low-maintenance clothing not only helps the environment but also saves you money on dry cleaning expenses.

However, if you come across an item that's labeled "dry clean only," consider that not every piece of clothing with this tag necessarily requires dry cleaning. In many cases, you might be able to clean the item yourself at home. For example, some fabrics can be treated with a mixture of 4 tablespoons of baking soda in cold water. Before proceeding, test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to check for water tolerance and colorfastness. Keep in mind the significance of the item: You may want to avoid using this method on delicate heirlooms, such as your great-grandmother's fragile wedding dress. While it could work, it’s safer to consult a professional for cleaning advice when dealing with valuable or sentimental items.

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2. Are Softeners Right for You?

Although you might not spot any warnings on a bottle of liquid fabric softener or a box of dryer sheets, these products can contain ingredients that may irritate skin and cause other health issues. While the fragrances and dyes in fabric softeners can lead to skin irritation when absorbed into fabric, the ingredients themselves are generally not harmful to the environment. That said, you don't necessarily need a commercial softener. Its primary function is to eliminate static cling, which it achieves by coating fabrics with a waxy film.

If your main goal is to combat static cling, you can easily do so using 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar in your wash cycle. Simply add the vinegar to the softener compartment if your washer has one, or pour it directly onto the clothes during the rinse cycle. Our green approach, however, is to minimize the use of unnecessary products. Consider how many of your clothes actually need a softener. For many items, it's just an extra step; you can reduce the number of products you use by washing fabrics without any softeners at all.

Over time, fabric softeners can accumulate on clothing, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the fabric. Parents should also be aware that this buildup can diminish the flame-retardant properties in children's clothing. For safety, it's important to check the labels on children's clothes and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding fabric softener usage. Additionally, it's worth noting that flame-retardant children's clothing often contains PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which have been linked to thyroid issues in lab rats and neurological damage.

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1. Green Bleaching Alternatives

As you'll see, bleach makes our Terrible Ten list. It’s no surprise since bleach and its similar ingredients are frequently found in many store-bought laundry detergents. Even today, many still rely on pure bleach to achieve that “whiter than white” effect on clothing.

However, when it comes to alternatives from our Fantastic Four list, lemon juice is an excellent substitute for bleach. Whether squeezed directly from a fresh lemon or poured from a bottle, lemon juice is a highly effective bleaching agent. Most fabrics, except for silk, can achieve a brighter, whiter look by soaking them in a mixture of lemon juice and very hot water. Simply mix 1/2 cup of lemon juice with 1 gallon of hot water. Let the clothing soak for at least an hour, or even overnight if needed. Afterward, pour the mixture into the washing machine and launder as usual.

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