One thing that never seems to end as a parent are the piles of laundry that need to be washed, dried, folded, and put away. Since this chore can be overwhelming it can be hard to think about adding sustainability to the mix. With this post we will break it down and make it easy to create an eco-friendly laundry routine. Along the way, we will also share ways that you can save time and money with these tips!
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Reduce the amount of laundry you need to do
One of the best ways you can start an eco-friendly laundry routine is to do less laundry. Since washing clothes takes water and energy, reducing the amount of laundry you wash can be an easy way to cut down on your laundry workload and on your energy bill. Before you throw clothes into the laundry hamper, pause to consider if it really needs washing. Sometimes clothes may just need a quick spot-wash. And some materials like jeans can be worn many times before they need to be washed.
My kids can be very messy, so it often isn’t possible to have them re-wear their clothes before washing. The same might be said of workout clothes. One tip for these clothes is to ignore the general advice of only cleaning whites with whites and colors with colors. Sure, if you get a new, bright red shirt you may want to be cautious for the first wash or two, but I have been mixing clothes of all types and colors for years and have never had issues with bleeding. By combining loads together, you end up doing fewer loads overall.
Cut out the fluff
In some ways I would consider my laundry routine to be the most basic I can make it. I don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets. I don’t feel like they add much of a difference for the price of the products and the extra environmental materials that go into them. Remember that adding fragrance to your clothes through fabric softeners or dryer sheets doesn’t mean that they are extra clean. The smell of clean is to have no smell! If you are really used to using dryer sheets, you may want to check out reusable dryer balls as a more environmentally-friendly replacement. But in general, sticking with laundry detergent is enough to keep your clothes clean and to save you money.
Consider your detergent
I’ve been putting in a lot of thought lately into which detergent to use to maximize my eco-friendly laundry routine. Unfortunately, I have yet to find the silver bullet product that gets all of my family’s clothes clean without excess waste. Let’s break down the options:
1. Liquid detergent
Liquid detergent is easy to find and is familiar to most of us. There are many different brands of liquid detergent, and they are commonly used in both high efficiency and regular washing machines.
Liquid detergent is what I am using currently as my youngest is still in cloth diapers and I have not wanted to experiment with other detergents until she transitions out of them. Unfortunately, liquid detergent typically comes in bulky plastic bins. While I suggest that you rinse out the container when you are done using it and recycle it, we also know that recycling isn’t very effective – with only 5-6% of plastic actually being recycled.
2. Detergent sheets and pods
Laundry sheets are billed as being environmentally friendly as they often come in cardboard packaging rather than big plastic containers. But unfortunately many detergent sheets still contain plastic. Manufacturers use polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to bind the sheets together, and PVA is a type of plastic. While PVA supposedly breaks down, there are some doubts as to whether that happens in real-world wastewater treatment plant conditions.
3. Detergent pods
Detergent pods also use PVA and can leak plastic into the environment.
4. Powder detergent
Powder detergent is what I hope to try out next. Detergent in powder form has the cleaning power of other detergents but can come in non-plastic materials. One downside is that powder can be a little messy, but there are also some brands that pre-compress the powder into tablet form.
5. Soap nuts
Soap nuts (or soap berries) are actual plant parts that contain saponin. They are usually put inside of a bag and placed in the laundry machine to clean the clothes. However, there are some debates about whether soap nuts actually clean any better than plain water would alone. While these may be worth trying on less-dirty clothes as they are a biodegradable option, soap nuts likely won’t cut it as the only detergent in your house if you have small children.
6. Homemade detergent
I have never tried to make my own detergent at home, but primarily because I don’t think it’s a good idea. I like the DIY spirit of homemade detergent. However, I don’t think it works with the same oomph regular detergent and can even harm your washing machine (yikes!),
Optimize your washing and drying machines
Investing in a high-efficiency washing machine can make a significant difference in terms of water and energy consumption, allowing you to minimize your environmental impact while still getting exceptional cleaning results. It also means you can use less product, which saves you money.
When running your washing machine, you can also consider using the cold cycle. Contrary to popular belief, washing your clothes in cold water can be just as effective at getting them clean as using hot water, while also saving you time and energy. Many modern detergents are specially formulated to work efficiently in cold water, breaking down stains and removing dirt without the need for higher temperatures.
By washing in cold water, you’ll not only reduce your energy consumption but also extend the lifespan of your clothes. Hot water can be harsh on fabrics, causing them to fade, shrink, or lose their shape over time. Cold water, on the other hand, is gentler and helps preserve the color and integrity of your garments.
When considering dryers, see if you can get an energy-star appliance. These use less energy than their conventional counterparts. You can also save money and energy by hanging your clothes to dry.
Embrace Natural Stain Removers
When it comes to our little ones, stains seem to be an everyday occurrence. From grass stains on their knees to mysterious food smudges, their clothes are constantly undergoing the ultimate test of durability. Being able to get out stains can be an important way to extend the longevity of your clothes. And reducing your consumption of new clothes has environmental benefits.
One of the most reliable and eco-friendly options for stain removal is vinegar. Its acidity makes it an excellent stain remover for various types of spills. Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and dab the solution onto the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water and tossing it in the wash. Vinegar works wonders on common stains like fruit juices, grass, and even some tough food stains.
Another natural stain remover to have in your laundry arsenal is lemon juice. The citric acid found in lemons acts as a natural bleaching agent, making it perfect for removing stubborn stains. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with cold water. Lemon juice is particularly effective against ink stains, so keep it handy for those unexpected pen mishaps.
If you’re dealing with oily stains, such as butter or salad dressing, reach for some dish soap. Choose a natural, plant-based option without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Apply a small amount of the dish soap directly to the stain, gently work it into the fabric, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water before laundering as usual.
By embracing these natural stain removers, you not only protect your children’s clothes but also contribute to a more eco-friendly laundry routine. Plus, you’ll avoid exposing your kids’ sensitive skin to potentially irritating chemicals found in conventional stain removers.
Conclusion
By implementing these tips, you’re not only revolutionizing your laundry game; you’re also playing a crucial role in building a greener future for your family and the planet. With these suggestions, you can create an eco-friendly laundry routine while saving time and money.
Do you have any tips to reduce workloads while increasing your sustainable living?
