This guide breaks down the essentials of a sustainable laundry routine, exploring simple, practical ways to make your laundry practices better for the planet—and still leave you with spotless results.
Simple Ways to Make Your Laundry Routine Eco-friendly
An eco-friendly laundry routine isn’t just about swapping out products; it’s about being intentional with how, when, and what we wash. It’s about making thoughtful choices that reduce waste, save energy, and limit the use of harsh chemicals. The great news is, you don’t have to overhaul everything to make a difference.
Here are some effective ways to make your laundry routine greener:
1. Wash with Cold Water
One of the easiest ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable is to wash clothes in cold water. Heating water accounts for a huge portion of energy use in laundry and can be tough on fabrics, especially delicate materials like leather, wool, suede, silk, and linen. Cold water, on the other hand, is gentler on these fabrics, helping your clothes last longer while saving energy.
2. Use Eco-friendly Detergent
Switching to an eco-friendly detergent reduces the number of harmful chemicals entering our water systems. Look for detergents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and come in minimal or recyclable packaging. Many eco-friendly detergents are also formulated to work just as well in cold water, making them an excellent choice for green laundry practices.
3. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
If you’re in the market for new laundry appliances, consider investing in energy efficient models. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates the machine meets specific standards for energy savings. High efficiency washers and dryers use less water and energy per load, making them a smart choice for a greener laundry routine.
4. Opt for Full Loads Only
Running full loads whenever possible is another simple yet effective way to reduce water and energy waste. Each load you wash requires nearly the same amount of energy and water, whether it’s a small or a full load. By waiting until you have a full load, you make the most of every cycle, helping you save resources and cut down on utility costs.
5. Line Dry When Possible
Using a dryer is convenient, but it’s one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. Instead, consider line drying or using a drying rack when possible. Not only does air drying save energy, but it’s also gentler on fabrics, reducing wear and tear over time. For those items that do need to go in the dryer, try using a lower heat setting to minimize energy use.
6. Reduce Microfiber Pollution
Synthetic fabrics release microplastics during washing, which end up in our water systems. Using a microfiber-catching bag or filter traps these tiny fibers, preventing them from reaching waterways. These tools are easy to use and make a significant difference to keep microplastics out of the environment.
7. Skip the Ironing
Ironing uses a lot of electricity, and constant heat exposure can weaken fabrics. Instead, try hanging clothes immediately after washing to minimize wrinkles. For items that need a little extra help, consider steaming, which uses less energy and is gentler on fabrics.
Eco-friendly Alternatives to Laundry Bleach
Laundry bleach is like a holy grail for getting those whites extra bright and tackling stubborn stains. But while it does a great job whitening, traditional bleach can be harsh on fabrics and the environment. Chlorine-based bleach releases toxins that aren’t only harmful to our water systems but can also irritate sensitive skin.
Luckily, there are eco-friendly alternatives that are just as effective, and they’re gentler on both your clothes and the planet. Let’s explore some natural ways to brighten your laundry without reaching for the bleach bottle.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to freshening laundry. It’s a natural deodorizer and brightener, perfect for making whites look clean and colors more vibrant.
How to Use It: Add about half a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle, either directly with your clothes or in the detergent drawer. It helps boost your detergent’s effectiveness, and it’s safe to use on most fabrics. For really tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit before washing.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an eco-friendly alternative that offers the whitening power of bleach without the harsh effects. It’s safe for most fabrics, and it also works as a disinfectant, making it great for heavily used items like towels and bedding.
How to Use It: Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (found in most grocery stores) and add one cup to your washing machine’s bleach dispenser. It will mix with the water during the wash cycle, lifting stains and brightening your clothes. Avoid using it on colored fabrics, as it can cause fading over time.
3. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner and brightener, and it’s great for removing yellowing and dinginess from white fabrics. Plus, it helps break down detergent residue, making your clothes feel softer.
How to Use It: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your wash. This helps brighten clothes and act as a natural fabric softener. You can also soak heavily soiled items in a solution of water and vinegar for about an hour before washing to boost its brightening effects.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural bleaching agent, perfect for refreshing whites and lifting minor stains. It’s especially effective when paired with sunlight, which helps boost its natural whitening abilities.
How to Use It: Add about half a cup of lemon juice to your wash cycle along with your detergent. For an even stronger effect, soak whites in a mixture of lemon juice and hot water, then lay them out in the sun to dry. This is a gentle option, but be cautious when using it on delicate fabrics like silk.
5. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a plant-based, biodegradable soap that’s effective in laundry. When paired with baking soda or vinegar, it enhances stain removal and brightens clothes naturally.
How to Use It: Add a few tablespoons of castile soap to your wash cycle along with a quarter cup of baking soda or vinegar. This combination is effective for general brightening and stain removal, and it’s gentle enough for everyday fabrics.
6. Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a non-toxic alternative that uses oxygen to lift stains and whiten clothes. It’s chlorine-free, biodegradable, and safe for most fabrics, making it a great green option.
How to Use It: Add the recommended amount (usually one to two scoops) of oxygen bleach powder to your wash cycle. For stubborn stains, make a paste with the powder and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing.
Switch to a Greener Laundry Routine with Great American Cleaners!
Laundry is a chore we can’t escape, but making it eco-friendly is a choice we can embrace. At Great American Cleaners, we’re proud to be the Bay Area’s trusted provider of industry-leading, eco-friendly GreenEarth wet and dry cleaning services. With over three decades of experience, we’ve built a reputation for exceptional customer service, swift turnaround time, affordable prices, and premium cleaning results.
When you want your leather jackets, suede coats, wool sweaters, or even a wedding dress gently cared for, Great American Cleaners is the best team for the job!
Want to avail of our laundry service plans? Sign up today or call our customer service team for more assistance!