Doing laundry is an everyday necessity, but it can have a significant environmental impact. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective ways to create an eco-friendly laundry routine that reduces your carbon footprint. Here is my guide to the best green laundry habits for cleaner clothes and a cleaner planet.
Reduce Laundry Load
The first step to greening your laundry is to simply do less of it. Here are some tips to cut back on your washing:
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Wear clothes more than once before washing, when possible. Jeans, sweaters, and other items often don’t need washing after just one wear.
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Spot clean stains instead of washing the whole garment. Use a small amount of eco-friendly stain remover and a damp cloth to rub out stains.
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Only wash full loads of laundry. This avoids wasting water and energy on small loads.
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Air out clothes to refresh them between washes instead of washing them more frequently.
By reducing the number of laundry loads you do per week, you significantly cut water and energy use.
Wash in Cold Water
Washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot can reduce the carbon footprint of a load of laundry by over 70%!
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Modern laundry detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water. You don’t need hot water for most loads.
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Sort laundry by color to avoid any issues washing darks in cold water. Use cold water for lights, whites, and colors safe for cold washing.
Washing in cold water saves huge amounts of energy while still getting your clothes clean, making it one of the easiest and most impactful eco-friendly laundry tips.
Use an Energy Efficient Washer
If buying a new washing machine, look for an ENERGY STAR certified model. These meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Some features to look for include:
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Front-loading design – Uses less water than top-loaders
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Special eco cycles – Options like ‘eco warm’ use less energy
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High-efficiency agitator – Gets clothes clean with less water
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Sensors – Detect load size and adjust water levels accordingly
While energy efficient washers may cost more upfront, they can save hundreds of dollars over the machine’s lifetime through lower electricity and water bills. The investment pays off environmentally as well.
Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Harsh chemicals in conventional laundry products get released into waterways when washed down the drain. To avoid this:
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Look for plant-based, biodegradable detergents. Brands like Seventh Generation, Ecos, and others meet environmental standards.
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Use allergy-friendly detergents with no added dyes, fragrances, or chemicals. These are gentler on skin and the environment.
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Consider detergent strips, sheets, or discs with less packaging waste than liquid detergent. Brands like TruEarth and Smol work well.
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Make your own detergent with all-natural ingredients like Castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils. DIY recipes can be very effective!
Choosing greener laundry detergents protects water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Use a Clothesline or Clothes Rack
One of the easiest green laundry swaps is to air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. This completely eliminates the energy use involved in drying. Options include:
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Hanging clothes on an outdoor clothesline to air dry for free
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Using an indoor drying rack in a laundry room, garage, or other space
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Investing in a freestanding clothes drying rack with wings that can fold up when not in use
If you must use a dryer, run full loads, use the moisture sensor setting, and clean the lint filter each load. But air drying is the best no-energy method.
Invest in Green Dry Cleaning
For items labeled ‘dry clean only’, look for professional eco-friendly dry cleaners in your area. Seek ones that:
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Use liquid CO2 as a solvent instead of chemical perchloroethylene
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Find greener stain remover solutions that are non-toxic and biodegradable
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Recapture and filter chemical fumes to prevent release into the air
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Dispose of all hazardous wastes safely and sustainably
Ask your local dry cleaner about their environmental practices. Going green protects your health and the community.
With some simple laundry habit swaps, you can wash clothes while also helping protect the planet. Focus on reducing loads, washing in cold, air drying, and using plant-based detergents for an eco-friendly laundry routine. What green washing tips do you swear by? I’d love to hear your favorite ways to create a greener wash day.
