Sustainable Laundry: Easy Ways to Reduce Your Impact

Did you know the average household does 8 to 10 loads of laundry per week? This uses a lot of energy, water, and detergent. There are many eco-friendly options such as natural detergents, concentrated products, bar stain removers, vinegar, and reusable laundry balls to decrease the environmental impact of our laundry routine. We will explore the various products that can make our laundry routines more sustainable and kinder to the planet.

Try Natural Detergents Instead of Traditional Chemical-Based Detergents

Let’s switch traditional chemical-based detergents to naturally formulated products! Traditional detergents contain a number of harmful chemicals that pollute water sources, harm aquatic life, and release toxic microplastics into our water sources. In contrast, naturally formulated products are made from biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients that are safer for the environment. You can start your switch to natural products by trying out Good Natured Brand’s Lavender and Eucalyptus Laundry Soda, or Nantucket Spider’s Laundry Detergent Sheets. 

Try Concentrated Products Instead of Traditional Liquid Products 

Concentrated products typically use less packaging and require less energy to transport than traditional, less concentrated products due to their compactness, and the lack of liquid in them that makes these products lighter. This results in a lower carbon footprint and can help to reduce waste. Lazy Coconut’s Laundry Detergent Strips are great as they are concentrated, and you can adjust how much you want to use.

Try a Bar Stain Remover Instead of Traditional Stain Removers

Stains are an inevitable part of life, especially if you have kids or a messy roommate. When it comes to tackling these pesky marks on your clothes, traditional stain removers are often the go-to option. However, the packaging used for these products can be hard to recycle and may contribute to the growing plastic waste problem. That's where bar stain removers come in as a more environmentally-friendly alternative. 

Bar stain removers made from natural ingredients and minimal packaging are a more sustainable and water-saving alternative to traditional stain removers. They are also gentler on clothes, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements. By switching to bar stain removers, you can reduce plastic waste, conserve water, and keep your clothes looking great for longer, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for your laundry routine. Siyah Organic’s Laundry Soap is tough on stains, and gentle on our planet.

Try Vinegar Instead of a Chemical Based Fabric Softener

Vinegar is affordable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Vinegar can be a great natural fabric softener that is both affordable and environmentally friendly. By using vinegar as an alternative to chemical-based fabric softeners, you can avoid exposing yourself and the environment to harmful chemicals while still achieving soft, comfortable clothes. Vinegar works by breaking down residue left on clothing by detergents and other laundry products, leaving your clothes feeling fresh and fluffy. Plus, it's biodegradable and non-toxic, making it a safe option for you and your family. Give vinegar a try and see how it can transform your laundry routine into a safer and more sustainable experience.

Try a Colder Wash Cycle Instead of a Hot Cycle

By using cold water you can reduce the energy consumption of washing machines. Usually 86-104 Fahrenheit (30-40 degrees Celsius) is enough to clean your clothes. This will make your clothes last longer, shed less microfibers, lessen your energy use, and lower your carbon footprint. If you have doubts about cold wash, check The Power of Cold Water.

Try Reusable Laundry Balls Instead of Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are created to gradually discharge fabric softeners while clothes are being dried. However, fabric softeners don't genuinely soften fabrics. Rather, they apply a slick layer that lubricates the fabric, preventing static buildup and giving the impression of softness.

Dryer sheets typically consist of a nonwoven polyester fabric that has been treated with a softening agent possessing a lengthy hydrophobic chain, with potential softening agents including fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and alcohol ethoxylates. Some are made of recyclable polyester, but their small size can make them difficult for some recycling programs to process. In contrast, reusable laundry balls are made from natural materials and can be used for hundreds of loads of laundry without needing to be replaced! Plus, you don’t have to repurchase them which is more cost-effective in the long run. 

As a sustainable alternative wool laundry balls can be perfect! When added to the washing machine, the balls agitate and create friction that helps to lift dirt and stains from clothes. This allows the balls to clean clothes without the use of chemical detergents. And as they can be used again and again, they can contribute to the fight with single-use detergent packs. Milantrix has a great Chemical Free Laundry Starter Bundle to kickstart your eco-laundry routine.

By adopting eco-friendly laundry practices, we can make a significant difference in reducing our environmental impact. From using natural detergents and washing clothes in cold water to air-drying them, there are plenty of simple ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable. With a little effort, we can protect our planet while still keeping our clothes clean and fresh.