Did you know that doing laundry can actually have a bigger impact on the planet than you’ve probably imagined? The energy and water your machine needs and the chemicals in the cleaning detergents leave a bad mark on nature.
All of this being said, there are ways to make doing your laundry more eco-friendly, and in this article, we are going to cover all of them.
So, read below if you:
If you have an older generation washing machine, chances are it’s not very eco-friendly, and you better upgrade. Otherwise, hand washing your clothes would be much more environmentally friendly as an old washer will use more water and electricity. Nowadays, you can find plenty of washing machine models that use less water and energy, some more expensive than others.
Of course, making such an investment is a huge deal, however, you’ll see that it will pay off in the long run, especially in terms of lower utility bills.
Almost all new washing machine models have an eco-friendly setting. This type of wash mode uses lower temperatures, which means less energy for heating. It also minimises the amount of used water, while still washing your clothes well. If you aren’t sure if you have such a setting, check your appliance manual – all of the wash modes will be listed and explained there.
If you don’t see one, you can manually make your washing machine more eco-friendly by making a few changes to your washing routine. Here is how:
An impressive 90% of the energy your washing machine uses goes for heating water. This impacts not only the environment but also your bills. Needless to say, you can use colder water instead to minimise energy usage. And if you are scared that your clothes won’t be washed properly, there are a lot of detergent options for cold water on the market.
Another step to a more sustainable routine is doing the laundry with shorter cycles. It not only saves time and energy but also takes better care of your clothes. Colder and shorter cycles save microfibres from breaking apart, which will keep your clothes looking good for longer.
For more information on the laundry services available near you, click bellow.
Another way to be greener is to run the washing machine with full loads of clothes, which means around three-quarters full. Some machines have a load size selector, which gives you the option to control the water levels according to the number of clothes you’ll be washing, however, most of them just follow standard programs. If yours follows the standards, then be careful when loading the appliance.
Mind that low amounts of clothes in the washing machine can cause damage. Of course, there will be times when you need some of your clothes before a full load, but we recommend really trying to run the machine only when it’s full. The fewer cycles you do, the better for the environment and your bills.
All of this being said, overloading your washing machine is also not a good idea. Try to make balanced loads, otherwise, you’ll end up with a vibrating washing machine. Over or underloading your appliance can also lead to leaks and severe damages.
When trying to be more eco-friendly with your laundry, detergents are of high importance. When choosing yours, you need to take into account not only the packaging but also the ingredients, as many products on the market contain harsh chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment.
Generally, there are three main options on the market – powder detergent, liquid detergent, and pods. Let’s take a closer look at each alternative:
A good alternative, and a really green one, are eco-washing balls. You may want to consider using them, especially if you or someone from your family has allergies, sensitive skin, or some kind of skin-related problem. And what is this type of product made out of?
Eco laundry balls are made from recyclable plastic and contain small ceramic stones with natural minerals. Generally, they are suitable for all types of washing machines, which is a major plus.
Yes, you can, and it’s really easy. Most of the ingredients that you’ll need can be found in the nearest grocery store, and you don’t have to be a chemist to make them work. Here is what you’ll need:
First, grate your bar of soap into small flakes. Your cheese grater will be perfect for the job. Then, mix the soap with your borax and soda. That’s it – you’ve successfully made washing detergent. And how much should you use? One or two tablespoons of the mixture per load are enough to clean your clothes.
If you want to make it liquid, place the ingredients in a pot, pour two cups of water, and stir. Once everything is fully mixed, add the borax and soda, and stir again. Wait for the mixture to cool down, transfer it into a convenient container, and voilà – you have yourself a homemade liquid washing detergent.
And if you want to add a scent to your homemade detergent, just put a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the mixture.
Ah, white vinegar – every homeowner’s best friend. As you know, this product comes in handy in many cleaning-related situations, and in this case – it can even become a fabric softener. Just add a cup to your load instead of a fabric softener. What the vinegar does is that it neutralises the pH and washes away the soap from your clothes, leaving them nice and soft.
If you want to be as eco-friendly as possible, forget about your dryer. This appliance uses almost as much energy as a refrigerator, and it can impact not only your bills but also the environment.
To avoid the dryer machine, you can line dry your clothes when possible. This, of course, is perfect for warmer days but could be a challenge in the late autumn and winter months. If you want, you can also hang your clothes inside your home – just make sure to have proper ventilation.
If you prefer to spend your time with the family or doing your favourite things, instead of dealing with a pile of dirty clothes, Fantastic Services is here to help you. Our professional laundry services and dry cleaning services use only eco friendly products which are safe for the environment and yourself.
Your clothes will be fresh and clean, delivered right at your doorstep within 24 hours.
Book a professional laundry pick up and delivery right away.
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