Going Green: Tips for Eco-Friendly Laundry

Laundry is one of those chores that can be resource intensive and a significant polluter, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, you can go green and get your laundry clean. There are a few simple things you can do to make wash day more eco-friendly.

Do Full Loads

A full load uses less energy and water than two half loads. Save water, energy, and time.

Use Eco-Friendly Detergent

Choose a laundry detergent without added dyes, fragrances, and petroleum-based chemical compounds.  Some dry cleaners offer eco-friendly wash, dry, fold service that uses custom detergent, formulated to be eco-friendly and boost cleaning power.

Use Less Detergent

Pay attention to the amount of detergent you use, too. Read and follow the directions on the detergent box. Too much detergent not only dumps more soap into the water, but also reduces the washer’s efficiency.

Use Non-Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine has many damaging effects on the environment, and you don’t really need it to get your laundry white.  Try lemon juice or a “free and clear” bleach.  To help save the environment, we should try to use only chlorine-free laundry products.

Use the Right Dryer Settings

Match the drying time to the load.  For example, nylon dries faster than denim. Use lower heat to save energy. I dry all clothes in low/medium heat.

Upgrade Your Washing Machine

Commercial washers are already more efficient than home washers. The newest generation of high-efficiency washers is designed to use even less energy and less water. This new technology is available in home washers now too.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Try a concentrated eco-friendly detergent to get the same amount of wash from a smaller package.  Recycle plastic detergent bottles. Reuse laundry bags, hangers, containers, and anything else you can think of – be creative. Some eco-friendly dry cleaners use reusable laundry bags for laundry pickup and delivery service, too.

Spend Time With Your Family, Not Your Laundry

I prefer to take my laundry to the dry cleaner near me, or use their free laundry pickup service. That way, the hours and energy that I spend on laundry are better spent on playing with my kids and watching TV with my family. Wouldn’t you do the same?


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