15 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips (Sustainable & Cost-Efficient)

eco friendly laundry tips

02/09/2024

Konstantina Antoniadou

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Ready to kick-start your sustainable laundry routine with fewer toxins and single-use plastics? We gathered some amazing eco-friendly laundry tips for you ahead. 

Whether you want to save some money or keep your garments in tip-top shape, here are the top eco-friendly laundry options in 2024.

This post was about the best eco-friendly laundry tips.

eco friendly laundry tips

So, doing laundry? To put it simply, it’s a bit of an eco-mess. The environmental footprint of doing laundry is often underestimated, but it can have a significant impact on both water and energy consumption, as well as contribute to pollution and waste. 

First off, your washing machine is a power hog, using around 140.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, if you’re using your washing three times a week. It also requires huge amounts of water for every wash! Around 41 gallons (155 liters) of water per load, to be exact. 

Now, the soap you use – it’s not innocent either. Unlike the planet-safe formulas we use in our eco-friendly laundry routine, traditional ones can be a toxic mix, and when they go down the drain, in rivers and oceans. Phosphates, when released into water bodies, can lead to algae blooms, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. Not cool. But, we haven’t even scratched the surface!

Ever heard of microfiber pollution? These tiny plastics, derived from our synthetic clothing, escape the wash and end up in fish bellies. Yep, we’re eating plastic when we eat fish. In fact, a single load of laundry can release thousands of microfibers, contributing to the overall plastic pollution crisis.

To help you adopt a more sustainable laundry routine, we listed 15 tried-and-true eco-friendly laundry tips for you, ahead.

How does doing laundry affect the environment?

Washing machines and dryers are energy-intensive appliances. The energy used to heat water, power the washing machine, and run the dryer contributes to overall energy consumption. The majority of this energy often comes from non-renewable sources, leading to increased carbon emissions and environmental impact.

Also, traditional washing machines consume a significant amount of water with each cycle. Excessive water usage contributes to water scarcity issues, especially in regions facing drought or water stress. In addition, wastewater from laundry can introduce pollutants into waterways if not properly treated.

Then, we have laundry detergents and fabric softeners that often contain chemicals that can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems. Phosphates and surfactants in detergents can contribute to nutrient imbalances and water pollution, impacting aquatic life and ecosystems.

On top of that, laundry generates waste in the form of lint, worn-out clothes, and packaging from laundry products. Disposing of these items, especially when not done responsibly, can contribute to landfill issues and environmental pollution.

Last but not least, synthetic fabrics shed microfibers during washing, which can enter waterways and oceans. These microfibers, which are often made of plastic, contribute to microfiber pollution and can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and potentially enter the food chain

How can I make my laundry more eco-friendly?

To make your laundry more eco-friendly, start by washing your clothes in cold water, as it requires less energy than warm or hot water. Cold water not only saves energy but also helps preserve the colors and quality of your garments. 

Choose an energy-efficient washing machine with a high spin speed to reduce drying time and energy consumption. Opt for biodegradable and eco-friendly laundry detergents, or explore making your own using natural ingredients like baking soda and castile soap.

For sustainable laundry, wash full loads to maximize the efficiency of each cycle and minimize water usage. When possible, air-dry your clothes instead of using a dryer, taking advantage of natural sunlight and reducing your reliance on electricity.

Additionally, consider using wool dryer balls instead of disposable dryer sheets to further reduce waste. Keep reading to find our full list of eco-friendly laundry tips. 


Super Easy Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips


1. Know Your Fabrics

eco friendly laundry tips

Different fabrics have distinct characteristics and react differently to various washing conditions. 

For example, delicate fabrics like silk or lace require more gentle handling, while sturdier fabrics like denim can withstand more robust washing methods. 

Some fabrics are more prone to color bleeding than others.

By recognizing which fabrics are more likely to bleed, you can take precautions, such as washing them separately or using color-catching sheets, to preserve the original colors of your garments.


2. Wash Full Loads

Eco-conscious washing tips

The simplest step towards an eco-friendly laundry room is making sure your washer is never running half-empty. 

While you might be the kind of person who still sees it as half-full, it’s no good for the environment! 

If you absolutely have to wash just a few items and have nothing else to add, choose a shorter cycle.


3. Use An Eco-Friendly Detergent

Eco friendly laundry tips

Take your laundry to the next step by opting for an eco-friendly laundry detergent.

Traditional laundry detergents often contain phosphates and synthetic chemicals that can harm aquatic ecosystems

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), surfactants break down the mucus layer that coats fish, protecting them from parasites and bacteria. 

You can also cut down on the amount of packaging that’s needed by choosing a concentrated detergent – it has all the same ingredients, just less water.


SKL Eco-Friendly Detergent Recommendations:


4. Skip The Fabric Softener

Green laundry practices

Commercial fabric softeners may contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health.

What’s more, due to the petroleum-based composition of many fabric softeners, they do not undergo natural decomposition in the environment, persisting for extended periods. 

This extended presence poses a threat to waterway ecosystems, exacerbating environmental harm over time.

On top of that, fabric softeners have the potential to harm specific fabrics, including cashmere, wool, swimwear, moisture-wicking clothes, microfiber, terry cloth, and items filled with down or feathers. 

If you don’t want to ditch them completely, one of the simplest eco-friendly laundry tips is to make your own fabric softener with natural ingredients like white vinegar or baking soda and eliminate the use of harmful chemicals. 

It’s cost-effective and reduces the overall impact on the environment.


5. Wool Dryer Balls

eco friendly laundry options

It’s no secret that disposable dryer sheets contribute to single-use waste, and the chemicals in some commercial sheets may be harmful to the environment. 

Dryer sheets emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when subjected to heat, according to a study.

These VOCs are then released into the air through your dryer vent, contributing to air pollution and potentially affecting indoor air quality.

So, what’s the sustainable laundry alternative? Wool dryer balls are natural, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional dryer sheets. 

They are typically made from 100% wool, often sourced from sheep.

These balls are about the size of tennis balls and are used in the dryer to help soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and decrease drying time.

They also help prevent clothes from clumping together, allowing for better airflow.


SKL Wool Dryer Ball Recommendations:


6. Remove Stains Naturally

best sustainable laundry

One of our favorite eco-friendly laundry tips is removing stains naturally.

Ingredients in stain removers, such as chlorine or bleach, can be harmful to both you and the environment.

Why use chemicals when some basic natural ingredients do a splendid job?

Baking soda with vinegar does most of the job, but if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you might also want to give natural stain removers a try – just check the ingredients list.


SKL Stain Remover Recommendations:


7. Turn the Temperature Down

how to do laundry eco friendly

Did you know that washing clothes in hot water consumes significantly more energy compared to cold water? 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes towards heating the water. 

Unless you’re washing something that needs to run through hot water, such as hankies or face masks, turn down the temperature when you wash your clothes too.

Cold water washing reduces energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

It also helps preserve the longevity of clothes by preventing color fading and reducing wear and tear from hot water.

This is an easy one and all it requires you to do is turn a button to a different setting.

However, while washing machines do certainly consume a significant portion of energy, they come nowhere near the waste of electricity tumble dryers can be! 


8. Don’t Use An Iron

best eco friendly laundry options

Yes, ironing shouldn’t always be a part of your sustainable laundry routine! Irons consume a significant amount of electricity. 

An average iron uses around 1000 to 1800 watts of power, to be exact. The process of heating the iron plate to the desired temperature requires energy, often derived from fossil fuels.

The more frequently an iron is used, the greater the demand for energy resources and the subsequent environmental impact.

So, it would be best to use it only when it’s absolutely necessary.

Opting for clothing made from wrinkle-resistant or low-maintenance fabrics can reduce the need for ironing. 

Additionally, proper folding and hanging techniques can help prevent wrinkles, minimizing the necessity for ironing in the first place.


9. Hang Dry Your Clothes

best green laundry

Since tumble dryers consume so much energy, skipping them can make a big impact on the environment. 

Especially when you can hang dry your clothes, which is much cheaper and extremely energy efficient.

Tumble dryers can also damage your clothing and decrease their lifespan – the more often you’ll have to replace the clothing, the bigger your impact on the environment!


10. Choose An Eco-Washing Machine

Sustainable laundry habits

Average washing machines use between 400 and 1,400 W of electricity to stay powered.

On top of that, standard top-load washing machines use between 30 and 35 gallons of water per load. That’s A LOT!

Check out our list of the best eco friendly washing machines on the market to further minimize your energy consumption. 

Remember, when choosing a new washer, consider opting for a machine with a high water factor (WF) rating.

This indicates better water efficiency, meaning the washing machine uses less water per cycle.  

Also, a washing machine with a high spin speed helps extract more water from your clothes during the wash cycle.

This reduces the time needed for drying and, consequently, energy consumption.

Look for washing machines with the Energy Star label. Energy star-certified appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy.


11. Consider A Front-Loader Washing Machine

best eco friendly laundry tips

Here’s one of the most important eco-friendly laundry tips!

Front-loading washing machines are generally more energy-efficient than top-loading models. 

They use less water and require less energy to operate, contributing to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact. 

The horizontal drum design allows clothes to tumble through a smaller amount of water, resulting in more efficient water usage. 

Also, front-loaders often have higher spin speeds than top-loaders.

This high spin speed helps extract more water from the clothes during the final spin cycle, reducing the time and energy required for drying.


12. Service Your Appliances Regularly

Zero-waste laundry strategies

Yeap, your eco-friendly washing machine deserves some love! 

Regularly servicing your appliances is a key practice for maintaining their efficiency, longevity, and safety.

Well-maintained appliances tend to operate more efficiently.

Regular servicing helps ensure that all components are working optimally, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. 

Routine maintenance can prevent the wear and tear that leads to breakdowns. 

By addressing minor issues before they escalate, you can extend the lifespan of your appliances, reducing the need for premature replacements.


13. Avoid Dry Cleaning

green laundry

Traditional dry cleaning often involves the use of harsh chemical solvents, such as perchloroethylene (PERC). PERC is a toxic chemical that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. 

It poses risks of air and water pollution during the cleaning process and can persist in clothing residues.

On top of that, residual chemicals from dry cleaning can contaminate water sources.

When improperly disposed of, these chemicals can leach into the soil and potentially enter waterways, affecting aquatic ecosystems and posing a threat to human health.

To make your laundry routine more eco-friendly, consider handwashing or using a gentle cycle in your washing machine for clothes labeled as “dry-clean only.” 

Additionally, explore environmentally friendly and professional wet cleaning services that use water-based solutions rather than harsh chemical solvents.


14. Use A Microfiber Filter

best green laundry tips

We already know that among the most shocking facts about fast fashion is the presence of microfibers. But what are they exactly?  

One study found that for every kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of fabric washed, there were between 124 to 308 milligrams of microfibers released. 

To put it in perspective, this translates to a large number of individual microfibers, ranging from 640,000 to 1,500,000, depending on the type of clothing you’re washing. 

These fibers are exceptionally small, often measuring less than 5 millimeters in length, and they have been found in marine environments, sediments, and even in the tissues of aquatic organisms

So, as these tiny particles enter the food chain, they may have consequences for human health when consuming contaminated seafood.

Microfiber filters, such as Planet Care filter, have the power to intercept approximately 90 percent of those elusive microfibers, preventing them from becoming aquatic or terrestrial pollutants. 

Just attach the Planet Care filter either to the outside of your washing machine or a nearby wall, and you’re set to make a significant impact.


15. Use Mesh Bags

sustainable laundry

Mesh laundry bags like Simple Ecology or Marley’s Monsters are designed to protect delicate items during the washing process. 

Delicate items, such as lingerie, bras, lacy garments, or even certain types of clothing with embellishments, are more prone to damage in a regular washing machine cycle. 

No worries, the mesh allows water and detergent to flow through, ensuring that your delicate items get cleaned properly.  


Eco-friendly laundry FAQs:


What is the most eco-friendly laundry detergent?

There are a few amazing eco-friendly laundry detergents out there, such as Dropps detergent pods, Tru Earth detergent sheets, Puracy natural laundry detergent, Blueland laundry detergent, and Eco Roots detergent sheets

What is the greenest way to wash clothes?

The greenest way to wash clothes involves a combination of mindful practices to minimize environmental impact. 

Start by using a cold water wash, as it requires less energy than warm or hot water. Opt for an energy-efficient washing machine with a high spin speed to reduce drying time and save electricity. 

Choose eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents with minimal chemicals, and consider making your own detergent using natural ingredients. Wash full loads to maximize each cycle’s efficiency, and utilize shorter wash cycles when possible. 

Air-dry clothes when feasible, harnessing the natural energy of the sun, and embrace sustainable fabric choices when building your wardrobe. 

Finally, stay informed about innovative, eco-friendly laundry technologies and practices, and share these tips with others to promote a collective commitment to sustainable laundry habits.

What is the most eco-friendly wash cycle?

The most eco-friendly wash cycle is the cold water cycle. Washing clothes in cold water has several environmental benefits. 

First, it significantly reduces the energy consumption of the washing machine, as heating water accounts for a substantial portion of the overall energy used in laundry.

Second, cold water helps preserve the colors and integrity of fabrics, potentially extending the lifespan of your clothes and reducing the need for replacements. 

Additionally, washing in cold water minimizes the greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating. 

Does cold water really clean clothes better than hot water?

Yes, cold water really does clean clothes just as good, if not better, than hot water. Hot water can set stains into the fabric, making them more challenging to remove.

Cold water is also gentler on fabric, meaning that it is less likely to damage your clothing. Cold water is more energy-efficient, budget-friendly, and better for your clothes – it’s an all-around win!

Can I use vinegar as a fabric softener alternative?

Yes, you can use vinegar as a fabric softener alternative in your laundry routine. White distilled vinegar can serve as a natural and eco-friendly substitute for commercial fabric softeners. Vinegar helps to break down detergent residues in your clothes, resulting in softer and fluffier laundry. 

It can also act as a natural fabric softener, reducing static cling and wrinkles. During the rinse cycle of your washing machine, add half a cup to one cup of white vinegar.

This will allow the vinegar to be distributed throughout the clothes without interfering with the detergent’s cleaning process.

How do I clean my washing machine?

All you need to naturally clean your washing machine is white vinegar, baking soda, a microfiber cloth or sponge, an old toothbrush, distilled water, and a small bowl or measuring cup.

Empty the Drum: Ensure the washing machine is empty. Remove any clothes, and check pockets for loose items.

Wipe Down the Drum: Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the drum. Pay attention to the drum’s seals and gaskets.

Clean Seals and Gaskets: Use an old toothbrush or a cloth to clean the seals and gaskets thoroughly. Mold and residue can accumulate in this area.

Remove Dispensers: Take out the detergent, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers, if applicable. Most washing machines allow for easy removal of these components.

Soak In Vinegar: Soak the dispensers in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. This helps dissolve detergent residues.

Scrub and Rinse: Use a brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residues. Rinse the dispensers thoroughly with water before placing them back.

Now, it’s time to run a cleaning cycle.

Add Vinegar: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and detergent residues.

Add Baking Soda: Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Baking soda is effective in neutralizing odors and cleaning.

Run a Hot Cycle: Set the washing machine to the hottest water setting. Run a complete cycle without any clothes. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will clean the internal components.

Pause and Soak: If your washing machine has a pause function, pause the cycle after a few minutes and let the solution soak for about an hour. This allows the cleaning agents to work on stubborn residues.

Complete the Cycle: After soaking, resume and complete the cycle.

Wipe Down Exteriors: While the machine is running the cleaning cycle, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.


This post was about the best eco-friendly laundry tips.

We hope you learned lots of useful new tips to make your laundry room more eco-friendly. 

Living in a sustainable home and making changes for a more eco-friendly laundry room is as easy as adopting these habits, one at a time.

Which ones are already a part of your lifestyle and which ones are new to you?

Don’t forget to let us know if we missed any eco-friendly laundry tips in the comment section – give other readers some more ideas to try!

If you enjoyed this article on Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips, check out these other articles below!

eco friendly laundry tips
eco friendly laundry tips

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