Eco-Friendly Ways to Do Laundry: Save Energy and Water

Doing laundry is a necessary part of life, but it can be wasteful if done inefficiently. Washing and drying clothes use a large amount of electricity and water, while conventional detergents contribute to water pollution. However, there are many eco-friendly ways to do laundry that reduce energy and water use without compromising cleanliness. This guide will cover sustainable laundry practices, energy-efficient washing, water-saving techniques, and eco-friendly detergents.

Key Takeaways

• Laundry uses a lot of electricity and water, and traditional detergents pollute.
• Energy-efficient washers, cold water washing, and biodegradable detergents save money and reduce waste.
• Line drying, wool dryer balls, and natural stain removers cut energy use and pollution.

What Is the Environmental Impact of Laundry?

Traditional laundry methods use vast amounts of water and electricity. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American household does nearly 400 loads of laundry per year, using approximately 13,500 gallons of water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, clothes dryers account for approximately 6% of the average household’s energy usage. When combined with washing machines, the laundry process represents a significant portion of both our water and energy consumption.

By making small changes, such as switching to energy-efficient appliances and choosing sustainable detergents, households can save money on utility bills and reduce their environmental footprint.

Choosing an Energy-Efficient Washing Machine

Front Load vs. Top Load Washer Efficiency

Front-load washing machines are more energy and water-efficient than traditional top-load washers. They use about 50% less water and 30% less electricity. 

The following table compares the two types:

If replacing your washing machine, look for an ENERGY STAR-rated model, which uses 25% less energy and 33% less water compared to standard models.

Best Washer Settings for an Eco-Friendly Laundry Routine

1. Use Cold Water for Washing

Heating water accounts for nearly 90% of the energy used during a wash cycle. Switching to cold water reduces electricity use and helps clothes last longer. Modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water.

2. Shorter Wash Cycles Save Energy and Water

A normal wash cycle is often longer than necessary. Many machines have an eco mode or quick wash setting that reduces the cycle length while still cleaning effectively.

3. Load Size and Water Level

Choosing the right load size helps save water and energy:

• Washing full loads is more efficient because it uses less water and energy per item than smaller loads.
• But overloading the washer can make clothes less clean, and you might have to wash them again.
• Many high-efficiency washers adjust the water level automatically, but older models may need you to set it yourself.

4. Use the Highest Spin Speed

A faster spin cycle extracts more water from clothes, cutting drying time. This is especially helpful when air drying, as it reduces dripping and drying time indoors.

Sustainable Detergents and Cleaning Products

The detergent you choose has a substantial impact on both cleaning effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Conventional detergents often contain phosphates, sulphates, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals that can harm waterways and potentially affect human health. 

Plant-based and biodegradable detergents are safer for both the environment and your skin. These products break down naturally in water treatment systems and do not leave harmful residues in our waterways. Many eco-friendly brands now match or exceed the cleaning power of traditional detergents while using sustainable ingredients.

Here’s a comparison of different detergent options and their environmental impact:

The Benefits of Air-Drying Clothes

Air-drying clothes is perhaps the most environmentally friendly drying method available. This practice eliminates the energy consumption of electric dryers while offering several additional benefits:

Outdoor Line Drying

• Zero energy consumption
• Natural disinfection from UV rays
• Fresh outdoor scent
• Reduced wear on clothing
• No static cling

Indoor Drying Solutions

• Drying racks
• Retractable clotheslines
• Over-door hangers
• Effective in any weather
• Helps maintain indoor humidity in dry climates

A study by the University of Illinois found that switching to air-drying can reduce a household’s carbon footprint by up to 2,400 pounds per year.

Water-Saving Laundry Tips

Washing machines use a large amount of water, but smart choices can reduce consumption. Here are several effective strategies:

Use a High-Efficiency Washer

High-efficiency washers use 50% less water than older models while still cleaning effectively.

• Front-loading machines typically use 13 gallons per load
• Top-loading HE machines use about 19 gallons
• Conventional washers use 31-45 gallons

Natural Laundry Aids and Alternatives

Several natural alternatives can replace conventional laundry products:

Wool Dryer Balls

• Reduce drying time by 25%
• Last for thousands of loads
• Naturally soften clothes
• Reduce static cling
• Zero waste alternative to dryer sheets

Vinegar as Fabric Softener

• Natural mineral deposit removal
• Helps eliminate odors
• Maintains pH balance
• Cost-effective alternative
• No artificial fragrances

Greywater Systems

Many regions now permit greywater systems that allow laundry water to be reused for irrigation. A properly designed greywater system can:

• Save up to 40,000 gallons of water annually
• Reduce water bills
• Provide irrigation for gardens
• Lower pressure on municipal water systems

Stain Removal Alternatives

Natural stain removers can be just as effective as chemical alternatives:

• Lemon juice for brightening whites
• Baking soda for odor removal
• Hydrogen peroxide for organic stains
• Salt for color bleeding prevention

Other Eco-Friendly Laundry Practices

1. Eco-Friendly Fabric Softeners

Instead of commercial fabric softeners, use:

• White vinegar (softens clothes and removes odors)
• Baking soda (enhances detergent performance)

2. Reduce Microfiber Pollution

Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics that enter waterways. To reduce pollution:

• Wash synthetic clothes less often
• Use a microfiber filter bag
• Choose natural fabrics like organic cotton

Creating an Eco-Friendly Laundry Routine

Implementing these changes requires a systematic approach. Here’s a suggested routine:

1. Sort laundry effectively
   • Combine similar fabrics
   • Create full loads
   • Separate heavily soiled items
2. Pre-treat stains
   • Use natural stain removers
   • Address spots promptly
   • Avoid excessive chemical use
3. Choose appropriate settings
   • Cold water when possible
   • High spin speeds
   • Correct soil level settings
4. Plan drying methods
   • Check weather for line drying
   • Use indoor racks when needed
   • Combine dryer loads efficiently

Cost Savings from Energy-Friendly Laundry Practices

Adopting eco-friendly laundry practices often leads to significant cost savings. Here’s an example of potential savings:

Wrapping Up

Making laundry more sustainable is simple and cost-effective. By choosing energy-efficient washers, washing in cold water, using natural detergents, and air drying clothes, you can reduce water and energy use while keeping clothes clean. Every small change contributes to a healthier planet while often saving money and extending the life of your clothes. Try incorporating these eco-friendly laundry habits and enjoy the long-term benefits of saving energy and water.