11 Ways To Save Money And Be Eco-Friendly While Doing Laundry

Our laundry routines have a significant ecological footprint. From the energy consumed by washing machines to the chemicals in detergents and the wear and tear on clothes, each step of the process contributes to waste.

In this Mindful Minutia blog, we'll explore the environmental impact of traditional laundry methods and share tips for switching to more sustainable, cost-effective, and time-saving laundry practices.

Understanding the Impact of Traditional Laundry Practices

The obvious ecological impact of typical laundry practices is the sheer amount of energy use, water use, and plastic waste from laundry detergent bottles. One of the lesser-known aspects of laundry waste, however, is the shedding of microplastics from plastic-based synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. According to The Plastic Soup Foundation, almost 70% of clothing worldwide consists of these plastic-based materials.

Their research shows that with every laundry cycle, an average of 9 million microfibers are released into wastewater treatment plants, which often cannot effectively filter them out. The tiny plastic particles in these microfibers find their way into water bodies, polluting ecosystems and harming marine life. As a result, microplastics from our laundry contribute up to 35% of the plastic pollution found in our oceans!

By adopting a low-impact laundry routine, we can save energy, prolong the lifespan of our clothing and mitigate microplastic waste. It's an opportunity for us to make a difference toward a more sustainable future. Follow these tips below to make a shift to eco-friendly, wallet-friendly laundry practices!

1. Extend Wear Between Washes

My top tip for keeping my clothes stain-free is to wear an apron in the kitchen. The first thing I do when I step in is put on my apron. This simple habit has saved me countless times since cooking is when I’m most likely to get stains on my clothes. Identify the main cause of frequent laundry in your home and find a practical solution to tackle it.

Instead of tossing every item into the hamper after one wear, first consider whether it truly needs laundering. Most clothing items, unless visibly soiled, can be worn multiple times before needing a wash.

This not only saves you time and energy but also helps your clothes last longer by reducing the wear and tear of frequent washing.

2. Follow Laundry Care Symbols

Understanding the symbols on your clothing labels is essential for proper care. These symbols provide valuable information about how to wash, dry, and iron your clothes effectively.

Take the time to learn what each symbol means to avoid damaging your garments and ensure they last longer. Following the care instructions correctly helps maintain the quality and appearance of your clothes, saving you money in the long run as you won’t need as many replacements.

3. Opt for a Cooler Washing Temperature

Besides, following the laundry care symbols, opting for a cooler washing temperature and offers several perks for your clothes as well as the environment. Lower temperatures are gentler on fabrics, reducing the risk of shrinkage, fading, and damage.

They also help preserve the integrity of synthetic materials, preventing them from shedding the aforementioned microfibers.

Reserve warmer wash cycles for heavily soiled, natural and light fabrics or those requiring sanitization so you can reap the energy-saving advantages of cooler water temperatures.

4. The Optimal Spin Speed

I recently asked my girlfriend, who always has clothes that look amazing, how she keeps them that way. Her advice was simple: "Besides separating your clothes into light, colored, and dark loads, washing everything in cold water, and hang drying, try setting the spin speed to 400 RPM." I found this tip incredibly helpful, and I’ve noticed that my clothes stay looking new for longer. Now, it's a part of my routine too.

5. Synthetic Fabrics and Capturing Microfibers

Combatting microfiber pollution can start with mindful laundry routine. Make sure to wash full loads of laundry and use cold water. This reduces the friction that can cause more fibers to be shed during washing.

You can also place your clothes in specialized laundry bags, like the Guppyfriend. Or, you can use microfiber-catching balls, such as the Cora Ball. These eco-friendly solutions prevent microplastics from contaminating aquatic environments, helping to safeguard marine ecosystems while also preserving the longevity of your clothes.

Most importantly, the next time you go shopping, choose natural fibers that are breathable, comfortable, and compostable at the end of their life.

6. Opt for Zero-Waste Detergent

Unlike traditional laundry detergents packaged in single-use plastic containers, zero-waste options typically come in compostable or refillable packaging, minimizing plastic waste.

Eliminating disposable plastic bottles can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, many zero-waste detergents are made from natural ingredients, making them safer for the environment and your skin too.

7. Air-Dry Instead of Using the Dryer

Air-drying your clothes is a simple yet effective way to save energy and keep your clothes looking new.

Hanging clothes outdoors allows them to benefit from the fresh air and sunlight, imparting a natural freshness to your garments. For indoor drying, invest in a sturdy clothes rack or drying rack to maximize space and airflow, ensuring efficient drying.

If you're worried about wrinkles, my go-to method is to toss the clothes in the dryer for just 5 minutes to smooth out any creases, and then hang or line-dry them. My mother-in-law taught me this trick, and it has been a game-changer, keeping the eco guilt to a minimum.

8. Stop Adding Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners may leave your clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh, but they often contain harmful chemicals that can damage fabrics, harm the environment and your skin. Fortunately, there are better alternatives to traditional fabric softeners, such as wool dryer balls.

These reusable balls naturally soften fabrics, reduce static cling, and decrease drying time when tossed into the dryer with your laundry. They are free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances, making them a safe and sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a wool dryer ball to make your laundry smell fresh without using any chemicals.

To be honest, I stopped using fabric softeners years ago and haven't missed them at all. While wool dryer balls are a nice-to-have item, I don't find them necessary.

9. Start Using Eco-Friendly Bleach Alternatives

Using eco-friendly bleach alternatives is beneficial because they reduce environmental impact, are safer for your health, and are gentler on fabrics. They prevent harmful chemicals from entering waterways and reduce your exposure to toxic residues, supporting a healthier home and planet.

10. Stop Using Toxic Stain Removal Products

Stopping the use of toxic stain removal products is crucial for protecting your health and the environment. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, and contribute to water pollution, harming aquatic life. Additionally, they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that degrade indoor air quality and damage fabric fibers.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural and non-toxic stain removal soaps, like Etique, that come in minimal cardboard packaging. Combined with a laundry brush and a bit of effort before washing, these can work wonders. This bar soap is especially helpful if you have a toddler who creates lots of stains, as it keeps your home free from toxic chemicals and reduces your family's exposure to harmful substances.

11. Coordinate Full Loads for Washing

Waiting until you have a full load of laundry before running the washing machine can significantly reduce water and energy consumption. When you maximize the capacity of each load, you minimize the number of cycles required to complete your laundry, thereby conserving resources and cutting utility costs.

Collaborating with family members or housemates to coordinate laundry schedules ensures that you optimize each load, making the most of your washing machine's efficiency while reducing your environmental impact.

Your Green Laundry Practices Can Go a Long Way

By understanding the ecological impact of conventional laundry practices and implementing steps toward sustainable living you can make a positive difference.

These small changes collectively contribute to reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing microfiber pollution, and mitigating the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. So, together with our team at Mindful Minutia, let you and us commit to being environmentally friendly while doing laundry – it's a win-win for your wallet, health and the planet!