How to Do Laundry in 11 Simple Steps

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 Everyday Essentialist article, we'll explore how to do laundry the right way and switch to more sustainable, cost-effective, and time-saving laundry practices.

Understanding the Impact of Traditional Laundry Practices

Typical laundry routines consume large amounts of energy and water while generating plastic waste from detergent bottles. However, beyond the environmental impact, conventional detergents and fabric softeners often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin and affect respiratory health. These ingredients may trigger allergies, exacerbate conditions like eczema, and contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Switching to a low-impact laundry routine not only conserves resources and extends the life of clothing but also reduces exposure to harmful substances. Small changes can lead to a healthier home and a more sustainable future. Try these simple, budget-friendly swaps for a cleaner, greener laundry routine!

1. Extend Wear Between Washes

Identify the main cause of frequent laundry in your home and find a practical solution to tackle it. My secret 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.

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 do laundry (wash, dry, and iron) 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 Cold Washing Temperature

Opting for a cold washing temperature offers several perks for your clothes as well as the environment. Low temperatures are gentler on fabrics, reducing the risk of color bleeding, 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 how she keeps her clothes looking amazing. Her advice was simple: "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 regular part of my routine too.

5. Use Mesh Laundry Bags 

Mesh laundry bags are protective, breathable bags designed to keep delicate clothes safe during washing. They prevent snagging, stretching, and tangling while allowing water and detergent to flow through. Ideal for lingerie, sweaters, socks, and other delicate items, they help extend clothing life and keep small pieces from getting lost in the wash.

6. Opt for Skin- and Eco-Friendly Detergent

Learning how to do laundry sustainably starts with choosing the right detergent. Unlike traditional options packaged in single-use plastic, eco-friendly alternatives often come in recyclable, compostable, or refillable packaging, reducing plastic waste.

Ditching disposable detergent bottles can significantly lower your carbon footprint. Plus, the best eco-friendly detergents are made from natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them safer for your skin, clothes, and the environment.

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

Knowing how to do laundry without fabric softeners can help protect your clothes, skin, and the environment. While they may leave fabrics feeling soft and smelling fresh, most traditional fabric softeners contain chemicals that can build up on clothing, irritate sensitive skin, and pollute waterways.

A better alternative is citrus-infused vinegar. Simply add 1/4 cup to the fabric softener dispenser—it naturally softens fabrics without leaving behind a vinegar smell. I’m not a fan of the scent of white vinegar (shocker!), but I can guarantee your laundry won’t smell like it. Honestly, I stopped using fabric softeners 10 years ago and haven’t missed them at all!

9. Start Using Eco-Friendly Bleach Alternatives

Using safe and natural 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

Learning how to do laundry safely includes avoiding toxic stain removers that can harm your health and the environment. Many conventional products contain harsh chemicals that irritate skin, weaken fabric fibers, and contribute to water pollution, endangering aquatic life. They can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which lower indoor air quality and may trigger respiratory issues.

Thankfully, there are natural, non-toxic stain removers like Ethique, which come in minimal cardboard packaging. When paired with a laundry brush, they work just as effectively. For best results, apply early and let the stain remover sit before washing—especially useful for parents tackling toddler messes. Switching to non-toxic alternatives keeps your clothes clean and your home free of harmful chemicals.

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. Additionally, fuller loads prevent the friction that causes fabric damage. 

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 and health impacts of conventional laundry practices and learning how to do laundry the right way, you can take meaningful steps toward sustainable living.

These small changes add up, helping reduce energy and water consumption, minimizing microfiber pollution, and limiting the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. So, let’s commit to being environmentally conscious while doing laundry—it's a win-win for your wallet, your health, and the planet! Together with our team at Everyday Essentialist, we can make a positive difference.