Wash Wisely, Wear Longer, Waste Less

Unfortunately, the conventional methods and products used in this process can sometimes introduce unexpected hiccups, dampening the full enjoyment of this satisfying moment.

Some dampening factors include chemical-laden softeners that can cause skin irritation, and your increased electricity bill from tumble drying your clothes - not to mention your environmental footprint, which can increase significantly without you even realising it. 

Thankfully, by making a few simple changes, you can develop a better-for-your-wallet, -wardrobe, and -planet laundry routine. 

Wear it Once, Twice, Thrice…? 

The average household does about 300 loads of laundry annually, consuming 6 000 gallons of water and gradually wearing down your clothes. By simply reducing the number of loads and wearing some of your clothes more than once, you can preserve both your wardrobe and the planet. 

Of course, this doesn’t apply to everything, and no one expects you to wear stained clothing to the office in the name of saving water and electricity. However, wearing your jeans for three or four days before washing them is a small change that offers significant benefits.

Try this, as a start: 

• Shirts and blouses: 1 - 2 wears
• Pyjamas: 2 -3 wears
• Dresses, pants, and slacks: 2 - 3 wears
• Bras: 3 - 4 wears
• Blazers and jackets: 5 - 6 wears

Pro-line and Proud

Although convenient for last-minute weather changes that leave you in need of another warming layer, tumble dryers do use an excessive amount of energy. 

Choosing to skip tumbling your clothes and instead hanging them on a clothes horse, or under the dazzling sun, will reduce your electricity bill and your carbon footprint, plus allow them to last longer, as tumble dryers can often cause greater wear and tear on your clothes. 

Fully Loaded and Back-to-back

If you managed to wear your clothes multiple times, you might have built up quite a mountain of laundry - and all for the better! 

Not only does a full load mean less waste, but when you have a full laundry basket, you can effectively separate your laundry into darks and brights, and heavy and light fabrics, to save your clothes from premature decolourisation and wear.  

This can also allow you to do back-to-back loads, using water that has already been warmed for previous loads, which reduces the total energy you use. Alternatively, you can also consider doing cold washes to extinguish your impact in this regard entirely. 

Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Right Round

After hearing the alert tone from your washing machine, indicating the end of a cycle, you might feel a sense of urgency - after all, the sooner you get your washing out of the machine and on the line, the sooner it will be dry and you will have avoided any chance of your clothes getting that mildew smell from being left wet. However, if you resist the rush and instead start an additional spin cycle, your washing, once hung, will dry much faster. This extra step will allow you to do more loads, save you time, and make you less likely to rely on your dryer. 

Dishing on Detergents 

Many conventional laundry detergents contain chemicals that could have a negative impact on your health, clothes, and the environment. Luckily, we offer a range of eco-home products that prioritise you, your family, and the planet. We love Method’s Laundry Liquid, which uses powerful, naturally derived enzymes to leave your laundry spotless, freshly clean, and smelling heavenly. Ecover also offers eco-conscious options to lift dirt and stains from your laundry, as does our Wellness own brand range.  

Forget Conventional Softeners 

Although adding softener to your washing cycle promises to make your clothes smell like a lavender-littered field and feel just as dreamy, many of them contain chemicals that could affect your clothes. Some of the chemicals in softeners can even cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. However, there are products, like Ecover’s Fabric Conditioners, that offer all the benefits without the nasty side effects. Not only will your clothes feel and smell amazing, but their people- and eco-friendly products have been tested by independent dermatologists, so that even those of us with the most sensitive skin will feel comfortable in our cosy wear. Alternatively, you could also try adding vinegar to your washing cycle - it will neutralise pH levels and reduce the soap left in the laundry - leaving you with lush-feeling fabrics.  

Some Extra Tips 

• Read the laundry symbols on your clothing and stick to the advice to protect your fabrics.
• Provide extra protection for all your delicate items by using a washing machine bag.
• Organise your closet for success by investing in high-quality hangers and allowing your clothing breathing space.