Clean Clothes, Cleaner Planet

Laundry is a routine part of daily life, so even small changes in how we wash and dry clothes can significantly impact environmental and household health. From energy use to water consumption and chemical exposure, each load offers an opportunity to make mindful choices. Here are practical ways to reduce our laundry footprint without adding complexity. By adjusting temperature settings, choosing cleaner products and rethinking our washing and drying methods, we can support sustainability and long-term wellness.

Avoid high heat. Washing machines use about 90 percent of their energy to heat water. Hot water can damage fabrics, and many garment labels recommend cold water to prevent fading, shrinking or bleeding colors. Switching to cold water extends the life of our clothes and reduces energy use without compromising cleanliness. Modern laundry detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water.

Tumble drying clothes in high heat breaks down fabric elasticity, often causing them to stretch or shrink dramatically. It also weakens fibers with every cycle, making them more prone to ripping and tearing. Opt for lower heat settings instead. To ensure efficient drying, clean the lint trap before starting a dry cycle.

Replace chemical-laden dryer sheets with wool or rubber dryer balls, which reduce static and help separate clothes, improving airflow and allowing for faster drying. Another trick is to add a clean, dry towel to absorb moisture and reduce drying time.

Air drying clothes saves energy and money. Household dryers in the U.S. account for about 3 percent of the residential energy budget. Hanging clothes outside is free and environmentally friendly, leaving garments crease-free and smelling fresh. Sunlight also naturally disinfects and freshens fabrics. Hanging clothes indoors on drying racks is free, too, while protecting fabrics from the elements.

Choose eco-friendly detergents. Look for plant-based, biodegradable formulas. Avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. The most serious offenders are ethoxylated ingredients linked to cancer; harmful surfactants or lathering agents like sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate that cause irritation and harm aquatic life; and undisclosed or ambiguous ingredients like “fragrance” or “preservatives”. Consider concentrated or refillable options to minimize plastic packaging. Some brands to consider are Molly’s Suds, Branch Basics and Blueland.

Practice smarter laundry habits. To save water, energy and money, launder clothes less often and wash fuller loads. Over-washing prematurely deteriorates garments, breaking down fibers and causing colors to fade. According to Levi’s, jeans should be washed sparingly—ideally, every 10 wears or less. Keep denim fresh between washes by airing it out and spot cleaning when necessary. Use eco-friendly mesh laundry bags to protect delicates.

Minimize the release of microplastics. Laundry is one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution, threatening land-based ecosystems and waterways. Microfibers from synthetic fabrics are major offenders. To reduce microfiber shedding from the laundry, wash less often using fuller loads, use cold water and less detergent, and hang garments to air dry. Some products, such as the Guppyfriend Washing Bag, help filter out microplastics.