You don't need to overhaul your entire routine to make your laundry more eco-friendly. These ten simple swaps reduce your environmental impact while often saving money too. Start with one or two and build from there.
1. Wash at Lower Temperatures
Heating water accounts for about 90% of a washing machine's energy use. Switching from 40°C to 30°C can reduce energy consumption by up to 40% per load, and modern detergents are formulated to work effectively at lower temperatures.
2. Only Wash Full Loads
Running the machine with a full load is significantly more efficient than multiple smaller loads. If you must wash a small load, adjust the water level setting if your machine allows it.
3. Switch to Eco-Friendly Detergent
Look for plant-based, biodegradable detergents with minimal packaging. Concentrated formulas reduce plastic waste and transport emissions. Better yet, try laundry sheets or refillable options from local zero-waste shops.
4. Ditch the Fabric Softener
Commercial fabric softeners contain chemicals that persist in waterways. White vinegar in the rinse cycle softens clothes naturally, removes odours, and is far cheaper. Wool dryer balls are another excellent alternative for the tumble dryer.
5. Air Dry When Possible
A tumble dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home. Line drying uses zero energy, is gentler on fabrics, and gives clothes a fresh scent. Even drying one load per week on the line makes a difference.
Did You Know? If every UK household line-dried just one load per week instead of using the dryer, it would save enough energy to power a small town for a year.
6. Use a Microfibre-Catching Bag
Synthetic fabrics shed tiny plastic microfibres during washing that end up in waterways. A microfibre-catching laundry bag traps these particles, preventing them from entering the water system.
7. Wash Clothes Less Often
Not everything needs washing after a single wear. Jeans, jumpers, and outerwear can often be worn multiple times between washes. Hanging items to air between wears keeps them fresh longer.
8. Choose Natural Stain Removers
Bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and sunlight handle most common stains effectively without harsh chemicals. Our Stain Removal Guide has specific instructions for each stain type.
9. Maintain Your Machine
A well-maintained washing machine runs more efficiently. Clean the filter monthly, run an empty hot wash with vinegar quarterly, and leave the door ajar between washes to prevent mould buildup.
10. Repair Before Replacing
Learn basic mending skills—sewing a button, patching a small hole, or fixing a seam. Extending the life of your clothes by even a few months reduces their environmental footprint significantly.
For a deeper dive into eco-friendly laundry practices, explore our Eco-Friendly Laundry program.