Greener Laundry: Wash Less, Wash Cooler, Dry Smarter

For many garments, laundering is a significant part of their environmental impact over a lifetime, mainly because of the energy used to heat water and dry clothes. Washing also wears fabrics out.

The good news is that the changes are simple and save money.

Wash less often

Many clothes, such as jeans, jumpers, and outerwear, do not need washing after every wear. Air them out, spot clean marks, and wash when they actually look or smell dirty.

Wash cooler

Modern detergents work well at lower temperatures for everyday loads. Save hot washes for heavily soiled items, towels, and bedding when needed.

Fill the machine, but do not overload

Full loads are more efficient, but overloading reduces cleaning and increases creasing.

Dry naturally

Air-dry on a line or rack when possible
If using a tumble dryer, clean the lint filter every time and use shorter cycles
Spin clothes well before drying to reduce drying time

Reduce microfibres

Synthetic fabrics shed microfibres during washing. Washing less, using cooler cycles, full loads, and a microfibre-catching bag or filter can reduce this.

Choose detergent carefully

Use the recommended dose, as more detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. Concentrated detergents and refills reduce packaging.

This is general sustainability information. Recycling, composting, and disposal rules vary by municipality — check local guidance. Cost and energy savings are estimates and depend on your home and usage.

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