Laundry might not be the most exciting chore, but with a few laundry hacks, you can make it more eco-friendly and budget-savvy.
Here are the best laundry hacks for the Earth and your wallet!
1. Wash on Cold
Did you know washing your clothes in cold water can save energy and reduce utility bills? Not only is cold water still effective at cleaning most clothes, but it’s also more gentle on fabrics. In addition, washing your laundry on cold helps prevent colors from fading and fabrics from shrinking. According to research, about 90% of the energy the washing machine uses goes towards heating the water! If everyone washed on cold, it could save 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide a year (source).
2. Use Wool Dryer Balls
If you haven’t already tried using wool dryer balls, it’s time! The laundry routine with single-use dryer sheets is over. . These reusable dryer balls not only help reduce drying time, but also soften clothes. One my favorite things about wool dryer balls is that they also eliminate static.
They’re a fantastic eco-friendly alternative that saves energy and keeps your laundry chemical-free. Just toss a few in with your load and enjoy the benefits. You’ll save money b because you win’t need to constant rebuy dryer sheets. You’re also choosing a healthier alternative to toxic dryer sheets
3. Clean the Lint Filter Regularly
I know we hear this often, but clean your lint filter!
A clogged lint filter can increase drying time and energy consumption. Make it a habit to clean the lint filter before every load. This also reduces the risk of fire hazards. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
4. Get a Foldable Drying Rack
Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy.
I love my foldable drying rack! You can easily set it up indoors or outdoors. Air drying your clothes not only reduces energy usage but also keeps your clothes from shrinking. I love using my drying rack for my jeans, PJs and delicate clothing.
5. Wash Full Loads
Make the most out of each wash by only washing full loads.
If you want to maximize the efficiency of your washing machine and conserves water and energy, you need to make sure you’re utilizing all that space in your washer. If you need to wash a smaller load, adjust the water level settings accordingly to avoid waste.
6. Spot Clean
If you’re only washing certain clothing items because of one or two stains, try spot cleaning them instead of washing the entire piece of clothing. I make a paste with baking soda and laundry detergent and use it to quickly remove any stains. This works incredibly well for most staisn for both me and my kids!
7. Rewear Between Washes
As I mentioned before, think twice before washing your clothes. Not every piece of clothing needs to be washed after a single wear. Jeans, sweaters, and jackets can be worn multiple times before needing a wash. This reduces wear and tear on your clothes and cuts down on water and energy usage. Plus, it saves you time on laundry day! There’s nothing wrong with rewearing clothing between washes although you may want to space it out a day or two before you wear it again!
8. Use Laundry Tablets or Non-Toxic Detergent
Switch to eco-friendly laundry tablets or non-toxic detergents. These alternatives are free from harmful chemicals and often come in recyclable packaging. They’re better for your health, the environment, and they can even help extend the life of your washing machine.
Here are my favorites:
Remember, small changes can have a significant impact, and every little effort counts.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about these 8 best laundry hacks that are good for the earth and your wallet
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