Green Laundry Guide — How I Wash Clothes Sustainably & Save Energy
Laundry is one of those chores I used to do without thinking. But when I started my sustainable living journey, I realised how much energy, water and plastic gets used up in the process.
So I slowly changed my habits — nothing extreme, just simple tweaks that made my laundry routine lighter on the planet and easier on my electricity bill.
Here’s my personal green laundry routine that you can easily follow at home.
Step 1: Washing most clothes in cold water
This was my biggest money-saver. Heating water uses a huge amount of electricity, and 80–90% of daily clothes don’t need hot water at all.
Cold wash:
- saves energy
- protects fabric
- keeps colours bright
This works perfectly alongside the tips I shared in:
👉 Energy-Saving Hacks for Home
Step 2: Washing full loads (but not overloaded)
Earlier, I used to run the machine even for small loads. Now I wait until I have a comfortable full load — enough clothes but not stuffed in.
This reduces:
- water usage
- detergent consumption
- machine wear and tear
Step 3: Choosing eco-friendly detergents
I personally prefer:
- liquid detergents in recyclable packaging
- mild formulas that are easier on clothes
- refill packs whenever possible
Also, I’ve started using natural cleaners for pre-wash stains.
They work surprisingly well, and I’ve shared the recipes here:
👉 DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes I Use
Step 4: Air-drying whenever possible
Dryers are convenient, but they use a lot of electricity and weaken fabric over time. Sun-drying or shade-drying keeps clothes fresh and reduces your carbon footprint.
Plus, sunlight naturally disinfects clothes — no chemicals needed.
Step 5: Avoiding microplastic-heavy fabrics
Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics every time we wash them. So now I try to:
- Buy more cotton, linen or bamboo fabrics
- Reduce fast-fashion polyester items
If you’re curious about my approach to conscious clothing, I’ve explained it here:
👉 How I Reduce Plastic in My Daily Life
Step 6: Choosing longer-lasting laundry essentials
I’ve slowly shifted to:
- a sturdy laundry bag instead of plastic baskets
- better-quality washing brushes
- reusable dryer balls when using a dryer
Some of my favourite eco-friendly home items are listed here:
👉 Eco-Friendly Home Products I Personally Recommend
How this laundry routine fits my sustainable lifestyle
Green laundry isn’t a separate task — it’s part of my everyday mindful living. When I save electricity, reduce plastic and choose better products, everything feels more organised and purposeful.
All these habits naturally tie back into my daily routine under:
👉 The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Living
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive detergents to make your laundry routine greener. Just a few small changes — cold wash, full loads, air-drying and mindful choices — are enough to make a noticeable difference.
Try one habit from this guide, then add another when you feel ready. Your clothes will thank you. Your electricity bill will thank you. And honestly, your home will simply feel better.
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