Please note that due to the ongoing Canada Post strike negotiations, other couriers are experiencing higher than-usual volumes, which may lead to some delays in order delivery.

9 Eco-friendly tips on how to wash laundry

June 06, 2018

9 Eco-friendly tips on how to wash laundry

If you are looking for ways to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle it can be pretty daunting figuring out where to begin. A good place to start is with your laundry! By following some eco-friendly laundry practices you'll not only be reducing your impact on the environment but in many cases, you'll also lower your energy costs!
Although not exhaustive, we've put together a list of laundry tips to help you with your green laundry journey.

Happy washing!

1. Wear clothing more than once.

Obviously, there are some exceptions to this rule (underwear, gym clothes and socks, for example), but unless they are seriously dirty, many items can go for a lot longer between washes than you may think. In fact, washing your clothes less often could even extend their longevity. As long as they aren't soiled, articles such as jeans and hoodies can go for a week without needing a wash.

 


2. Wash with cold water

Heating water uses quite a bit of energy, so cut down on costs by washing your clothes in cold water rather than hot. If you must use warm or hot, make sure you rinse in cold water as it is just as effective at rinsing out detergent residue.

3. Use eco-friendly laundry detergent

Speaking of detergents, a great green laundry tip is to start using a product that is safer for the environment, such as Charlie's Soap. Wash your clothes with an eco-friendly laundry detergent free from fillers, dyes and brighteners. Not only is it better for the environment, it's safer for your health.

4. Avoid fabric softeners

Not only are they unnecessary, they have the potential to reduce the inflammatory protectants in children's clothing. Yikes! The more you use an eco-friendly detergent like Charlie's Soap, the cleaner and softer your clothes will get, eliminating the need for softeners.

5. Hand-washing

Although not for everyone, hand washing your clothes gives you the ability to control the amount of water used. Granted it's quicker to use a washing machine, but if it's a small load, it might not be as time-consuming as you'd think. Plus, it's probably safer for delicate items like bras and lingerie. Soak your items in a sink, bathtub or basin, add detergent and give them a good scrub! Rinse, wring and you're ready to dry!


6. Do a full load

If hand washing is not your style, wait until you have a full load of dirty clothes before firing up the washing machine. Doing multiple smaller loads throughout the week increases your water usage, especially if you don't adjust the water level. If you use a dryer, it's better to do one load after another anyway as the dryer will still be hot from the previous load.

7. Dump the dryer sheets

While we are on the topic of drying clothes, it's important to note that dryer sheets are not only coated with nasty chemicals, they are also non-recyclable. Trade in your sheets for hedgehogsdryer balls or aluminum foil. 

 

8. Clean the lint trap regularly

If you clean the lint trap after each use, the hot air will circulate more efficiently. Plus, it reduces the risk of your dryer catching on fire from lint build-up.

9. Ditch the dryer altogether

Next to refrigerators, dryers are the biggest energy-sucking appliance in your home. Although not always possible in northern frigid temperatures, hanging your clothes outside to dry cuts costs and leaves clothes smelling super fresh. If a clothesline isn't an option, a drying rack inside your home works well too.

 

Do you have any eco-friendly laundry tips you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below!


Images courtesy of:

 

unsplash-logo Bruno Nascimento

unsplash-logo Dan Gold

Gellinger

unsplash-logo Tyler Nix

unsplash-logo Jason Briscoe




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

Hit the Road, Green Style: Your Guide to an Eco-Friendly Road Trip
Hit the Road, Green Style: Your Guide to an Eco-Friendly Road Trip

July 11, 2025

Embark on your next adventure with an eco-friendly road trip guide that covers everything from car cleaning to smart packing. This post provides practical tips for a greener journey, ensuring you explore Canada's beauty responsibly and leave only footprints behind.

Continue Reading

Set Sail for Sparkle: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Boat Cleaning with Charlie's Soap
Set Sail for Sparkle: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Boat Cleaning with Charlie's Soap

June 13, 2025

As Canadian summer invites us to the water, maintaining your boat is essential, but conventional cleaners can harm our pristine aquatic environments. Boat cleaning often involves tackling stubborn grime like salt spray and lake scum, and many cleaners use harsh chemicals that pollute. That's why choosing an eco-friendly boat cleaning solution is crucial. 

Continue Reading

Cottage Clean-Up, Conscience Clear: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Cottage Cleaning with Charlie's Soap
Cottage Clean-Up, Conscience Clear: Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Cottage Cleaning with Charlie's Soap

June 06, 2025

As Canadian summer beckons with dreams of cottage getaways, a vital task awaits: the clean-up. How you clean your retreat truly matters, as cottages are often nestled near natural environments. This makes your choice of products incredibly important for eco-friendly cottage cleaning.

Continue Reading