We used to do laundry without thinking, even though neither of us enjoys it. Eventually, we noticed that how we wash and dry our clothes affects energy use, water waste, and the lifespan of our clothes.
When we started living with less and being more mindful about what we brought home, we realized our laundry routine needed an upgrade, too.
Let’s Go Through a Sustainable Laundry Routine
A sustainable laundry routine does not mean buying a bunch of new products. It means making choices that save water, electricity, time, and, honestly, a little sanity. We like anything that makes life easier, not busier.
Wash Less
The truth is, most clothes do not need to be washed after every wear. Jeans, sweaters, outer layers, or that dress you wore for a couple of hours can just be hung up to air out.
This keeps your laundry pile smaller and helps your clothes last longer.
Cold Water Does the Job
We started using cold water when we realized it cleaned just as well as warm water.
Most detergents today are designed for cold washes, and our shirts stopped shrinking. Cold cycles also use less energy, making this an easy, sustainable choice.
Pick or Make a Decent Detergent
We learned that many mainstream detergents leave residue, use strong perfumes, and contain ingredients that do the planet zero favors.
A cleaner detergent makes the routine feel lighter. Powder or liquid formulas without fillers work well, and you do not need much of it.
You can grab the recipe for our DIY laundry detergent here.
Skip the Softener
Fabric softener smells great, but does way more harm than good. It coats everything, weakens fabrics, and ruins towels over time. A small splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle works better and does not leave buildup.
Air Dry When Possible
We do not air-dry everything, but we do so much more often now. If you can have a clothesline, do it! You will love the fresh, natural smell of your laundry after it’s naturally dried.
A folding rack also works for most clothes and helps prevent fading or shrinking. Plus, it uses less energy.
Dryer Balls Over Dryer Sheets
When we use the wool dryer balls, they help clothes dry faster and reduce static. They last a long time and leave no residue. This simple change saves both money and waste.
We used to use tin foil balls, which also work well, but we stopped buying tin foil, so the wool dryer balls are a fabulous choice for us!
Clean the Lint Trap
We used to forget to clean the lint trap all the time. Now it is a small habit we do automatically. Keeping the lint trap clean helps the dryer run more efficiently and shortens drying time.
Full Loads Only
No more washing five shirts because the hamper annoyed us. Waiting until the machine is full keeps water and energy use within reasonable limits. The clothes actually wash better, too.
Buy Clothes That Last
If a shirt pills after two washes, the laundry routine is not the issue. We learned to buy fewer pieces, build a capsule wardrobe, choose better fabrics, and invest in items that can withstand regular wear. Staying away from fast fashion will help you save money and reduce landfill waste.
A Routine That Works Long Term
Your sustainable laundry routine might not look exactly like ours. The goal is not perfection. It is about building habits that are easy to stick with, help you waste less, save money, and get the most out of what you already have.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Not really. Most of the changes actually save money. Using cold water, skipping fabric softener, washing full loads, and air drying more often all cut your utility bills. You do not need fancy products to make the routine more eco-friendly.
Yes. Most modern detergents are designed for cold water. We switched a while ago and have not looked back. Clothes come out clean without the heat damage or higher energy use.
It can. A small amount in the rinse cycle keeps clothes soft and reduces residue. It does not leave a vinegar smell. We were skeptical at first, but it works.
