Doing laundry is a routine task we all have to face, but did you know you can make it more eco-friendly? We make it super easy here at Refillary and with a few simple changes, you can reduce your environmental impact while keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Here’s your easy-breezy guide to a perfect, sustainable laundry routine!
Choose Eco-Friendly Detergents
Start with the basics: your detergent. Traditional laundry detergents often contain harmful chemicals and come in plastic packaging. Our eco-friendly detergents at Refillary are plant-based, free of harsh chemicals, septic-safe and many of them are made right here in Denver! We have liquid, pods, powder and sheets for all the preferences.
Also, more isn't always better when it comes to detergent! That's the nice thing about the pods/sheets is that they dose the detergent amount so you don't go overboard. All of us know that person that wants to fill that laundry cup to the brim with liquid detergent right? Oh, ehem, is that you? Haha! It's okay but let me tell you, you are just throwing money away and getting soapy clothes, not clean clothes. Remember the days of the washboards? Well it's actually the friction getting your clothes clean for the most part...the soap is an added bonus. But the more soap you add, the less friction there is between the clothes in the washer. So really, you are just getting soapy clothes --- not clean clothes. The long short? Stick to the dosing guide! More isn't better!
Wash on Cold
Turning the dial to cold not only saves energy (since heating water uses a lot of it), but it also extends the life of your clothes. Most modern detergents clean effectively in cold water, so your laundry will be just as clean while reducing your carbon footprint.
Full Loads Only
Wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine. This maximizes the efficiency of water and energy use. Avoid overloading, though, as this can damage your machine and clothes.
Choose Air Drying
Whenever possible, air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. Not only does this save energy, but it also reduces wear and tear on your garments. Set up a clothesline outside or use a drying rack indoors. If you must use a dryer, go for the lowest heat setting and shortest cycle possible.
Skip the Fabric Softener
Most traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets can contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment, leave a residue on your clothes and often contain plastics. Instead, use wool dryer balls to naturally soften your clothes and reduce drying time. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to them for a natural scent boost! We have some awesome USA-grown and made Alpaca dryer balls in the shop that will last your for years. We also have a house-made, eco-friendly liquid fabric softener we just released for those of you who just don't want to give it up!
Use Vinegar for Extra Cleaning Power
White vinegar is a great natural alternative for fabric softener and stain remover. Add a half-cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle to help break down detergent residues and soften fabrics. It’s gentle on your clothes and tough on grime -- and we stock it in the shop! We stock 30% vinegar (compared to the 5% you generally get at the store) so you get more bang for your buck.
Repair and Reuse
Extend the life of your favorite pieces by repairing instead of replacing. Simple fixes like sewing on a button or patching a small tear can keep your clothes in rotation longer, reducing the need to buy new and thus minimizing waste. This also saves you tons of money and supports local tailors (ehem, you know, if you are like me and aren't crafty and need someone else to do those fixes for you...)
Don’t Over Wash
This might be a hard one for some of you but unless your clothes are visibly dirty or smelly, they don’t need to be washed after every wear. Over washing can wear out fabrics faster and uses unnecessary water and energy. A quick air-out or spot clean might be all that’s needed. This is a great opportunity to use the Colorado sun on your whites to brighten them up and remove any little bits of odor!
Choose Eco-Friendly Appliances
When it’s time to replace your washing machine or dryer, look for energy-efficient models with high Energy Star ratings. These appliances use less water and energy, which is better for the environment and your utility bills.
Folding Thoughts
Transforming your laundry routine is an easy way to incorporate sustainable practices into your everyday life. By making conscious choices like using eco-friendly detergents, washing in cold water, and air drying your clothes, you reduce your ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Plus, these tips can often save you money in the long run.
So go ahead, give your laundry routine a green makeover and feel good about the positive impact you’re making—one load at a time!
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