Washing clothes involves consuming water and energywhich takes its toll on the environment and the pocket, unless it is done in a sustainable way. This article offers ten ideas for doing laundry in an environmentally friendly way , more environmentally friendly and for less money: among them, cold washing, using smart appliances, laying clothes in the air and choosing ecological detergents .
1. Cleaner clothes are those that do not get dirty
Without forgetting the ecological principle of the three errs (reduce, reuse and recycle), if the volume of laundry is reduced, it will be contributing in a good way to care for the environment. You have to go clean, yes, but without abusing the continuous washing of clothes, which will also spoil sooner. Some parts that are not completely dirty can wait for a wash later. Learn more about washing machine
2. How to be greener? Cold wash
90% of the energy consumed by a washing machine is used to heat water. One of the main tips for an ecological wash is to use the cold program. About 90% of the energy consumed by a conventional top-loading washing machine is used to heat water. If you use a detergent that works well in cold water, it is sure to have a better finish. In addition, the garments will last longer , as washing with hot water wears out the fabrics more.
3. Adjust the load size and program of the washing machine
Less energy is consumed in the washing machine with a full wash load compared to several partially full loads. If there is no choice but to make smaller loads, the water levels can be adjusted to match the size of the load. In this regard, you need to look for the program that best fits the types of clothes and stains they may have. If a dryer is used, it is preferable to combine similar pieces: towels with towels, bed linen with other sheets, and so on.
4. Wash stains by hand
A piece may be in good condition, except for a small stain at some point located. In this case, you can try to wash this area by hand to prevent it from going through the washing machine.
5. Use smart appliances and high energy efficiency
Appliances incorporate more and more technological advances that adjust much better the time, the capacity, the necessary levels of energy and water, etc. Also, the higher its efficiency (A +++ is the maximum that can be found on the market), the lower its energy and water consumption. These types of devices cost more money, but this investment saves money over their lifetime.
6. Perform proper equipment maintenance
If the appliances work properly, their consumption adjusts much better and the risk of breakdowns is reduced. A routine maintenance that must be done is to periodically remove the lint that accumulates in the dryers.
7. Dry your clothes on a clothesline
Unless the weather conditions are adverse, the most environmentally friendly and economical alternative is to dry the laundry outdoors. The drying options are very diverse and can be adjusted to the possibilities in the home. And if there is no choice but to use a dryer, at least it is of greater efficiency and making the most of its capacity.
8. Iron the minimum
Ironing is another of the most consumed appliances in the laundry process, as well as deteriorating fabrics over time. Some pieces are made in such a way that they do not require ironing or in a minimal way. And in any case, to avoid wrinkles, a tip is to hang the clothes as soon as you finish the wash so that it dries, shaking it to stretch it. Also, try to fold and store it as soon as it is clean.
9. Buy ecological detergents
Commercial detergents are getting better and better cleaning results, but some of their components can harm the environment. Therefore, it is advisable to look at the labels and look for products that try to reduce their impact, being biodegradable, without phosphates or chlorine . Another option is to come up with brands that carry an eco-certificate .
10. Make homemade cleaning products
Most handles can try to make homemade products with natural ingredients. In this case, a liquid detergent for washing can be made in a bucket with a cup of water, a quarter of a bar of vegetable oil soap, 12 cups of hot tap water, four tablespoons of ‘bland and two of borax.
