Eco-friendly ways to wash your clothes
A lot of water and electricity are used when you wash your clothing -be it with or without a washing machine. Furthermore, a lot of laundry detergents have the potential to contaminate the environment by releasing harmful chemicals into it. You may wash your clothes more sustainably by following a few easy guidelines, which will benefit the environment as well as your clothing.
Wash clothes on a short duration
Washing less often is another aspect of sustainable washing. Don't always wash it right away after wearing the garment just once. If they're not sweaty or dirty, you don't always need to wash them. Rather, place them on a clothes horse or a hanger outside the closet and allow them to air dry. You can wear it again a few times before finally washing.
Use colder water
Your washing machine uses the majority of its energy to heat the water. Thus washing clothes in cold water is a far more environmentally friendly option. Besides, washing the wrong garments in hot water might cause them to fade and shrink. If you must use hot water, group the clothing that require warm/hot water to get the most out of your washing machine.
Use eco-detergent
Conventional detergents contain microplastics and other substances that are bad for the environment. These pollutants seep through our washing machines and wind up in the wastewater, which then ends up in the oceans, threatening marine life. Additionally, fabric softeners often include dangerous chemicals and skin irritants, as they retain odors in clothing. Thus, avoid using fabric softeners and stick to natural soaps!
Air dry clothes whenever possible
Tumble drying uses a lot of energy and can harm some types of fibers, just as regular high-temperature washing. Alternatively, all you need to do is let freshly laundered clothing air dry on hangers, a clothesline, or outside. Besides, it is advisable to follow the care labels and recommendations, since certain clothing items like wool jumpers last longer when dried flat.
Opt for natural fibres
Beyond the choices you make about how to clean your existing wardrobe, you may make more eco-friendly purchasing choices by choosing clothes that are better for the environment. Invest in high-quality, durable fabrics that withstand frequent washing. This not only reduces the frequency of replacements but also minimizes the environmental impact of textile waste. Wearing synthetic-fiber-based clothing can release thousands of dangerous microplastic particles.
