In today’s environmentally conscious world, adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives is crucial. One area where we can all make a significant impact is our laundry habits. Energy and water consumption when doing laundry contribute to our environmental footprint, but with a few simple changes we can reduce our environmental impact. In the average German household, laundry accounts for almost 10 % of total water consumption and 4 % of electricity consumption. 1 While these figures vary from country to country, they are nothing to sneeze at, especially when you consider that draughts and energy shortages are becoming more common in many parts of the world. In this blog, we’ll explore 6 practical tips on how to save energy and water when doing laundry.
1. Use energy-efficient appliances
Investing in energy-efficient washing machines and dryers can significantly reduce both energy and water consumption. When shopping for appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label or the EU Energy label, because they are designed to meet strict efficiency guidelines in the case of the ENERGY STAR label, or give you an indication of their energy efficiency in the case of the EU label. A general recommendation is to opt for a front-loading washing machine instead of a top loader, as they are generally more energy efficient.2 Does it always make sense to replace your current washing machine that is still in good working order? A good guideline is Rachel Adams’ (2009) 5-10-15 rule, which applies not only to washing machines but also to other energy-hungry appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, central air conditioners, and furnaces: if it’s up to five years old, don’t replace it; if it’s up to 10 years old, do a cost-benefit analysis; and if it’s more than 15 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. 3
2. Wash full loads
Washing full loads is more energy and water-efficient than washing smaller loads. Maximize the capacity of your washing machine to get the most out of each cycle. This will reduce the number of loads you have to wash. A significant portion of your washer’s energy consumption is used to heat water and run the motor. By washing larger amounts of laundry in a single cycle, you spread these fixed costs over more items, making the process more efficient. Washing full loads also results in less water and energy consumption per garment.
3. Choose cold(er) water washing
Washing clothes at lower temperatures not only saves energy but also helps preserve the color and fabric of your garments. The water heater is a significant energy consumer, so opting for colder water whenever possible is a win-win. 4 Higher temperatures may be advisable for more hygienic items, such as underwear or bedding. Or if there is an increased risk of infection in the household.
Curious about the extent to which reducing the washing temperature affects energy consumption? Find out
Bonus tip:
If you want to make sure that your laundry stays odor-free at low temperatures, look for the Sanitized® Actifresh brand, which highlights the Sanitized® hygiene function. The Sanitized® hygiene function prevents unwanted bacteria from multiplying, thus preventing unpleasant odors.
4. Air dry whenever possible
Skip the dryer and let your clothes air dry. Hanging clothes on a clothesline or using a drying rack not only saves energy but also helps extend the life of your clothes: Dryers can be hard on fabrics and cause them to wear out faster. The heat from the dryer can cause clothes to shrink or stretch. Also, hanging your clothes on a line can often reduce the need to iron them! 5
5. Clean the lint filter
Sometimes using the clothes dryer is unavoidable: you may not have the space, time, or weather to air-dry your clothes. But even if you do use the dryer, here is an important tip to save energy: clean the lint filter after every use. A clogged lint filter makes the dryer work harder to get your clothes dry. But there are more important reasons: your dryer will last longer, your clothes will dry faster, and you will reduce the risk of fire because lint is highly flammable, and the dryer can get very hot with a clogged lint filter. 6
6. Think before you wash
The next time you throw an item of clothing in the hamper, consider this: is it visibly dirty or stained? If not, sniff it to check for any noticeable odors. If none are detected, consider putting it away to wear again. If you notice anything, assess your comfort level to determine if you’re willing to wear it again. Hanging the garment out in the fresh air may help eliminate mild odors and make the item potentially wearable again.
Bonus tip:
When buying clothes, look out for the Sanitized® Ingredient Brand: the integrated Sanitized® hygiene function and the biocide-free, odor-neutralizing function Sanitized® Sustainfresh helps to keep your clothes fresh for longer. Step inside Sanitized® the.house and find textiles and other everyday items that are treated with Sanitized® technologies.
Summing it up
By incorporating these simple practices into your laundry routine, you can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendlier lifestyle. Small changes add up over time, and together our efforts can have a significant impact on preserving our planet’s precious resources. Let’s embrace these tips and make a positive difference every time we do our laundry.
REFERENCES [1] Pakula, Christiane & Stamminger, Rainer. (2010). Electricity and water consumption for laundry washing by washing machines worldwide. Energy Efficiency. 3. 365-382. 10.1007/s12053-009-9072-8. [2] https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/should-you-get-a-front-or-top-load-washing-machine/ [3] https://stanfordmag.org/contents/when-to-replace-household-appliances-essential-answer. [4] https://www.consumerreports.org/washing-machines/dont-bother-using-hot-water-to-wash-your-laundry/ [5] https://www.5minutehacks.net/air-drying-clothes/#Benefits_of_Air-Drying_Clothes [6] https://www.mrappliance.ca/blog/2017/february/why-you-need-to-clean-the-lint-filter-every-time/
Author: Marco Bichsel
