We couldn't live without it: the washing machine. But we also know: that washing machine is quite an energy guzzler. How do you use this appliance more sustainably? We did some research and found out that your choice of detergent makes little difference - sustainably speaking. And so we had a few more eye-openers On sustainable washing, eco-friendly washing machines and ‘eco detergent’.
Sustainable washing: so what makes washing unsustainable?
Did you know that it is not your detergent, but the energy and water consumption of your washing machine that is the biggest culprit when it comes to the environmental impact of your laundry? That's according to research by Milieu Centraal. Surprising isn't it? Even making that whole washing machine is less of a burden than all the laundry you chase through it. And that one detergent you may have been doubting for ages? That actually turns out to play a lesser role for the environment. So sustainable washing is mainly about how you do your laundry. In this article, we take you into the world of smart and sustainable washing. From choosing a machine to your washing routines and from maintenance to detergent: we list everything for you!
Smart investment: choose an energy-efficient washing machine
Buying a new washing machine may not be the nicest thing to spend your money on, but it can be a smart sustainable move. Because yes: most environmental impact comes not from production, but from use. Fortunately, it helps energy label. (from A to G, with colours from dark green to red) you to easily compare appliances. And with current energy prices, you'll earn back a fuel-efficient model faster than you think. Do you have some savings and are thinking of buying a new machine? Then also check the drum size. A larger drum uses more water and electricity, so if there are only two of you, an XXL drum is a waste. Rather not spend a lot? Then you can also opt for renting a washing machine: rent an energy-efficient washing machine from Homie AND you only pay for the number of washes you run.
Smart, economical and clean washing
The easiest way to wash more sustainably? Set your machine to a lower temperature, like 20 or 30°C. Saves energy and your laundry will be clean. If you do need a warmer wash, choose the eco setting (You can find out exactly how this eco mode works here). And only wash when the drum is properly full. After all, with half a wash, you are wasting unnecessary power and water. Doubting whether the drum is full enough? If you can just put one hand on top of the wash, you're fine. Note: those who often wash cold should also wash hot occasionally. Think 60 to 90°C, for example for towels or bed linen. This will prevent bad odours as well as grease lice - a sticky mess of detergent residue and dirt that builds up at low temperatures. Regularly running a hot wash will keep your machine clean and fresh. There is much more to say about cleaning your washing machine.
A sustainable washing routine in a nutshell: wash only with a full drum, dose carefully (with eco-friendly detergent), set a low temperature and eco mode.
Wash less and time your washes smartly
The most durable laundry is the one you don't spin. Many clothes can last another round without a washing machine: hang them out near an open window and they will be fresh in no time. Got a stain? Then you don't have to throw the whole garment in the drum straight away. Just treating the stain is often enough (First aid for stains from us here). Do you have solar panels? Then plan your laundry on a sunny day so that you can use your own power immediately. But even without panels, it pays to plan smartly: preferably switch on large appliances such as your washing machine or dishwasher during off-peak hours, when the power is less demanding on the grid and often cheaper.
Air drying is winner in sustainable washing
The tumble dryer is incredibly convenient, but also an energy guzzler. Older condenser dryers in particular use a lot of power. If you are attached to it (we totally understand), choose a modern heat pump dryer with energy label A+++. This will allow you to save up to 70% of energy. Still, line-drying your laundry remains the most sustainable choice. Outdoors on a clothesline is ideal, but indoors, too, you'll come a long way. A washing rack over the door, in the hall or in the bedroom will do the job just fine. Is it too humid or does your laundry dry too slowly? Then an electric clothes rack or a loose centrifuge a smart alternative: less power than a dryer, but faster than a ordinary clothes rack. And well, if that's still not fast enough... Then you'll just have to get those heat pump dryer consider.
Sustainable laundry detergent: what do you choose?
If you already wash at low temperatures with an economical machine, you are doing good. But you can also take sustainable steps with your detergent. Start with economical dosing. In the Netherlands, we usually have soft water, so you can easily get away with that. Many washing machines even have an automatic dosing function, which is ideal! Less soap = less raw materials, less waste and money saved. When choosing your detergent, look for a reliable label such as Ecogarantie, Nordic Swan Ecolabel, EU Ecolabel or Ecocert. Brands such as Seepje, Clock, Sonett or Ecover (just the powder of) comply with this, for example. Note that terms like ‘eco’, ‘natural’ or ‘biodegradable’ sound responsible, but say little without a recognised seal on the label.
All sorts of ‘green’ alternatives have also popped up in recent years: laundry nuts, laundry balls, wash cloths... Sounds nice, but according to the Consumers' Association washing results are poor and costs are often high, with no clear justification for their sustainability. Laundry strips are popular because of their low waste, but they contain plastic and may actually contribute to a much larger (micro)plastic problem as a result. You can read more about wax strips in this article. Our tip: use a perfume-free liquid detergent (with label).
Microplastics through washing
You may not realise it, but every time you wash synthetic clothing (yes, also that fine fleece made of recycled PET), tiny plastic particles are released: microplastics. These are washed down the drain straight into nature. Fortunately, you can do something about it yourself.
- As much as possible, buy clothes made of natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo or lyocell (also known as Tencel). Want to know more about sustainable fabrics? We have a handy overview of that.
- Wash synthetic clothes only when really necessary and preferably at a low temperature, because the hotter you wash, the more microfibres will release.
- Also, preferably use a liquid, ecological detergent without fragrant fabric softener. According to Milieu Centraal fewer microplastics are then released. Personally, we are fans of natural vinegar as a fresh alternative to fabric softener.
- And the dryer? Rather not: On average, 3.5 times more microplastics come out of that as with the washing machine.
- There are several gadgets on the market to catch microplastics in your washing machine. Plastic Soup Foundation recommends subscribing to a washing machine filter from PlanetCare, this device attaches to the hose of your machine, but there are also other solutions such as a laundry bag from GuppyFriend or a Cora Ball. Furthermore, more and more washing machines have a built-in filter and it looks like this will become compulsory within a few years.
Microfibres of clothing, a rice pellet versus a microplastic fibre and a Cora Ball.
Sustainable washing: what really counts?
What turns out? Your choice of detergent is less important than you might have thought. The real gain is in how and how often you wash. An energy-efficient machine, lower temperatures and simply spinning the drum less often are what make the difference. And oh yes: economical dosing also helps. So good luck with washing! Or rather... good luck with hanging out your clothes more often.
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Sustainable cleaning: how to get your washing machine sparkling clean.
- Did you already know this? Fleece is one of the most environmentally unfriendly fabrics.
- So is it true that swimwear releases microplastics? And is a swimming costume made of recycled PET more sustainable? See all about sustainable swimwear.
Sources: Milieu Centraal, Milieu Centraal. Photo credits: Cottonbro (Pexels) (main image), Karolina Grabowska (Pexels), Cora Ball, thegreenlist.nl & Mascha Bongenaar.
