How to Go Green with Your Laundry Cleaning
Everyone is well aware of the need to use more environmentally friendly products. We all want to be as healthy as possible, drinking clean water, breathing fresh air and eating healthy food. There are so many areas that are being targeted by the "green movement" and laundry is just one of them. So take a second to think about what you are pouring into your washer, how much energy you use to wash the clothes and then dry them. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Use cold water. Using hot water takes about 3 times the amount of energy as cold. If you are worried that the detergent you use is not going to dissolve then go to Step 2. European detergents are formulated to use hot water, but in the States, our detergents work just fine in cold water.
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2
Use soap that dissolves in cold water. Always start by filling the machine with water and adding the soap before the clothes are added. You can opt to use half a cup of baking soda to cut down on the amount of detergent necessary for 1 load. Most of the cleaning action actually comes from the agitation of the water by the machine and not by the soap. (Go ahead and try washing your clothes with no soap and see if you can see a difference!)
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3
Find a soap that is environmentally friendly. There are many that are on the market today, but no real definition on what is natural and safe for the water--so you might have to do a little research in your area. Don't be fooled by clever marketing--see what is actually in the soap and what you are paying for. Many people buy big tubs of detergent that are filled with fillers and whiteners and perfumes based on a TV commercial. There is enough information available to know that less is better.
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4
Hang out your clothes to dry. If you have ever watched your electric meter while the dryer is running, you will realize that your money is quickly being sucked up by the electric company! Clothes smell wonderful after hanging in the fresh air and the sunlight naturally whitens them. Clothes will end up being cleaner since most stains are set in the heat of the dryer.
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Tips & Warnings
You can always buy a more efficient washing machine.
If you get a spot on your clothes, wipe it clean instead of washing the whole garment.
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Comments
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betterbody
Oct 27, 2010
You offer some great tips to help us go green.
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jany
Oct 27, 2010
not using the electric dryer was a huge energy saver in our house.
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Litarider
Nov 22, 2008
Excellent article. I find baking soda in the wash to be an essential. Clothes are much fresher, you use less detergent, and the colors are brighter, even whites. A lot of treated water and a lot of regular detergent build up on the clothes leaving them dull and greyed. I also always use cold water. Just a little testimony to support your article!
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Litarider
Nov 22, 2008
Excellent article. I find baking soda in the wash to be an essential. Clothes are much fresher, you use less detergent, and the colors are brighter, even whites. A lot of treated water and a lot of regular detergent build up on the clothes leaving them dull and greyed. I also always use cold water. Just a little testimony to support your article!
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highestlove22
Nov 17, 2008
There's something so organically fulfilling about hanging up your clothes to dry, and ironing out the wrinkles. I love drying my own clothes, all I need is a little clothes-line, and I'll be set! :) The sun-warmed clothes feel different on the body than artificially softened clothes from a dryer. Also, it seems like, when we are more conscious of how we care for our bodies and our lives, life seems... well, more loving!
