7 Ways To Sustainably Wash Your Clothes
We’re all trying to make our lives a little greener, from recycling food packaging to using more public transport. If you want to incorporate sustainable practices into your laundry routine, there are some easy ways to get started. Your washing machine uses lots of water and energy to do its job, but you can still see a big difference with a few minor changes.
We’re here to make your switch to eco-friendly washes effortless. Just follow our seven tips to wash your clothes sustainably:
1. Wash at a lower temperature
2. Choose refillable laundry detergent
3. Install a microfiber filter
4. Only wash full loads
5. Use biodegradable dryer sheets
6. Run shorter cycles
7. Invest in an efficient washing machine
1. Wash Your Laundry At A Lower Temperature
Running regular hot cycles uses lots of energy. But reducing the temperature by just ten degrees – from 40˚C to 30˚C – can cut your energy usage by up to 40%. Switching to lower-temperature washes is one of the most straightforward laundry energy-saving tips to make part of your routine.
You may be sceptical, but cold washes are proven to be as effective in removing stains as hot cycles. Remember to run the occasional warmer wash to keep your machine in working order.
Cold washes are also great for keeping your clothes in top condition:
· They’re gentler than hot washes and can help clothes last longer
· Cold temperatures are less likely to shrink clothes
· Colours are less likely to fade when you choose a cold wash
2. Choose Refillable Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergents and fabric conditioners are essential for clean, soft, fresh-smelling clothes. If you buy these products in plastic packaging, consider switching to refillable alternatives to reduce waste.
Swapping to refillable laundry products reduces the amount of single-use plastic that goes into your bin. Plus, you can buy attractive refillable containers that look great in your laundry room.
You could also replace your usual laundry products with eco-friendly alternatives that use natural ingredients instead of chemicals. These can extend your clothes’ life cycle, making them a win-win
3. Install A Microfiber Filter
Microfibres are microscopic plastic fibres found in synthetic clothes. They may seem insignificant, but they can seriously impact marine life if they end up in open water.
Did you know that more than 35% of microfibres in the ocean come from washing machines? Up to a million can be shed each time your clothes are thrown around inside the appliance.
If you want to play your part in reducing sea pollution, install a microfibre filter in your washing machine. These gadgets catch microfibres during the wash cycle, keeping them out of the ocean. Just attach the filter outside the machine to wash with a clean conscience.
4. Only Wash Full Loads
Only washing full loads is another easy laundry energy-saving tip. Fill your washing machine drum to about 75% for the best results and savings. Running larger cycles also means you’ll need to do fewer loads of washing each week. What’s not to love?
A great way of getting more out of each wash is by investing in a machine with a large drum. Our XXL Drum appliances are designed to hold more clothes, so you have fewer cycles to run. Some models can fit a staggering 40 shirts, a perfect solution for busy households with a bottomless laundry basket.
5. Use Biodegradable Dryer Sheets
As well as detergents and conditioners, you can also find eco-friendly dryer sheets. Unfortunately, most sheets are single-use, meaning you’ll need to throw them away after each wash.
Instead, choose a biodegradable alternative. Wool dryer balls are non-toxic and can be reused up to a thousand times, making them as friendly to the environment as they are to your pockets
6. Run Shorter Cycles
A quick wash usually runs for 15 minutes to 1 hour, on average using 30% less water and 60% less energy than a longer cycle.
By cutting down the run time, short cycles also help extend the life cycle of your washing machine. Like running cold washes, short cycles are gentler on your clothes, helping them last longer.
Our machines have 30-minute cycle settings, making it easier to run sustainable washes. Plus, our Aquafall technology ensures detergent is sent to the middle of the drum, providing proper cleaning, no matter how short the cycle.
7. Invest In An Efficient Washing Machine
If you’ve tried our tips and your washing machine still uses too much energy, investing in a new appliance is the ultimate laundry energy-saving tip. Look for a high energy rating and low water usage to ensure you choose an environmentally-friendly machine.
What’s the best energy rating for washing machines?
Until 2021, the energy rating system was based on an A+++ to D colour scale. Now, appliances are ranked on a tougher A to D scale, letting the most innovative products into the top category. Zanussi is proud to have a selection of A-category front-loading machines, which are highly efficient and easier on the environment.
What’s a good water usage ranking?
The energy rating system also factors in water usage. Below the coloured scale, you’ll see a tap illustration with the weighted water consumption per cycle.
Some appliances use over 90 litres per cycle, but our washing machine range includes front loaders with a healthy 50-litre water consumption rating.
Replace Your Top-Loading Washing Machine
Did you know front-loading washing machines use roughly 7,500 litres less water than their top-loading counterparts? Switching to a front-loading appliance can make your washes more water efficient. The benefits of these washing machines don’t stop there:
· Tumbling motion is better at removing stains.
· More energy efficient, with less water heating needed · Quicker drying times as water is spun out of the fabric.
