We desperately need to reduce our impact on the planet. Luckily, there are so many ways we can create more sustainable habits. As of late, there’s been a boom of creators discussing sustainability and fashion. I love to see that because sustainable fashion is so multi-faceted. Like did you know fashion’s impact doesn’t stop after you purchase a clothing item? In fact, washing and drying clothes has a substantial environmental impact, but creating a sustainable laundry routine is possible!
You can easily upgrade products that aren’t worth the money, avoid single-use products, and reduce the emissions and energy usage involved in the laundering process. You don’t need to go out of your way but can lower your impact! So, let me de-influence you by sharing these 3 simple swaps you can make for a more sustainable laundry routine.
1. Ditch fabric softener.
I’ve never used fabric softener, but I know many people do. This is one of those products I would see commercials for and kind of turn my nose up at, like why do I need to buy something to soften my clothes? Fabric softener works by coating your clothes and getting the fibers to “fluff up”, this gives the illusion that your clothes are softer. But, in actuality, it mainly adds fragrance.
Plus, with frequent use, fabric softeners can make clothes harder to clean by saturating the fabric and leaving a waxy feeling that is hard to get rid of. It can also irritate skin, which is personally why I was taught to never use it. But fabric softeners can even ruin certain fabrics! It lowers the absorbency of towels and reduces your activewear’s ability to wick off moisture too. Furthermore, residue can build up in your machine which will lead to mildew and bacteria growth.
Instead of fabric softeners, just choose a good detergent for the scent and air out your washer after each use. Washing your clothes inside out also helps clean sweat off properly too so you’re not stuck with smelly garments. If you really want to add something to soften your clothes, add a bit of white vinegar to your laundry cycle. White vinegar helps to remove odors and keeps fabrics nice on top of its softening effect without the cons that come with using fabric softeners.
2. Replace dryer sheets.
Dryer sheets function the same way fabric softeners do by claiming to reduce static, make clothes feel softer, and add fragrance. They reduce static by releasing a waxy substance as your dryer heats up, which is why when you feel a dryer sheet it’s almost slick! This can be irritating for sensitive skin, so if you find your clothes are making you itch, giving you a rash, or you’re experiencing more body acne this could be why!
Just like fabric softeners, dryer sheets just impart a fragrance and, in the worst-case scenario, build up in your clothes. They’ve also been found to release volatile chemicals after being heated in your dryer, contributing to emissions as well. Overall, they’re a single-use product that use up resources just to irritate your skin and ruin your clothes.
Instead of just using a sheet form of fabric softener, I now use dryer balls like these when I don’t hang dry my clothes. Dryer balls are reusable and through mechanical action reduce static and make clothes softer, without the chemical coating! These are more effective at reducing static and can actually absorb moisture (which makes the drying process more efficient!). Plus, you can fragrance them with essential oils if you really want to add a scent to your clothes.
3. Line dry.
Line drying, or hang drying, your clothes instead of using the dryer lessens the environmental footprint of laundry by a lot. Outside of the U.S., line drying is more the norm, and for good reason. Line drying your clothes cuts down on emissions and energy usage substantially. It’s not only better for your energy bill, but it makes clothes last so much longer. Seriously, I have clothes from middle school still going strong and I swear it’s because I stay away from the dryer.
If you’re unsure about making this switch, start small. I started with my activewear since I was most worried about those getting damaged and quickly found myself air-drying everything because it was just a no-brainer. Overall, air drying will keep your clothes in top shape for longer since using the dryer increases friction which wears down the fabric and fades color.
During the warmer months, I bring my clothes rack outside to dry things. Then in the colder months (and months where pollen is high) I just hang dry inside. However, certain fibers can get stiff if air-dried because of how the water and fibers bond together without being beaten up in the dryer. To remedy this, give laundry a good shake before placing on the line to dry, make sure your clothes have decent airflow (i.e. you’re not stacking several garments on top of each other), and don’t overuse detergent!
With these simple swaps, you can have a laundry routine that's better for your clothes and the environment!
We’ve been sold this idea that we need more to gain better results, but that isn’t the case. In the end, these swaps help our problems with overconsumption and unsustainable resource use. Plus, they’re better for your clothes and save you money! Once you try these swaps you’ll be kicking yourself for not making the switch to a more sustainable laundry routine sooner.
The choices we make matter, even down to the products we buy and how we take care of our belongings. Let’s continue down this path of imperfect environmentalism by choosing the best options we can. We don’t need to be perfect, but making simple changes like these can have a profound impact.