Greener Laundry Guides on Saving Energy, Water and Smell Fantastic
5 mins read
Laundry. It’s one of those chores we all do, rarely think much about, yet it uses up energy, water and detergents. If you care about sustainable washing, eco laundry detergents, and energy efficient washing machine use, this is for you. Making your laundry routine greener not only helps the environment but can lower bills and give your clothes a longer life.
Why Greener Laundry Matters
-
Washing clothes (especially hot washes) uses a lot of electricity and water.
-
Many conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals, non biodegradable ingredients, strong fragrances and packaging that harms nature.
-
Overwashing wears out fabrics, boosting demand for replacements and increasing waste.
So by adopting greener laundry habits you reduce carbon footprint, help waterways stay clean, save money, and keep your clothes looking nicer for longer.
Simple Changes You Can Make Today
Here are some very doable habits to make your laundry greener straight away:
-
Wash less often / air your clothes
Don’t throw everything in the wash after one wear unless it really needs it. Outer layers, jeans, jumpers often just need airing or spot cleaning.
-
Use cold or lower temperature washes
Most washes clean well at 30°C. Only use hot water when absolutely needed (e.g. for sanitisation). Saves energy and reduces damage to fabrics.
-
Full loads instead of half loads
If the washer isn’t full, wait or combine loads. Full loads mean less wasted energy and water per kilo of laundry. However, do leave an adequate space for clothes to spin freely. 3/4 full is good
-
Avoid (or limit) tumble drying
Air dry where possible, use drying racks or lines. Tumble dryers are energy hungry. If using one, clean filters, and don’t over dry.
-
Choose eco friendly detergents & fabric softeners
Look for non toxic, plant based, biodegradable, cruelty free, and recyclable packaging.
-
Skip excess fragrance and strong chemicals
For sensitive skin, for the environment. Often milder products work well with the right formula.
Great Greener Laundry Products
Here are some products that help you switch to a greener laundry routine. These are either from Detoorp (so you can buy them direct) or other eco friendly options. Including these helps you see what's available, and makes it easier to convert (add to basket, try them out).
Read The Label | Natural Luxury Laundry Detergent
This luxurious natural detergent combines four organic essential oils (eucalyptus, geranium, basil, and patchouli) for an aromatherapy laundry experience. The chemical-free formula uses soapwort extract and plant-derived surfactants to create gentle yet effective cleaning, while delivering impressive stain removal despite being non-toxic.
Tangent GC | Kiyomi Organic Everyday Detergent
This Swedish-made powerhouse combines natural enzymes with plant-sourced surfactants for professional-level cleaning. The organic, vegan, and fossil-free formula features sophisticated Japanese Kiyomi fragrance, proving eco-friendly can be both effective and luxurious.
Tangent GC | Kiyomi Organic Fabric Softener
Complete your organic system with this Swedish fabric softener designed for sensitive skin. It reduces detergent residue and lime deposits while delivering soft, wrinkle-free results. The vegan, cruelty-free formula maintains the same luxurious Kiyomi scent as the matching detergent.
Simple Goods | Dryer Balls
These New Zealand wool balls offer a natural alternative to chemical fabric softeners. Reusable up to 1,000 times, they reduce drying time by 30%, naturally soften fabrics, eliminate static, and minimize wrinkles—all without chemicals or waste.
Putting It All Together: Greener Laundry Routine
Here’s a sample greener wash routine you might follow:
-
Sort laundry well (by fabric type, not just colour). Avoid mixing delicates with heavy stuff.
-
Wait until you have a full or near full load.
-
Use cold or low temp wash cycle with a gentle eco detergent.
-
Skip fabric softener if not needed, or use mild softener occasionally.
-
Hang or line dry wherever possible. If using dryer, use lowest setting and clean lint filter.
-
Store detergents safely, and recycle or compost packaging.
You don’t need to overhaul everything to make a difference. Small changes in detergent, wash temperature, drying method and frequency all add up. Greener laundry is doable, it can feel good, and your clothes, wallet and planet will thank you.