The way we care for our clothes might seem like a small detail in our daily routines, but it actually has a profound impact on both the lifespan of our garments and the health of our planet.
When we think about sustainable fashion, we often focus on the moment of purchase, choosing eco-friendly fabrics or supporting ethical brands. However, the sustainability journey of our clothing continues long after we bring it home. In fact, how we wash and fold our clothes plays a crucial role in the overall environmental footprint of our wardrobes.
Why Laundry Matters for Sustainability
Did you know that the use phase of clothing, primarily washing and drying, accounts for about 40% of the environmental impact of garments? Each time we wash our clothes, we’re using water, energy, and chemicals that affect our planet. Moreover, modern synthetic fabrics release microplastics with every wash, which eventually make their way into our oceans.
But there’s good news: by changing how we approach laundry care, we can significantly extend the life of our clothes while reducing environmental harm. When we care for our clothes properly, they last longer, which means we need to buy less over time, and that’s perhaps the most sustainable fashion choice of all.
Mindful Washing
One of the simplest ways to make your laundry routine more sustainable is to simply wash your clothes less frequently. Many items don’t need washing after every wear. Jeans, for example, can go through multiple wears before requiring a wash, and some denim enthusiasts even recommend washing them as little as once every six months.
For other items, consider whether they truly need a full wash or if spot cleaning would suffice. Airing out clothes between wears can also freshen them without water or detergent. This approach not only saves resources but also prevents the wear and tear that comes with frequent washing, helping your clothes maintain their shape, color, and integrity much longer.
When you do wash, try to wait until you have a full load to maximize efficiency. Modern washing machines use almost the same amount of energy whether they’re full or half-empty, so consolidating your laundry saves both water and electricity.
Temperature Matters
Did you know that about 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water? Switching to cold-water washing can dramatically reduce the energy consumption of your laundry routine while being gentler on your clothes. Hot water can damage fibers, fade colors, and cause shrinkage, whereas cold water helps preserve fabric integrity and vibrancy.
Many modern detergents are specifically formulated to work effectively in cold water, so you don’t have to sacrifice cleanliness for sustainability. For most everyday laundry, cold water is perfectly adequate to remove dirt and odors while keeping your clothes looking newer for longer.
Choosing Earth-Friendly Detergents
Speaking of detergents, what we put into our washing machines matters just as much as how we use them. Conventional laundry detergents often contain phosphates, sulfates, and other chemicals that can be harmful to aquatic life when they enter waterways. These chemicals can also be harsh on fabrics, contributing to the faster deterioration of your clothes.
Consider switching to plant-based, biodegradable detergents that break down more easily in the environment. Many eco-friendly options now clean just as effectively as their conventional counterparts. For extra sustainability points, look for concentrated formulas or detergent sheets that use less packaging and water in their production.
Remember that more detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes that attracts more dirt and can damage fibers over time. Follow the recommended dosage or even experiment with using slightly less.
The Role Of Air Drying
Perhaps the single most impactful change you can make to your laundry routine is how you dry your clothes. Dryers are energy-intensive appliances that can use as much electricity as a refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher combined. They’re also rough on fabrics, the heat and tumbling action can break down fibers, cause shrinkage, and fade colors.
Air-drying, whether on an outdoor clothesline or an indoor drying rack, uses zero energy and is incredibly gentle on clothes. The natural UV rays from sunlight also provide a mild bleaching and sterilizing effect for white clothes, though colored items should be dried in the shade to prevent fading.
If air-drying isn’t always practical for you, consider using your dryer more efficiently. Clean the lint filter before each use to improve air circulation, dry similar fabrics together for more even drying, and remove clothes while they’re still slightly damp to reduce energy use and minimize wrinkles.
Mending
In our fast-fashion world, we’ve lost touch with the art of mending. Small rips, loose buttons, and minor stains often send perfectly good clothes to the donation pile or worse, the trash. Learning basic repair skills can dramatically extend the life of your clothes and keep them out of landfills.
Keep a simple sewing kit on hand for quick fixes like reattaching buttons or mending small tears. For more significant repairs, consider supporting local repair cafés or tailors who can give your beloved pieces a second life. There’s also something deeply satisfying about wearing and caring for clothes over many years, watching them evolve and tell the story of your life together.
The Bigger Picture
When we take better care of our clothes, we’re not just helping them last longer, it leads to a much broader movement toward more mindful consumption. By washing less, using gentler methods, and repairing rather than replacing, we reduce the demand for new production and all the resources it requires.
Remember that the most sustainable garment is the one already in your closet. Every time you extend the life of a piece of clothing through proper care, you’re reducing the need for a new item to be manufactured, shipped, and eventually disposed of. It’s a small act with far-reaching implications.
