7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LAUNDRY MORE SUSTAINABLE

ECO-FRIENDLY HACKS TO HELP YOU SAVE TIME, ENERGY AND THE PLANET!

There are many ways we can be more eco-conscious around the house, and what better place to start than the laundry. Renee Lee, founder of eco-laundry brand Re·stor, shares simple tips on how to be more sustainable at home.

1. WASH ON A LOW TEMPERATURE

Not only has it been proven that cold washes are just as effective as hot washes, but you also save a lot on energy use and money, too. Cold water is less damaging to clothing fabrics and dyes, meaning that your favourite outfit stays brighter and in your wardrobe for longer.

2. SELECT SHORTER WASH TIMES WITH FULLER LOADS

Use wash options under one hour, with shorter spin cycles.

3. USE NATURAL-BASED PRODUCTS

Look for eco-friendly, plant-based detergents that are free from phosphates, synthetic dyes, ethanolamine and optical brighteners. It’s not a legal requirement for laundry brands to put all their ingredients on packaging, so look for brands that are 100 per cent transparent and don’t hide their ingredients.

4. SPOT CLEAN AND SAVE A LOAD

Spilt something on a pair of jeans you’ve only worn once? Spot clean the stain instead. Using a natural stain-remover bar is a great eco option as they come in more environmentally friendly packaging.

5. REUSE WATER WHERE POSSIBLE

If you’re using a grey water and septic-tank-safe detergent, a simple bucket or a connection to your machine’s hose means you can recycle all the wastewater to feed your garden outside.

6. AIR-DRY INSTEAD OF THE DRYER

Put loads on in the morning or just as you’re going to bed. That way, you can hang them out and give clothes time to dry overnight.

7. REDUCE YOUR IRONING

Try to hang out clothes straight away to avoid wrinkles, then fold straight off the line. By not ironing, you’re saving time, effort, electricity and your fabrics – it’s a no-brainer.