Apparently a lot of us have a not-so-little dirty secret: we wash too much laundry! Whether you’re only wearing your jeans once before tossing them in the suds or you have a thing about not using towels twice, it adds up. Which is why we’re enamored of our latest clothes-related action: wash less laundry.
What’s less? Well it obviously depends on what your home life is like.
Photo Credit: Dieter van Baarle
The average family does six to eight loads of laundry a week. Maybe you’re above or below average. Maybe you don’t have a family. Either way, there’s always a way to do less. Try just washing the things that are next to your skin (underwear, tight fitting shirts) after one wash, and wearing everything else a little longer before dunking them in machine. Some designers have notoriously suggested (almost) never washing jeans and Levi’s recently began encouraging consumers to only wash them once every two weeks. Whether you’re willing to marinate that long is up to you, but know it does make the denim—and any fabric you wash less—last longer.
Washing less has other great benefits, too. It saves cash, water, and energy (especially if you currently wash in warm or hot water and use the dryer). And it is worth 20 PG points!
While you’re (re)considering your clothes and linens, we have many other actions to help anyone green up their laundry routine—from switching to natural detergent, stain remover, and dryer sheets to line drying. If you’re feeling the need for inspiration, it’s just a click away.
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4 Comments to 'New Action: Wash Less Laundry'
January 9, 2013
It’s a simple concept, but great that you pointed this out! We have installed many hooks around the house to practice exactly what you are saying. I have specific dog walking clothes, but I try to wear the same set for a week (even socks… well, these probably last 3 days!) I always hang these clothes on my closet door hook and easily grab them when I’m taking The Dude out for a walk (which he gets 2-3 times a day by me or my hubby)
I do the same for pjs and yoga wear… which don’t usually last the week, but definitley more than one wear!
It is always something that you think is common knowledge and that everyone is taking part in this practice. But with you pointing it out, I realize that it’s not the mentatlity of all and that I can probably make even more of an effort than I am now! Thanks!
Nicole Meek, Halton Region, http://www.haltonrecycles.ca, @haltonrecycles
March 12, 2013
A major reduction in energy use could come from using solar and wind power in the form of an outdoor clothesline for drying laundry as often as possible and always in a sunny climate. (Need extra clothes for that week of rain? get them from the second-hand shop.) In Australia most people use a rotary clothes line (Hills Hoist)and there is no shame in hanging out your washing but I understand that in the US it is seen as a sign of poverty to hang out your clothes. Apartment buildings need to provide outdoor drying space and permit clothes to be dried on balconies (even if it looks a little untidy).
March 12, 2013
Thanks for sharing Lyndal. Nothing better than sun-dried laundry in the summer!
April 17, 2013
We hang dry our laundry, it saves so much energy. I have only used a dryer twice this year.
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