Myth Busters: 3 Not So Eco-Friendly Laundry Mistakes

Of all the household chores on your to-do list, doing the laundry is perhaps the most necessary and most frequented chore of them all. The average family of four does 416-520 loads of laundry per year. That’s quite a bit of laundry detergent! 

It’s important to remember that the small choices we make every day have an impact on the environment. Take a look at the top three most common eco-friendly laundry mistakes, and see if there are ways you can improve your routine to make a more positive impact!

Sorting by Color

You have probably been advised your entire life to separate your darks from your whites before throwing a load into the washer, but did you know that you can save time and energy by sorting your laundry by weight instead? Grouping your heavier items together, such as towels, ensures that they are all evenly dry instead of having to run the load twice to make sure that your weightier pieces aren’t left damp. Likewise, grouping items together that are more lightweight in nature will use less power and energy because they won’t need to be in the dryer for as long.

Doing Small Loads

While you might feel incentivized to stay on top of your laundry and do a couple of smaller loads throughout the week instead of waiting to do a larger load on one day, we would advise that you think again. Delay that small load until you have enough clothing to fill the washer, and then go ahead and run it through. This will prevent unnecessary water and energy usage. Most importantly, it will save you money on those utility bills, as well as laundry detergent sheets and fabric softener. Those costs can add up pretty quickly, and the more we can cut back on wasting those precious resources, the better!

Not Cleaning Your Washing Machine

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Image Source: Odorcrush

You fill it with water and soap on a regular basis, no need to clean it any further than that. Right? Wrong. Washers leave behind residue after each load that gradually builds up and accumulates over time, and eventually gives off unpleasant odors that no one wants near the clothing they are trying to clean. Make sure you are always stocked with eco-friendly cleaning solutions to keep your washer clean of any bacteria and residue. Learn more about an easy way to keep things fresh and sanitary without breaking the bank!

Small Adjustments, Big Impact

Making your laundry routine eco-friendly doesn’t have to be time-consuming, costly, or overwhelming. Making small, conscious changes can make not only an impact on the quality of your laundry, but it also will make a positive impact on the environment. Give yourself some peace of mind by going eco-friendly with your laundry routine!