The convenience of a washer and dryer are unmatched, but are modern laundering practices healthy for your clothing and environment?
Early laundering methods were labor-intensive and could be dangerous. Soaps could contain lye; irons were fueled by kerosene; and untreated water would carry various diseases.
After World War II, automatic washers and dryers became more popular and continued to grow and innovate. The automatic machines drastically reduced the average household’s laundry time, from a few hours a week to less than 30 minutes. Standards for cleanliness fell off in favor of a general “fresh” aesthetic.
Changing standards led to triple the amount of washes per household, causing more damage to clothing and the environment. The increase in washes led to excessive energy and water use.
The average detergent still uses harsh alkalis that can irritate skin and be poisonous if ingested, and disposable dryer sheets are contributing to landfills and air pollution.
Fortunately, there are new advancements in technology that can combat these harmful practices. High-efficiency washers are designed to use less water, but their popularity has yet to grow in the United States. Clothes lines and mobile drying racks are the most sustainable way to dry clothes. If you choose to use a dryer, use a low heat or eco setting.
A great way to maintain clothing is understanding how different fibers and textiles should be laundered. Every garment sold in the United States contains fiber content and care labels. These indicate whether or not warm water, ironing or dry-cleaning is necessary.
When it comes to selecting detergent, highly concentrated formulas require you to use less of the product.
If you are not able to make major technology and product changes, the easiest way to be sustainable is to do less laundry. This means less frequent washes and wearing clothes more than just once.
