Laundry day isn't exactly fun for most people, but it can also be unpleasant for the Earth. While we can’t make the chore of washing your clothes any better, we can give you tips on how to minimize your impact so your clothes last longer, save water, and reduce CO2.
WASH IN COLD
Washing clothes in cold water, as opposed to warm or hot, significantly reduces energy use. Also, washing in cold water can help your clothes last longer, slow color fading, and reduce shrinkage. We recommend washing your clothes with eco-friendly detergents that are free of the harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our body and the environment. Always wait until you have a full load to use the washer. Want extra energy savings? Try hand-washing your garment in cold water. You can control the amount of water needed, reduce energy usage, and save some eco-friendly detergent.
LAY FLAT TO DRY
Avoiding the dryer saves energy and lengthens the life of your clothes. When air-drying, gently squeeze the excess water from the garment. Be careful not to wring or twist, as this may damage the fabric. Grab a fresh towel and place it on a flat surface. Lay your garment on the towel and reshape. Press gently into the garment and allow the towel to absorb additional moisture.
TUMBLE DRY LOW
When air-drying is not an option, be cautious of the temperature and time used to dry your clothes. The higher the temperature, and longer the time to dry, the more energy will be used. Plus, when you use less time and heat, you are reducing the effects of damaging or shrinking your clothes. Make sure to keep the lint screen clean for better air flow to dry your clothes faster. If you have a moisture sensor, use it. The sensor will automatically turn off the dryer when clothes are dry, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. Final tip, try separating your loads by weight. Heavier materials (like towels) will take longer to dry, then lighter materials (like tee shirts).
LOW IRON, WHEN NEEDED
The iron consumes a lot of energy and can weaken the fabric. But when that stubborn wrinkle just won’t go away, we recommend using a dry iron or steamer on low. Remember to always test a small area first before applying to the entire garment.
GREEN DRYCLEANING
The most common chemical solvent in dry-cleaning is called Perchlorethylene, also known as PERC, which is a toxic chemical capable of causing cancer and damage to the central nervous system. Yikes! It can also be an environmental contaminant when released into the air, soil and water when spilled. The alternative is referred to as Green Dry Cleaning, and there are several methods that avoid using PERC. But make sure your local dry cleaner is as earth friendly as they claim to be. You will still want to ask if they use PERC, hydrocarbon, and siloxane (D-5) to avoid the toxic stuff.
GUPPYFRIEND
Clothes that contain synthetic materials, such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester, are all forms of plastic. When washing, tiny pieces of plastic - known as microplastics (or microfibers in apparel) - shed from your clothes and can enter into our waterways and oceans. While there are many ways we can adjust our washing habits or use our purchasing power to reduce our impact, you can also use a Guppyfriend bag. When hand or machine washing, a Guppyfriend bag can assist with capturing microfibers from entering into our waterways. You can purchase a Guppyfriend HERE
Questions on how to care for your clothes? Email us at hello@thestandardstitch.com
