7 Switches For A More Sustainable Routine

The average laundry routine uses a lot of energy and ingredients that aren’t great for you or the environment. The good news? Cutting down is easy, and we’re here to offer up super simple switches. Here, everything you need for a more sustainable routine.

Shop The Sustainable Solutions You Need: Fabric Fresh Classic, Wash Tub Basin, Everyday Laundry Kit, Dry Cleaning Detox Kit,Refill Pouches, Lint-Free Cleaning Cloths, Glass Bottles

The Facts: Some garments have to be washed between wears (hello, underwear and sweaty gym clothes), but items like jeans, sweaters, and blouses can be worn a few times before tossing them in the laundry.
The Fix: In between, keep clothes smelling and feeling fresh with a misting of Fabric Fresh Classic, which has a clean laundry scent and dissolves odors. Steaming will also help reduce odors and remove bacteria. When you do do laundry, run a full load with cool or warm water (not hot)—washing machines often use the same amount of energy regardless of load size, so it’s wasteful to run small ones.

The Facts: Some formulas are packed with ingredients that can be harsh on you, your possessions, and the environment. A few we steer clear of: Chlorine-bleach, parabens, phosphates, formaldehyde, and dyes.
The Fix: Our formulas use thoughtfully-chosen, plant-derived enzymes to wash away stains, dirt, and grime and preserve your garments for best results. If you don’t know where to start, our do-it-all Everyday Laundry Kit has everything you need to build your best laundry routine.

The Facts: According to EnergyStar, about 90% of the energy a washing machine uses goes toward heating up water. In other words, whenever you crank the temperature to hot, you’re using up a ton of energy.
The Fix: Always opt for cold or cool water. You’ll still get a deep clean and it’ll help preserve your fabrics and prevent fading, too. Our products are optimized to perform in all water temperatures.

The Facts:The average American uses 88 gallons of water a day, says the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Most high-efficiency washing machines use 15 to 30 gallons of water per load while regular models use 29 to 45.
The Fix: Whittle your water usage by handwashing more often instead of using a washing machine. Use your bathtub for large loads and a Wash Tub Basin or your sink for smaller loads.

Get our best tricks for handwashing every type of fabric

The Facts: After the fridge and washing machine, the dryer is the most energy-heavy appliance in most households.
The Fix: Lay your items flat to dry or use a drying rack in lieu of the dryer to slash energy, keep your fabrics in good shape, and stop shrinkage. And the benefits don’t end there: Learn 8 more reasons we love air drying.

The Facts: Most dry cleaners in the United States use perchloroethylene as their cleaning solvent. Also known as perc, this solvent is considered an air pollutant and isn’t great for humans, the environment, or your fabrics, either.
The Fix: Stock your laundry room with solutions that let you wash up to 90% of items considered “dry clean” from home. Our Dry Cleaning Detox Kit contains all the essentials you need to clean delicate items like wool, cashmere, silk, and delicate synthetics. Use them even better with our guide, Five Dry Clean Only Fabrics You Should Be Washing At Home.

The Facts: We’re always looking for ways to cut down on our use of single use and unnecessary packaging in an effort to reduce our load on Mother Earth.
The Fix: Our Refill Pouches require less plastic, water, and energy to make and can be used on their own or in conjunction with a refillable Laundress bottle. Other sustainable favorites? Our washable Lint-Free Cleaning Cloths, which let you wipe surfaces and spot treat fabrics on repeat, and our refillable Glass Bottles.