London: With rising costs in energy and water, adopting smarter laundry routines can prolong clothing lifespan and save money. Experts offer insights on efficient washing practices, from managing wash temperatures to using eco settings, helping individuals optimise their approaches while promoting sustainability.
Laundry is often regarded as a mundane household chore, but with the rising costs of energy and water, a more strategic approach to washing clothes can not only prolong their lifespan but also save money. The i Paper provides a comprehensive guide on efficient laundry practices, emphasising that frequent washing may not always be necessary, especially for items that have only been worn once or twice.
Clothing items such as sweaters, skirts, jumpsuits, and jeans may benefit from less frequent washing. Abbey Booth, a personal stylist based in Hertfordshire, notes that “denim is a natural fabric so it loses its shape if you wash it.” She recommends that if jeans need refreshing, they could be placed in the freezer overnight to eliminate odour, or simply treated with a sponge for spot cleaning. This advice is echoed by fashion label NRBY, which highlights the environmental benefits of limiting unnecessary washing.
Experts offer additional tips on how to care for different types of fabrics during laundry. For delicate items, the use of mesh washing bags is advised to prevent damage, rather than running separate loads which can waste resources. In washing kids’ clothing, Jennifer von Walderdorff advises on using temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or lower, noting that “better washing powers, and better washing machines, means most laundry can be washed at 30 degrees.”
When it comes to washing whites, the recommendation is to keep them separated from coloured fabrics. Mixing these can lead to discolouration, which is a common concern among laundry practitioners. Louise Marriott, a laundry buyer for Waitrose, reinforces that shorter wash cycles can still effectively clean clothes, stating, “Twenty minutes really is enough to get clothes clean.” This is emphasised as a way to conserve water and energy.
Using eco settings on washing machines is also suggested, as they tend to use less water compared to quicker cycles, thus being more economical in the long run. Marriott warns about the misconceptions surrounding detergents, recommending that users measure the correct amounts as “more doesn’t mean cleaner.” Non-biological detergents are favoured by von Walderdorff because they do not weaken fabrics over time.
For optimal load efficiency, it’s recommended to wash a full load without overloading the machine. This helps achieve the best cleaning results while remaining energy efficient. However, it is crucial to sort loads carefully, avoiding the mixing of abrasive items such as towels with lighter garments, which can contribute to greater wear and tear.
Finally, maintaining the washing machine itself is important. Regular cleaning of the machine helps prevent residue build-up that can affect laundry quality. Ribchester notes that “a well-maintained machine runs more smoothly, making it more effective and saving money in the long run.”
Overall, this guide provides useful insights for individuals looking to optimise their laundry routines, promoting not only cost savings but also a more sustainable lifestyle.
Source: Noah Wire Services
