Sustainable laundry 101: Your guide to a green laundry routine
Common laundry products fill our landfills with waste and contribute to environmental pollution. But your laundry routine doesn't have to harm our planet.
Eco-friendly laundry products offer sustainable, waste-free alternatives that protect the environment and keep your family's clothes clean and fresh.
Quick links:
Why should I switch to eco-friendly laundry?
The best eco-friendly laundry detergents
The best eco-friendly fabric softeners
Step-by-step guide to eco-friendly laundry
How to troubleshoot common laundry problems
How to care for different fabrics naturally
Let's explore earth-friendly solutions for every step of your laundry routine, including biodegradable detergents, reusable wool dryer balls, and natural stain removal.
Why should I switch to eco-friendly laundry?
The health of our planet depends on our choices. Every time we wash clothes with conventional products, we release harmful chemicals into waterways, create plastic waste, and increase our carbon footprint.
Problems with traditional products
Most laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets pack harmful ingredients that damage both the environment and our health:
- Fill landfills with single-use plastic packaging and waste
- Release plastic particles into oceans and waterways
- Contain non-biodegradable chemicals that affect human and animal health
- Emit greenhouse gases during manufacturing and shipping
- Use excessive water and energy in production
- Deplete non-renewable resources
- Generate unnecessary shipping waste
The eco-friendly advantage
Sustainable laundry products protect the environment while saving money.
- Reusable wool dryer balls replace thousands of disposable sheets.
- Concentrated detergent strips eliminate plastic waste.
- Natural ingredients biodegrade safely.
- Local manufacturing reduces shipping emissions.
- Fewer products are needed overall.
For example: The average American family uses approximately 13 bottles of liquid laundry detergent per year. These plastic containers take centuries to decompose. Our detergent strips come in minimal recyclable cardboard to eliminate plastic waste.
How to start an eco-friendly laundry routine
Ready to reduce your environmental impact? Here's what you need:
- Biodegradable detergent strips (clothes cleaner)
- Wool dryer balls (fresh scents)
- Natural stain stick (spot fighter)
- Essential oils for natural fragrance (fresh scents)
- Baking soda (odor neutralizer)
- White vinegar (natural softener)
Try our eco-friendly starter bundle for an easy start. It contains everything you need for a complete earth-friendly laundry routine: wool dryer balls, detergent strips, and stain sticks.
The best sustainable laundry detergents
In your quest for the perfect natural laundry detergent, you can spend money and buy ready-made products or save money and spend time making your own detergents. Play around to find what works best for your clothes. washing machine, lifestyle, and budget.
Most effective eco-friendly options
Eco-friendly detergents are more effective than ever. The best products combine plant-based cleaning power with minimal packaging.
Our detergent strips champion sustainable laundry solutions. These ultra-concentrated sheets pack powerful cleaning in minimal, recyclable packaging. They dissolve completely at all water temperatures and work in every washing machine. Some other leading products include:
- Earth Breeze sheets: plastic-free with biodegradable ingredients.
- Meliora powder: biodegradable packaging, certified B-corp.
- Blueland tablets: refillable system, reduced shipping emissions.
Let’s look closer at different types of eco-friendly detergents.
Powder detergents
Powder formulas remove stains and dissolve mineral buildup. Most sustainable brands use cardboard boxes or paper bags. The laundry powder format eliminates water weight in shipping and needs no plastic containers.
Liquid detergents
Some brands use glass bottles with concentrated refills. Others create solid refill tablets or pods in compostable wrapping. These reduce plastic waste but require more fuel for shipping than waterless options.
Detergent strips
These paper-thin sheets eliminate plastic waste and storage bulk. One strip cleans a full load yet takes minimal space. Their lightweight nature cuts shipping emissions by 94% versus liquid detergents.
Zero-waste DIY formula
A homemade laundry detergent saves money and puts you in control of the ingredients. Here’s a recipe you can use for regular loads of laundry:
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup pure castile soap flakes
- 1/2 cup sea salt
Mix ingredients and use 1–2 tablespoons per load. Store in a glass container.
While DIY formulas work well for zero-waste households, ready-made sustainable detergents offer a simple switch to eco-friendly washing.
The best eco-friendly fabric softeners
Most fabric softeners pack synthetic chemicals that pollute waterways, generate plastic waste, and harm aquatic life. Eco-friendly alternatives soften clothes without environmental damage.
Earth-friendly commercial options
Several brands create fabric softeners with biodegradable, plant-based ingredients.
- Dropps offers plastic-free pods with natural minerals.
- Tru Earth produces zero-waste strips from sustainable materials.
- Eco Nuts sells soap berries that grow wild and require no manufacturing.
These options avoid harmful chemicals and minimize packaging waste.
Wool dryer balls and how they work
Smart Sheep wool dryer balls are the most sustainable fabric softener. These pure wool spheres bounce between clothes during drying cycles to create air pockets that naturally soften fabrics. The wool's lanolin transfers to clothes for extra softness.
Our wool dryer balls provide multiple eco-benefits:
- Separate clothes for better airflow
- Eliminate single-use waste
- Reduce static buildup
- Accelerate drying time by 25%
- Last through 1,000+ loads
- Break down naturally
Put 4–6 balls in each large load. Keep the dryer load light enough for the balls to move freely between clothes. You can also add essential oils added to wool dryer balls to provide a natural fragrance.
Natural pantry alternatives
Vinegar is a tried-and-true natural softening solution. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to your rinse cycle to soften fabrics and remove detergent buildup. The acidity breaks down mineral deposits from hard water. The vinegar smell disappears after drying. Baking soda softens water and clothes during the wash cycle.
The switch to eco-friendly fabric softeners produces immediate benefits:
- Less plastic waste
- Cleaner waterways
- Lower carbon emissions
- Soft, fresh laundry without harsh chemicals
You'll get the most environmental benefit when you pair eco-friendly products with the right, sustainable laundry habits.
Steps to a sustainable laundry routine
Simple changes to your laundry routine add up to real environmental impact. A sustainable approach starts with smart preparation.
Before you wash
Sort your laundry into bins by fabric type; different eco products work better with specific materials. Put whites, colors, and delicates in separate hampers to skip sorting on laundry day. Take time to read the laundry symbols on clothing to avoid improper handling.
You should treat stains on your clothes as they occur. Sprinkle baking soda on grease and oil spots to pull oil from fabric fibers. For most other stains, mix equal parts vinegar and water, dab it on the spot, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
A well-loaded washer gives the best results. Fill the drum about three-quarters full so clothes float freely in water for thorough cleaning. For top-loading washers, start with large items at the bottom and add smaller pieces on top to balance the load during spin cycles.
Place delicate items in mesh bags to protect fibers. Natural fabrics such as wool and silk need extra care to last longer.
Best practices for washing
Pick the right washer settings to clean clothes without damage. Normal cycles suit everyday loads, delicate cycles protect fine fabrics and sweaters, and heavy-duty cycles tackle bulky items or extra-dirty clothes.
Here’s a quick reference for water temperature selection:
- Cold water for dark colors, delicates, and synthetic fabrics
- Warm water for lightly soiled loads, such as bedding or towels
- Hot water for heavy soiling or whites when a deeper clean is required
Small to medium loads clean better than large ones. An overfilled washer prevents proper water circulation and detergent distribution. A properly sized load fills the drum while leaving enough space for clothes to move during washing.
Drying and finishing
A clothesline outdoors offers the most earth-friendly drying method. Sunlight bleaches whites naturally and removes stubborn stains. For dark fabrics and delicates, hang them in the shade to avoid fading. No outdoor space? Indoor drying racks work perfectly too.
Modern dryers are also energy efficient. Dryers are also necessary in low-sunlight regions and apartments with limited space to hang clothes. To reduce static cling and drying time, avoid fabric softeners and laundry sheets and use wool dryer balls. Clean the lint filter between every load to maintain quick drying times.
Add a few drops of essential oil to the dryer balls to give your laundry a fresh, light scent without synthetic fragrances. Or spritz Smart Sheep essential oil scenting spray for a boost of fragrances.
Prevent wrinkles by removing clothes from the tumble dryer while slightly damp, then fold them immediately. Shake air-dried clothes well before hanging them up. The steam from your shower will smooth out stubborn wrinkles without using an iron.
Eco-friendly solutions to common laundry problems
Stain removal
Oil and grease stains
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on fresh oil to absorb excess. Wait 30 minutes, brush away, then apply dish soap. Old oil spots need a baking soda paste rubbed into the fabric.
Blood and protein stains
Use cold water for blood because hot water locks in protein stains permanently. Soak dried blood in salt water. Hydrogen peroxide lifts stubborn spots without fabric damage.
Food stains
Remove food spots quickly. Blot the area and rinse with cold water. Mix baking soda and water or dab white vinegar directly on spots to dissolve oils.
Dirt and grass stains
A vinegar and water solution breaks down grass stains. Wait 10–15 minutes, then wash. Natural enzyme cleaners also remove plant pigments effectively.
Tough stains
Here are some ways to tackle even the toughest stains:
- Mix equal parts borax* and water for ink or permanent marker.
- Sunlight acts as a natural bleach for stubborn stains on white fabrics.
- For rust, squeeze lemon juice on the spot and sprinkle it with salt.
Smart Sheep stain stick is a natural stain remover every household should have. Its plant-based formula breaks down tough stains without harsh chemicals to keep your clothes fresh and clean and your family safe.
Odor solutions
Sweat and body odor
Soak odor spots in white vinegar before washing. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the wash. Athletic clothes need a vinegar and tea tree oil mixture.
Pet odors
Pre-treat with enzyme cleaner specifically for pet stains. Add vinegar during the rinse. Soak strong odors in baking soda mixture.
Mildew
Mix vinegar and water equally. Spray on moldy areas and wash in hot water right away. For severe cases, add borax* to your regular detergent.
Musty smells
Pour two cups of vinegar into an empty hot wash cycle. Soak smelly clothes in a vinegar solution. Add 1/2 cup borax* to block mildew scents.
Other common issues
In addition to stubborn stains and odor, here's how to fix regular laundry problems:
- Dingy whites: Lemon juice and salt paste brighten yellowed areas. Boil citrus peels for a natural whitening soak. Hang white items in direct sun after washing.
- Rough towels: Baking soda breaks down mineral buildup. Skip commercial softener as it coats fibers with wax. Toss a clean tennis ball in with wool dryer balls.
- Static cling: Wool dryer balls eliminate static naturally. You can also place a safety pin on wool dryer balls for extra power against static. Add 1/4 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra protection.
- Shrinkage: Test the water temperature on fabric scraps first. Lay sweaters between clean towels and roll to absorb water. Block knits to original size while wet.
- Fading colors: A cup of salt in cold water locks dye into new clothes. White vinegar in the rinse cycle prevents bleeding. Dry colored clothes in the shade or indoors.
How to care for fabrics in a sustainable way
The right care routine extends clothing life and cuts waste. Here's how to clean and protect different fabrics without harming the environment.
Natural care for common fabrics
- Cotton: Use cold or warm water with plant-based detergent. Skip fabric softener and use wool dryer balls for softness. Air-dry clothes outside or on racks to cut energy waste.
- Denim: Wash rarely in cold water with earth-friendly detergent. Skip fabric softeners because they can damage denim. Air-dry to keep colors bright and fibers strong.
- Wool: Wash in cold water with gentle eco-friendly soap. Traditional detergents destroy wool's natural properties. Air-dry flat on a towel or use dryer balls on low heat.
- Silk: Hand-wash in cold water with biodegradable soap. Do not use chemical softeners as they ruin silk fibers. Put in mesh bags for machine washing. Air-dry in the shade. A tablespoon of vinegar in rinse water adds softness.
- Synthetic fabrics: Pick cold water and eco-friendly laundry detergents for synthetic clothes. Control static without toxic dryer sheets. Instead, combine wool dryer balls with damp-dry removal and 1/4 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Separate laundry by fabric type and weight to avoid overdrying.
Special fabric care for delicate
Delicate fabrics demand extra care to stay beautiful and last longer. Read fabric care labels before washing, as many items require hand washing or professional cleaning.
- Cashmere: Use cold water and biodegradable wool wash. Your cashmere already contains natural oils for softness, so avoid fabric softeners. Place flat in the shade to dry to protect the delicate wool fibers.
- Lace: Hand wash each piece with eco-friendly gentle soap. Regular detergents destroy delicate lace patterns and weaken fibers. Lay flat to dry and reshape the fabric gently to maintain its form.
- Leather and suede: Mix diluted vinegar or fresh lemon juice for cleaning. Apply coconut or olive oil to condition and protect. Regular brushing with natural bristles maintains the texture and appearance.
Extend your clothes' life
Smart storage and garment care saves resources and reduces waste. Protect your wardrobe with these earth-friendly practices:
- Clean spots and stains right away without washing the whole garment.
- Protect colors by turning clothes inside out before washing.
- Support delicate items with padded hangers to avoid stretching.
- Choose wooden hangers for coats and heavy garments.
- Store sweaters and knits folded flat to maintain their shape.
- Keep seasonal clothes in cotton storage bags.
- Put cedar blocks or dried lavender in closets to repel moths.
- Organize delicate items in separate drawer sections.
- Clean all clothes thoroughly before storing them away.
Special laundry situations
Sensitive skin care
Most conventional detergents contain synthetic chemicals that pollute waterways and trigger skin reactions. Eco-friendly detergents clean effectively with plant-based ingredients that break down safely. An extra rinse cycle removes all soap residue from fabrics.
Use separate laundry baskets for family members who require earth-friendly products to prevent mixing with standard detergents. This protects both sensitive skin and our water systems.
Baby and kids' clothes
Baby skin needs protection from toxic chemicals in laundry products. Begin with a cold wash to remove dirt, then run a hot cycle with biodegradable detergent.
The sun disinfects clothes naturally and freely. Air drying leaves items clean without chemical residue. Parents find this method perfect for cloth diapers as it removes stains and odors without environmental harm. Plant-based stain removers break down safely in water.
Hard water
Hard water creates dull clothes and wastes detergent. Dark fabrics show white residue while towels feel stiff.
Add vinegar to the wash cycle to break down these minerals without harming the environment. Many households install eco-friendly water filters or natural softeners to block minerals before they reach the laundry.
Natural, eco-friendly cleaners such as borax* dissolve mineral buildup more effectively than chemical detergents and protect our water systems.
*Borax is a naturally occurring substance, but it is open-pit mined for commercial use. The process is not eco-friendly. Borax can also irritate those with sensitive skin. Consider borax a last resort if other eco-friendly solutions have failed. It is more natural than other harsh chemical products.
Non-toxic laundry FAQ
What is sustainable laundry?
Sustainable laundry means washing clothes in ways that reduce environmental impact. This includes using eco-friendly detergents, cool water washing, line drying when possible, and choosing reusable products such as wool dryer balls instead of disposable dryer sheets. The goal is to clean clothes without harming our planet.
What laundry detergent is the most sustainable?
Detergent strips are the most sustainable. These ultra-concentrated sheets come in minimal cardboard packaging, eliminating plastic waste. They ship without water weight, which cuts transportation emissions. The best strips (such as our laundry detergent sheets) contain plant-based ingredients that biodegrade completely and work in all water temperatures.
How can I make my laundry room sustainable?
Here are some easy steps to follow to make your laundry room sustainable:
- Get reusable tools such as wool dryer balls and cleaning cloths.
- Install a drying rack or clothesline.
- Switch to cold water washing and eco-friendly detergents in plastic-free packaging.
- Add a water filter to reduce chemical softener use.
- Store supplies in glass containers instead of plastic.
Do plant-based laundry detergents work?
Plant-based detergents clean as effectively as chemical versions. Modern formulas contain powerful natural surfactants that break down dirt and oils. Many outperform standard detergents because they leave no residue on clothes. They also work in all water temperatures and machine types.
Is dry cleaning eco-friendly?
Traditional dry cleaning is not environmentally friendly. The process often uses harsh chemicals such as perchloroethylene and creates chemical waste. While some professional services now offer greener alternatives using CO2 or silicon-based cleaners, conventional dry cleaning remains resource-intensive. The process can release volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere so it is not a safer choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Is machine drying eco-friendly?
Machine drying consumes energy, especially during a long dry cycle. While using the gentle cycle or a special cleaning cycle can reduce energy use, the most eco-friendly option is line-drying clothes outdoors.
If you must use a dryer, wool dryer balls can reduce drying time by up to 25% more than artificial fragrance-laden dryer sheets or commercial laundry services.
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