10 Easy Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips for a Greener Home

Let’s be honest—laundry isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s week. But what if your laundry routine could actually help the planet while saving you money and preserving your clothes? 

That’s the beauty of switching to more green laundry solutions.

Traditional laundry routines can be surprisingly rough on the environment. Between the gallons of hot water, energy-hungry machines, and chemical-laden detergents, the carbon footprint adds up fast, not to mention the impact of plastic packaging and the microplastics that sneak into our waterways with every wash.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul to make a big difference. A few simple swaps can go a long way. 

Below are 10 easy, practical, and effective eco-friendly laundry tips that’ll help you green your routine.

1. Wash with Cold Water

One of the easiest and most impactful eco-friendly laundry tips? Switch to cold water. Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used during a wash cycle. By opting for cold, you immediately reduce your energy consumption, lower your utility bills, and cut down on carbon emissions without lifting a finger.

Modern laundry detergents, especially eco-formulas, are designed to perform just as well in cold water. They contain enzymes that activate at lower temperatures, so you’re not sacrificing cleanliness for sustainability.

Still worried about stains? Try pre-treating problem spots or running a quick soak before washing. Cold water may take a little getting used to, but once you see the savings and results, you’ll never look back. 

It’s one of the simplest energy-efficient laundry swaps that makes a big difference in sustainable laundry practices.

2. Use Eco-Friendly Detergents

Traditional detergents are often packed with harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and phosphates that harm aquatic ecosystems once they rinse down the drain. Eco-friendly detergents, on the other hand, have many benefits like using plant-based ingredients and biodegradable formulas that are safer for the environment and gentler on your skin.

Look for products that are free of:

• Dyes
• Optical brighteners
• Chlorine 

These ingredients can cause skin irritation, especially in babies and those with sensitive skin, and they also contribute to long-term environmental damage. 

Brands like HeySunday, which offers eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets, go a step further by offering detergent in plastic-free, pre-measured sheets. These compact, mess-free strips are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their routine without compromising on cleaning power. 

Because they’re ultra-lightweight, they reduce carbon emissions during transport and take up minimal storage space in your laundry room.

3. Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners may leave your clothes smelling fresh and feeling soft, but they come with a hidden environmental and health cost. 

Most commercial softeners contain ingredients that aren’t biodegradable, including:

• Synthetic fragrances
• Quaternary ammonium compounds
• Other petroleum-based ingredients

Once washed away, they can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. On top of that, these additives can build up on fabrics over time, reducing breathability and even irritating sensitive skin.

Fortunately, there are greener alternatives that work just as well. White vinegar is a natural fabric softener that can be added to the rinse cycle to reduce static and residue. Baking soda is another eco-friendly choice that deodorizes and softens fabrics without harmful chemicals.

4. Use Wool Dryer Balls or More Eco-Friendly Dryer Sheets

Wool dryer balls are a simple, reusable alternative to conventional dryer sheets, and they do more than just soften your laundry. By creating space between clothes in the dryer, they improve air circulation and reduce drying time, which can lower your energy usage by up to 25%. 

They also help cut down on static and wrinkles, all without the synthetic fragrances and chemicals found in traditional dryer sheets.

Wool dryer balls can last for hundreds of cycles, making them a long-term win for both your wallet and the planet. You can even add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a light scent. 

For those who still prefer the ease of sheets, try switching to a more eco-friendly option like HeySunday’s dryer sheets. They’re made without dyes or harsh chemicals, and they break down naturally after use.

5. Wash Full Loads

One of the simplest ways to practice sustainable laundry is to wash full loads whenever possible. Every cycle your machine runs uses a fixed amount of water and energy, so running it half-full doubles your impact without doubling your results. 

Waiting to do laundry until you have a full load means you’ll run your machine less often, saving water, electricity, and time.

If you’re worried about mixing items, try sorting by color and fabric type instead of washing tiny separate loads. Light sweaters and T-shirts can usually go together, for example. 

To go even greener, try scheduling specific days for laundry so you’re batching everything more intentionally. That way, laundry doesn’t creep into every day of the week, and you’re reducing your household’s carbon footprint in the process. 

6. Air Dry When Possible

Dryers may be convenient, but they’re also one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home. 

By choosing to air dry your clothes (even just a few loads per week), you can significantly cut down on electricity use, reduce your household’s carbon footprint, and lower your utility bill. It’s one of the simplest and most impactful eco-friendly laundry tips to implement.

Beyond energy savings, air drying helps your clothes last longer. High dryer heat can weaken fabric fibers, cause shrinkage, and fade colors over time.

It’s a win for the planet and your wallet.

Don’t Forget About Indoor Drying!

You don’t need a sprawling backyard to make it work. Use a foldable drying rack, hang items on a tension rod in your shower, or install a retractable clothesline in a laundry nook. 

If you’re short on space, even hanging clothes on door frames or a stair railing overnight can make a difference.

7. Use a Microfiber Filter

One of the lesser-known but serious environmental concerns of doing laundry is microfiber pollution. Every time you wash synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex, tiny plastic fibers are shed and released into the water system. 

These microplastics are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment facilities, so they end up in rivers, oceans, and even our food supply.

To combat this, eco-conscious households are turning to microfiber filters. Tools like the Guppyfriend washing bag, Cora Ball, or external washing machine filters are designed to catch these tiny threads before they enter waterways. 

• Guppyfriend bags work like laundry bags. Just place your synthetic garments inside and zip it up before tossing it in the wash. 
• Cora Balls are dropped directly into your machine and collect fibers during the wash cycle. 
• External filters, while more of an investment, offer the most comprehensive protection and are a great long-term solution if you do a lot of laundry.

While no method can catch 100% of microfibers, using even one of these tools can drastically reduce your household’s contribution to microplastic pollution. It’s a small step that makes a massive difference and is an essential part of modern sustainable laundry practices.

8. Choose Sustainable Laundry Products

Going green isn’t just about what goes into your washing machine—it’s also about what supports your laundry routine behind the scenes. 

Choosing sustainable laundry products means looking beyond just the detergent to consider the packaging, materials, and lifespan of every item you use.

Start With the Basics

Look for laundry tools and accessories made from renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials. Instead of plastic detergent jugs, opt for concentrated laundry sheets or powders that come in compostable or recyclable paper packaging. 

Reusable wool dryer balls are a great swap for disposable dryer sheets or liquid softeners, and cloth laundry bags can replace single-use plastic baskets or flimsy hampers.

Consider Refillable Options

Some brands now offer detergent refills via pouches or tablets, reducing the need for new packaging altogether. Even items like laundry baskets, hampers, or drying racks can be sourced from eco-conscious brands that prioritize long-term durability over disposable design.

The goal here isn’t to replace everything overnight—it’s to make more intentional choices when it’s time to restock. Little by little, these swaps reduce waste, cut down on plastic use, and support a greener home overall. 

9. Maintain Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine might be doing the heavy lifting, but it also needs regular care to keep running efficiently and sustainably. 

A poorly maintained washer can use more energy and water than necessary, and it can also lead to:

• Detergent buildup
• Musty odors
• Wear and tear on your clothes

Clean Your Machine Monthly

Start by cleaning your machine once a month. Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to flush out residue and bacteria. If your machine has a filter or lint trap (especially in front-load models), make sure to clean it out to prevent clogs and ensure smooth drainage.

Check for Mildew

It’s also important to check for mold and mildew, especially around the door seal of front-loading washers. Wipe the gasket dry after each use and leave the door open between loads to improve airflow. 

For top-loaders, inspect hoses for leaks or cracks and make sure the drum isn’t harboring any leftover detergent.

By keeping your machine clean and running efficiently, you reduce energy and water waste and extend the lifespan of one of your home’s most essential appliances. It’s a simple but powerful way to support sustainable laundry practices—and it only takes a few minutes each month.

10. Wash Clothes Less Frequently

It’s easy to toss clothes in the hamper after a single wear, but many garments don’t require washing that often. Over-washing not only fades fabrics and shortens their lifespan, but also wastes water, energy, and detergent.

Unless something is visibly dirty or smells, consider airing it out or spot cleaning it instead. Hanging clothes outside or on a drying rack can help remove odors and refresh fabrics between wears. 

By adopting a more mindful approach to laundry, you’ll reduce unnecessary loads while extending the life of your clothing. Plus, you'll save time, energy, and reduce your environmental footprint—all by simply pausing before pressing the "start" button on your machine.

Conclusion

By now, you can see that transforming your laundry routine doesn’t require an all-or-nothing approach. Start with one or two tips and build from there. 

Each load of laundry becomes a new opportunity to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make a smarter choice for your family and the planet.

To recap, here are your 10 simple eco-friendly laundry tips:

1. Wash with cold water
2. Use eco-friendly detergents
3. Skip the fabric softener
4. Use wool dryer balls or greener dryer sheets
5. Wash full loads
6. Air dry when possible
7. Use a microfiber filter
8. Choose sustainable laundry products
9. Maintain your washer
10. Wash less often

Adopting sustainable laundry practices is a way to vote with your daily habits. From choosing eco-friendly laundry detergent to embracing line drying or investing in reusable accessories, your actions add up. 

And over time, these simple changes become second nature.

Whether you’re brand new to sustainable living or already mindful about your household choices, there’s always a little more room to improve—and more ways to do better without doing more. 

Clean laundry, cleaner conscience.