If you’re like most of us, laundry is just another thing on the weekly to-do list—you toss the clothes in, hit start, and move on. But behind that simple routine, your washer and dryer are quietly using a lot of energy and water. The good news? A few small, eco-friendly tweaks can make a huge difference. These aren’t complicated changes. They’re easy habits that help you save money, protect your clothes, and lighten your home’s environmental footprint without feeling like extra work.
One of the easiest shifts is washing with cold water. Heating water is actually the biggest energy-eating part of doing laundry. When you switch to cold, your machine uses far less power, yet your clothes still come out clean—especially with today’s detergents that are made to work well in cooler temperatures. It’s a simple choice with a big impact.
Another habit that really helps is running full loads instead of several small ones. Most machines use almost the same amount of water whether the load is tiny or full. So if you wait until you’ve got enough clothes for a proper load, you save both water and electricity in the long run. Plus, it puts less wear on your machine because it doesn’t have to cycle as often.
Choosing gentler, eco-friendly detergents also makes a difference. These detergents rinse out more easily, so your washer doesn’t have to use as much water to remove leftover soap. They’re kinder to fabrics and don’t leave that heavy chemical scent behind. It’s better for your skin and better for the environment.
Drying is another area where small changes go a long way. Air-drying when you can cuts your energy use instantly because dryers are among the biggest energy consumers at home. If you prefer machine drying, using wool dryer balls helps shorten drying time. They separate your clothes naturally, reduce static, and make fabrics softer—without chemicals. Even something as simple as cleaning your lint filter before every load helps your dryer run more efficiently.
And don’t skip machine maintenance. A clean washer uses water more efficiently and doesn’t have to work as hard. That means less energy wasted every cycle and a longer life for your appliance.
Eco-friendly laundry habits aren’t about being perfect—they’re about being mindful. With just a few simple changes, you can cut down your energy and water use without making your laundry routine harder. In fact, these habits often make life easier and save you money along the way. Cleaner clothes, lower bills, and a lighter impact on the planet—it’s a win all around.