25 best laundry tips for every household
Laundry seems simple, but with the right tips, you'll get the most out of every wash. Your clothes will last longer, you'll save energy and money, and you'll reduce your environmental impact. In this guide, we share 25 practical tips you can implement right away, from sorting your laundry correctly to choosing sustainable laundry strips . Whether you have a small studio apartment or a large family, these laundry tips will help you wash more efficiently and responsibly.
Sorting and preparing
A good wash starts before you even turn on the washing machine. These prep tips will ensure your clothes are optimally clean and free from damage.
1. Sort by color and material
Everyone knows the classic tip of separating whites and darks, but also sort by fabric type. Wash cotton towels at 60 degrees Celsius, delicate synthetic items at 30 degrees Celsius. By sorting wisely, you prevent your delicate blouses from shrinking or your cotton sheets from getting dirty.
2. Check pockets and close zippers
Forgotten tissues in pockets cause white flakes all over your laundry. Open zippers damage other items. So take a moment to check pockets and close zippers, hooks, and buttons before tossing your laundry in the drum.
3. Turn clothes with prints inside out
Prints, designs, and appliqués stay beautiful longer if you wash your clothes inside out. This way, the friction in the drum takes place on the inside, protecting the outside.
4. Treat stains before washing
Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones. Dab spills immediately, and pre-treat stubborn stains with a little detergent or natural stain remover. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes before starting the wash.
Efficient washing
With the right settings and habits, you'll make every wash more effective. These laundry tips will help you save energy, water, and detergent without sacrificing cleaning power.
5. Fill the drum three-quarters full
A half-full drum wastes water and energy, while an overloaded machine doesn't wash properly. The golden rule: fill the drum about three-quarters full. There should still be room to fit your hand between the laundry and the top of the drum.
6. Choose the right temperature
Most laundry cleans perfectly at 30-40 degrees Celsius. Only heavily soiled laundry, towels, or bedding require a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. By washing at a cooler temperature as standard, you can save up to 40% energy per wash.
7. Use the eco program
Eco programs run longer but use less water and energy due to lower temperatures and more efficient cycles. This is perfect for normal soiling levels and saves up to 30% energy compared to standard programs.
8. Only wash when the machine is full
Wait to do laundry until you have enough laundry for a full load. Small loads are inefficient and expensive. Plan your laundry days so you can do larger loads instead of multiple smaller ones.
9. Skip the pre-wash program
For normal soiling, pre-washing is unnecessary. Modern detergents and machines are powerful enough without an additional pre-wash cycle. Reserve pre-washing only for extremely soiled clothing, such as work clothes with oil or mud.
Detergent and additives
The type of detergent and the amount you use make a big difference in results, costs and environmental impact.
10. Dose detergent correctly
Too much detergent will leave residue on your clothes and in the machine, while too little won't clean properly. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and adjust for water hardness. If you have soft water, you'll need less.
11. Choose concentrated washcloths
Liquid detergents consist of 70-80% water, which you pay for and carry around. Washcloths contain only the active ingredients, are extremely lightweight, and take up minimal space. Perfect for small apartments and travel.
12. Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener
A dash of white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment softens laundry without chemicals. It also helps remove soap residue and prevents limescale buildup in the machine. The vinegar smell dissipates during drying.
13. Skip fabric softener on towels and sportswear
Fabric softener reduces the absorbency of towels and traps sweat in sportswear. It's best to wash these items without additives, or use half the amount for a little softness without the drawbacks.
14. Try laundry balls or nuts
For lightly soiled laundry, soap nuts or ceramic laundry balls can be a natural alternative. They reduce static electricity and soften laundry, although they are less effective than regular detergents on stubborn dirt.
Machine maintenance
A clean machine washes cleaner and lasts longer. These maintenance tips will prevent unpleasant odors and technical problems.
15. Leave the door and containers open after washing
Moisture in a closed machine promotes mold and bacteria growth. After each wash, leave the door slightly ajar and open the detergent dispensers slightly. This allows everything to dry and keeps your machine fresh.
16. Run an empty wash cycle at 90 degrees every month
A high-temperature maintenance wash without laundry removes bacteria, mold, and soap residue from the drum and pipes. Add a dash of vinegar or citric acid for extra cleaning.
17. Clean the rubber seal
Hair, detergent residue, and moisture accumulate in the rubber ring around the door. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth at least once a month to prevent mold growth.
18. Check and clean the filter
The filter at the bottom of the machine catches lint, hair, and small objects. Clean it every 2-3 months by carefully unscrewing it, emptying it, and rinsing it under the tap.
Drying and storage
Even after washing, there are smart choices you can make that save you energy and protect your clothes.
19. Line dry where possible
The dryer is one of the biggest energy consumers in the home. Hang laundry whenever possible, preferably outside for a fresh scent and the natural bleaching power of the sun. Drying indoors is also an option, but ensure there's ventilation.
20. Shake out laundry before hanging
Shaking clothes thoroughly after washing reduces wrinkles and helps them dry faster. It also saves on ironing later.
21. Dry dark laundry inside out
Direct sunlight can fade dark colors. Hang dark clothing inside out or in the shade to ensure color retention.
22. Use dryer balls in the dryer
Wool dryer balls reduce drying time by 20-30% by separating laundry and improving air circulation. They also soften without chemicals and reduce static cling.
Sustainable and conscious washing
Small adjustments to your laundry routine can make a big difference for the environment and your wallet.
23. Wash less often
Not every item of clothing needs to be washed after a single wear. Pants, sweaters, and jackets can be worn multiple times as long as they're not visibly dirty or sweaty. Airing them out is often sufficient. For people with sensitive skin, washing them less often can also reduce skin irritation.
24. Choose detergents without microplastics
Many conventional detergents contain plastic microparticles that end up in the environment through wastewater. Washing without microplastics protects aquatic life and ecosystems. Check for certifications or choose plastic-free alternatives.
25. Buy quality over quantity
Good quality clothing lasts longer and is more resistant to washing. Although the initial purchase price is higher, you'll save in the long run because you'll need to replace less and wash less often.
Additional washing tips for specific situations
Some washing situations require a specific approach. Below are some specific tips.
For frequent travelers, compact detergents like laundry detergent strips are ideal. They don't take up any space in your suitcase and are liquid-free, so they're easy to pack in your carry-on. Read more about laundry while traveling for all the practical tips.
For sensitive skin, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic detergents are essential. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue and avoid fabric softeners, which can cause skin irritation.
For sportswear, wash after each use at 30-40 degrees Celsius without fabric softener. This will keep the technical fibers breathable and moisture-wicking. Never leave sportswear damp for long periods, as this promotes bacterial growth and odor.
With these 25 laundry tips, you'll wash smarter, more sustainably, and more effectively. You'll save time, money, and energy, while your clothes stay looking good longer and you'll contribute to a better environment. Start with a few tips that suit your situation and gradually expand your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important washing tip to save energy?
Wash at 30-40 degrees Celsius instead of higher temperatures. This saves up to 40% energy per wash without sacrificing cleaning power for normal soiling. Combine this with full wash cycles and eco programs for maximum savings.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Run a monthly maintenance wash at 90 degrees Celsius and clean the rubber seal and filter every 2-3 months. Leave the door and containers open after each wash to prevent mold growth.
Which detergent is the most sustainable?
Laundry strips and concentrated detergents without microplastics are the most sustainable choice. They contain no unnecessary additives, have minimal packaging, and a low carbon footprint thanks to their compact size.