Sustainable washing ultimate guide

Sustainable washing is no longer just a trend, but a must for anyone who wants to save the environment and their wallet. But what exactly does sustainable washing entail, and how do you incorporate it into your daily laundry routine? In this ultimate guide, we delve into everything you need to know to get your laundry clean in an eco-friendly way. From smart money-saving tips to choosing eco-friendly detergents – after reading this article, you'll be fully prepared to wash greener without compromising freshness and quality.

What does sustainable washing mean?

Simply put, sustainable laundry means doing your laundry with minimal impact on the environment . This starts with consciously using water and energy. Did you know that the washing machine is one of the largest energy consumers in the home? On average, a wash cycle uses about 1 kWh of electricity (zonplan.nl ). By washing more sustainably, you significantly reduce this energy consumption per wash . Curious about more details about the energy consumption of laundry? Then read our article "How much energy does a wash cycle use?" for a detailed explanation. Sustainable laundry also involves limiting pollution: fewer harmful chemicals in the water and less plastic waste from packaging. For example, consider avoiding detergents full of phosphates or skipping fabric softener that contains microplastics. Washing your clothes in an environmentally conscious way means both saving energy and choosing products that are better for the planet and your health.

Why should you wash sustainably?

You might be wondering: is sustainable laundry worth it? The answer is a resounding yes—and for several reasons. First, it helps you save energy , which is immediately reflected in your energy bill. With current energy prices in 2025, that's a welcome bonus. For example, washing at 30°C costs an average of ~€0.08 in electricity, while a wash at 60°C costs around € 0.21 . Want to know exactly how the costs per wash are calculated? Then check out our comprehensive cost analysis per wash . By washing at a lower temperature, you use less electricity and therefore save money. Second, sustainable washing also means using less hot water and often less water overall; a full washing machine uses less water per kilo of laundry than a half-full one . Furthermore, you reduce your environmental impact: less electricity consumption means lower CO₂ emissions, especially if you use non-renewable energy. And if you choose plastic-free or biodegradable detergents, you reduce the amount of plastic waste and chemical residue. Finally, your clothes often last longer. At lower temperatures and with milder detergents, fabrics wear out less quickly, colors stay vibrant longer, and you prevent damage that can occur with aggressive washes. Sustainable washing is therefore good for the planet, your wallet, and your wardrobe.

Tip 1: Wash at a lower temperature

One of the simplest ways to instantly make washing more sustainable is to lower the wash temperature. Running a wash at 30°C or even cold water instead of 60°C makes a huge difference in energy consumption. A modern washing machine uses most of its power to heat water. By washing at a lower temperature, you save significantly on electricity without compromising your laundry. In fact, most everyday loads get perfectly clean at 30°C. If you have very dirty or stained laundry, soak it or pre-treat the stains instead of immediately choosing the highest temperature. An added benefit: your clothes stay in good condition longer if you don't always wash at high temperatures. Do make sure to run an empty load at 90°C occasionally (for example, once a month) to maintain your machine – this prevents the buildup of bacteria and grease lice. But for your regular laundry, washing at a lower temperature is generally the smart choice.

Tip 2: Use eco-friendly detergents

Your choice of detergent significantly impacts the sustainability of your laundry routine. Traditional detergents often come in large plastic bottles or boxes and contain harmful substances like phosphates. However, if you choose eco-friendly detergents , you kill two birds with one stone: they're better for the environment and often more economical to use. One example is switching to concentrated detergent strips (also called laundry strips ) instead of liquid detergent or pods. These strips come without plastic packaging and dissolve completely, even at low temperatures. This means no microplastics and fewer chemicals in wastewater. Moreover, they're lightweight and compact, which reduces transport and therefore CO₂ emissions. Liquid detergents are also available with refills or in powder form without unnecessary additives. Whatever you choose, look for certifications like Eco-labels, which indicate that a detergent is biodegradable and doesn't harm water quality. By using a sustainable detergent, you ensure that clean laundry doesn't come at the expense of a dirty planet.

Tip 3: Dose correctly and save detergent

Using more detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner laundry—often, quite the opposite. Overdosing on detergent leads to excessive suds, which can make rinsing your washing machine more difficult. Result: you could end up with detergent residue on your clothes, and the machine will need to rinse it out again (hello, extra water and electricity consumption!). So always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging, or even slightly less if your laundry isn't heavily soiled. Do you have soft water at home? Then you'll need even less detergent for good results. Modern detergents, especially concentrated varieties and detergent strips, are designed so that a small amount is sufficient. By dosing precisely, your detergent will last longer (saving you money) and fewer chemicals are released into the environment. Tip: use a dosing ball or cup to measure, or opt for pre-measured options like detergent strips to be absolutely sure you don't use too much.

Tip 4: Run full washing machines

Every wash cycle uses energy and water, so it's a waste to run a half-empty drum. It's better to wait until you have enough laundry for a full machine. A washing machine uses a certain amount of water and electricity per cycle, regardless of whether it's half full or completely full. In fact, a half-full drum uses more energy and water per item of clothing than a full one . Of course, you shouldn't cram everything to overflowing—clothing needs space to rinse clean—but fill the drum properly. A rule of thumb: the drum is full enough if your hand can fit flat on top of the laundry. By only washing when the machine is properly full, you'll do fewer loads in total. This means less frequent washing (and therefore lower energy consumption per load) and also less detergent and water per kilo of laundry. Ultimately, you'll save considerably on annual costs and environmental impact.

Tip 5: Choose energy-efficient washing programs and appliances

Not only how you wash, but also what you use plays a role. Modern washing machines often have eco programs or settings like "Eco 40-60," which are specifically designed to consume as little energy and water as possible. Take advantage of these if you have the time. Eco programs usually wash at lower temperatures and with longer soak times, achieving the same cleaning power with less energy. The program takes a little longer, but your laundry comes out just as clean. In the long run, investing in an energy-efficient washing machine is worthwhile. Newer models with an A rating or higher (according to the new energy label classification) use significantly less energy per wash than older or less efficient machines (coolblue.nl) . That difference can add up to tens of euros per year on your energy bill. In short, if you're ready for a new appliance, pay attention to the energy label and water consumption. Besides major measures like a new machine, there are also all sorts of small tricks to save money. Check out our savings tips for washing in 2025 . An economical machine is an investment that will pay for itself in the long run and is suitable for a sustainable household.

Tip 6: Leave the dryer on (if possible)

While this article is mainly about laundry, it's also good to consider what happens after the wash. Using a dryer often uses even more energy than the laundry itself. An average drying cycle can consume as much as 2 kWh of electricity (vandebron.nl) – twice as much as a full load of laundry. If you really want to be sustainable, the trusty old clothesline or drying rack is your best friend. Hang your laundry and let nature (and the central heating in winter) do the work. This saves a huge amount of energy. Moreover, many fabrics last longer if you don't put them in the hot drum of the dryer. If you do need a dryer, for example, because you have limited space or time, then at least use the highest spin speed on your washing machine to spin out as much moisture as possible before it goes into the dryer. And make sure the dryer filter is clean so the appliance continues to work efficiently and doesn't run longer than necessary. But where possible: skip the dryer and save those extra kilowatt-hours; your clothes and the environment will thank you.

Tip 7: Prevent microplastics in the water

A lesser-known aspect of sustainable laundry is the problem of microplastics. Every time you wash synthetic clothing (think fleece, polyester, nylon), tiny plastic fibers are released into the rinse water. These microplastics end up in rivers and oceans, creating a growing environmental problem. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this. You can use special laundry bags or filters, such as the Guppyfriend laundry bag, which capture a large portion of these microfibers. This prevents them from entering the water. Another tip is to wash synthetic clothing less often, or spin it at a lower speed (higher spin speeds can loosen fibers more easily). Skipping the dryer also helps, as drying also loosens fibers. Furthermore, choose high-quality clothing that wears less quickly and keep an eye on new innovations: some modern washing machines already have built-in filters for microplastics. By taking microplastics into account, you can make your sustainable laundry routine even more environmentally friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sustainable washing just as effective as traditional washing?

Yes, with the right approach. Lower temperatures and eco-friendly programs still clean your clothes thoroughly, especially with modern detergents. For very dirty laundry, you can pre-treat stains or run a wash at a higher temperature, but for most laundry, sustainable washing (for example, at 30°C with a good eco-friendly detergent) is just as effective.

Is sustainable washing more expensive?

No, they're usually cheaper. You save on energy costs by washing at a lower temperature and less frequently (full load). Sustainable detergents may seem a bit more expensive per pack, but because they're more concentrated or offer more precise dosing (like detergent strips), they last longer. Moreover, you save money indirectly because your clothes last longer and you use less water and energy.

Which detergent is the most sustainable?

The most sustainable detergents are free of harmful chemicals, biodegradable, and come in eco-friendly packaging. Microplastic-free washing powders and refillable containers score well. Laundry strips are also a sustainable alternative: they don't require a plastic bottle or measuring cup and dissolve completely. In any case, choose a detergent with an eco-label and preferably concentrated, so less packaging is needed.

Curious about a more sustainable way to wash? Then check out our laundry strips . With these plastic-free detergent strips, you're effortlessly doing something good for the environment – ​​and for your laundry!