BlogLaundry doesn’t have to drain your wallet—or the planet. With a few practical tweaks, you can slash water and power use, keep clothes looking new for longer, and still get a great clean. Here’s your step-by-step guide to washing smarter.
1) Choose Cold by Default (and when to go warm)
Modern detergents are designed to work in cold water, which uses far less energy than hot cycles.
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Use cold for everyday loads (colours, synthetics, lightly soiled).
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Go warm for towels, bedding, and oily stains.
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Pre-treat spots so you don’t need a heavy cycle.
Internal link idea: If laundry day has snowballed, pair these tips with a whole-home reset via our Deep Cleaning Service.
2) Run Full, Well-Sorted Loads
Overfilled drums don’t clean well and underfilled ones waste resources.
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Sort by fabric + soil level (not just colour).
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Aim for a drum that’s about ¾ full—clothes should tumble freely.
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Use short or eco cycles for regular loads; heavy duty only when needed.
3) Dose Detergent Precisely (less suds, better rinse)
Too much detergent = residue, extra rinses, and dingy fabrics.
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Check the load size lines on caps/sheets/pods.
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In soft water, use less than the label.
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Prefer concentrated liquids or powders; they ship less water and reduce packaging.
Internal link idea: See how we handle delicate finishes in our Residential Cleaning plans.
4) Protect Clothes and the Planet from Microfibres
Synthetics shed tiny fibres in the wash—catch them before they reach waterways.
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Use microfibre-catching wash bags for activewear and fleece.
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Select shorter, colder cycles (less agitation = less shedding).
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Wash synthetics inside out and line dry when possible.
5) Max Out Spin Speed, Minimise Dryer Time
Electric dryers are energy-hungry. Remove more water in the washer first.
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Choose the highest safe spin for the fabric.
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Untangle items before drying for faster airflow.
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Toss in drying balls to reduce clumping and time.
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Stop when clothes are slightly damp; hang to finish and prevent heat damage.
Internal link idea: For a seasonal reset (and dust lurking in the laundry nook), book Recurring Cleaning.
6) Dry the Low-Energy Way
Air beats heat for both fabrics and power bills.
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Line dry outdoors when weather allows.
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Indoors, use a folding rack in a ventilated spot.
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Shake garments before hanging to reduce wrinkles and skip the iron.
7) Maintain the Machines (tiny habits, big savings)
Well-kept appliances work faster and use less.
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Clean washer seals & detergent drawer monthly.
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Run a maintenance (self-clean) cycle every month.
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Clear the dryer lint filter every load and the vent annually.
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Level the washer—less vibration = longer life and quieter cycles.
8) Choose Low-Waste Products
Small swaps add up across the year.
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Refill detergents where possible; choose recyclable or minimal packaging.
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Skip single-use softeners; use vinegar (sparingly) or wool balls instead.
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Wash with cooler cycles + gentle detergents to keep clothes in use longer.
9) Make a Simple, Sustainable Laundry Routine
Consistency beats perfection. Try this baseline schedule:
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Daily (if needed): quick cold load of essentials.
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Mid-week: towels on warm, high spin, partial line dry.
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Weekend: bedding on warm; open windows and line dry.
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Monthly: washer clean cycle; check hoses & lint paths.
Internal link idea: Moving or renovating? Our Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning and Post-Construction Cleaning get everything fresh so your efficient routine sticks.
Quick Reference: Energy-Smart Settings Cheat Sheet
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Default: Cold + eco/short + high spin
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Heavy soils: Warm + standard + high spin
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Synthetics/activewear: Cold + gentle + high spin, air dry
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Towels: Warm + standard + high spin, finish on line/rack
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Bedding: Warm + standard + high spin; shake and line dry if possible
FAQs
Do cold washes really clean?
Yes—paired with good detergent and proper dosing, cold washes remove everyday dirt and odours while protecting colours and fibres.
What’s the single biggest saver?
Less dryer time. Spin faster in the washer, then line dry or finish lightly in the dryer.
How do I reduce microfibre pollution?
Use a microfibre-catching bag, shorter cold cycles, and wash synthetics less often (air garments between wears).
