Over-washing: A Hidden Drain on Our Clothes, Energy Bills, and the Environment
What may seem like a harmless habit—over-washing our clothes—is taking a toll on our wallets and the environment. A recent study by AEG reveals that more than two-thirds of Britons (69%) admit to washing their clothes even when they haven’t been worn. This unnecessary washing not only wastes money on energy bills but also shortens the lifespan of our garments, leading to an estimated annual loss of over £440 million in damaged clothing.
Over-washing causes several issues for our clothes. Constant washing can fade colors, shrink fabric, and distort the shape of items. Not only that, but the chemicals and detergents used in washing machines can damage the fibers in our clothing, making them more prone to wear and tear.
The environmental impact of over-washing is also significant. Running a washing machine multiple times a week increases our energy consumption and water usage. The detergents we use can also contain harmful chemicals that can be released into waterways and pollute the environment.
To reduce wasted washes and preserve the quality of our clothes, we can adopt several simple practices:
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Air it out:
If an item has been worn but doesn’t have a strong smell, try airing it out instead of immediately washing it. Fresh air can help remove odors and freshen up clothes.*
Target areas:
If a particular area of an item, such as the armpits, has an odor, use a bicarbonate of soda paste or a dab of detergent to clean it directly. This targeted approach helps remove stains and odors without unnecessary washing.*
Marks and stains:
For stubborn marks or stains, use a small amount of detergent directly on the affected area and gently dab or rub it off. Use a color-free cloth to avoid transferring color to your clothes.*
Steam wash:
Many washing machines now have a ‘steam refresh’ program that can refresh clothes between washes. This process uses steam to remove odors and wrinkles, saving time and energy while extending the life of your clothes.*
Spot clean:
Spot cleaning is ideal for targeting specific areas of a garment that need cleaning without washing the entire item. Use a damp cloth and a small amount of detergent to dab or rub the stain. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this can spread the stain.By incorporating these tips into our laundry routine, we can significantly reduce the number of wasted washes, saving time, energy, and money. More importantly, we can extend the lifespan of our clothes and minimize our environmental footprint.
