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Plus a dozen easy, free tips to green your routine.
Dear Readers,
If you read the BuyBetter Marketplace newsletter, you'll know that the bottom of each email includes a picture of me and the following note: “Want to get in touch? I’d love to hear from you. Tell me about your favorite sustainable products, topics you’d like to see covered, or anything else that’s on your mind — email [email protected].” Guess what? I mean it. Earlier this year, I received an email from Jan, a BuyBetter reader, who told me that because of her “favorite sustainable product … I haven't bought bottled detergent in four years.” Even so, her “very dirty clothes come out clean.” Are you on the edge of your seat yet? I know I was.
(Photo Courtesy PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)
Marketed as the “Laundry Revolution from Japan,” the mysterious item in question is the Terra Wash+Mg, and it’s a sponge-sized, magnesium-filled satchel that you just toss in the machine with your laundry ($38 on Amazon). I purchased one two months ago, and it’s knocked (cleaned?) my socks off. I do still supplement particularly filthy loads with my favorite detergent, but I’ve got to say, this thing is amazing. It couldn’t be easier to use, and it dramatically reduces the cost of doing laundry.
Amazingly, I have another laundry innovation to share: the Wad-Free ($19 on Amazon). This magical device prevents my biggest personal laundry pet peeve: when the sheets tangle around one another and form a tight ball that never dries, forcing me to separate my sheets like they’re unruly school children and ultimately run the dryer multiple times. More on that below. First, I’d like to share some general suggestions for greening your laundry routine.
Sustainable Laundry Tips and Tricks
Tips for Washing
- Is the item really dirty or stinky? If not, wear it again.
- Ditch heavy liquid detergent and plastic bottles. Instead, try a concentrate or a magnesium sachet.
- Don’t use too much detergent. It can actually cause yellowing. To whiten clothes, use natural ingredients you probably already have around the house.
- Use cold water. You’ll have clean clothes and a lower energy bill.
- Reduce your microplastic pollution (created when you wash synthetic fibers) with a laundry ball, laundry bag, or laundry filter.
Tips for Drying
- Save energy by using a drying rack or line-drying your clothes.
- Sub charming wool dryer balls for dryer sheets.
- Dry your clothes on the low-heat setting.
- Turn on your dryer’s sensor so that it stops running once your items dry.
- Clean the lint trap after every load to boost your dryer’s efficiency.
- If your load contained only natural fabrics, compost your lint.
- Use your dryer during off-peak hours.
- Deep-clean your dryer vent at least once a year.
- Use a drying rack or line-dry your clothes.
And of course, if the machines themselves are at the end of their lives (and you’ve already considered repairs), upgrade to EnergyStar appliances. Get more details on our favorite items below, and happy shopping!
–Elizabeth Weinstein, Marketplace Editor
Loads of Sustainable Laundry Products
Most Effective Sustainable Detergent
Dirty Labs makes enzyme-powered detergent that gets the job done. It’s so concentrated that you only need to use about a thimble’s worth! They also make terrific dish detergent. Save 15% on your first order with code BLUEDOT.
Convenient, Detergent-Less Detergent
In January, a reader sent me an enthusiastic email that said: “I haven't bought bottled detergent in 4 years because I've been using Terra Wash+Mg. Very dirty clothes come out clean.” I ordered it right away, and I still can’t get over the convenience of this magnesium-filled satchel that cleans up to 365 loads. Is it perfect? No. Is it great? Yes.
Sanity-Saving Dryer Hack
The Wad-Free is a little gadget that saves time and energy (both human and machine!) by solving one of the most obnoxious problems in laundry: wet sheets twisting up into one another in the machine. This clever device keeps sheets apart, and prevents you from needing to dry loads multiple times.
Delightful Dryer Balls
All dryer balls reduce static cling, decrease drying time, and prevent the need to buy wasteful, often toxic dryer sheets. Only Friendsheep dryer balls make us smile every time we do the wash. The Fair Trade Certified brand has elevated dryer balls to an art. You can even mix and match to create your own custom set. Save 10% with code BLUEDOT.
The Easiest Microplastic Filter
The Cora Ball is the most foolproof microplastic filter we've tried (just take care to prevent items with thin straps or tassels from tangling by placing them in a laundry bag). Leave the Cora Ball in your machine to reduce microplastic pollution by up to a third. That's it. Save 10% with code BLUEDOT.
A Simple Bag for Microplastics
Put clothes inside the Guppyfriend before you wash them, and reduce the number of microplastics released by up to half. Because the bag reduces fiber breakage, it can also help extend the life of your clothes: a nice bonus. Save 15% with code BLUEDOT.
An Intensive Microplastic Filter
The PlanetCare Laundry Filter attaches to the outside of your washer and traps up to 90% of the microplastics released by your clothes. Save 10% with code BLUEDOT.
A Great Drying Rack
Using a drying rack not only saves energy but also protects clothes. The Brabantia HangOn rack can accommodate an impressive amount of laundry, and folds down to a reasonable size for easy storage.
