The Simple Laundry Switch That Could Save Your Clothes (And the Planet)
New research reveals why cold, quick washes are better for everything
Let's face it, laundry is a chore. The constant cycle of sorting, washing, drying, and folding is enough to make anyone sigh. We've been told that a washing machine is a modern marvel, a tool to make our lives easier, but what if we've been lied to? What if our relentless pursuit of 'clean' is actually not helping and even causing a problem?
It turns out that even with the latest energy-efficient machines, the way we do our laundry is having a bigger environmental impact than you might think. We're washing too often, using too much detergent, and running cycles that are hotter than they need to be.
The Science Bit
Researchers at the University of Leeds tested everyday T-shirts across different wash settings. Here’s what they found:
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Cold, quick washes protect colours and stop fabrics from wearing out too quickly.
- Hot, long washes shed more microfibres—tiny bits of plastic that slip into waterways and harm marine life.
In short: the hotter and longer the cycle, the more damage to your clothes and the planet.
What About Getting Things Actually Clean?
Fair question. For everyday dirt and most stains, cold water with good detergent works just fine. Most bacteria and germs are removed by the mechanical action of washing rather than heat alone.
For items that genuinely need sanitising (like when someone's been sick), you can still use hot water when necessary. The goal isn't perfection – it's making better choices most of the time.
Why It Matters for You
Switching your habits isn’t just about eco-points. It’s practical:
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Longer-lasting clothes. Your favourites keep their shape and colour.
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Cleaner conscience. Less microfibre pollution means less plastic in the ocean and happier fish, turtles and dolphins.
- Lower bills. Cold cycles use less energy, so you save money too.
It's about recognising that small adjustments to everyday habits can add up to meaningful impact.
Sometimes the most effective changes are also the simplest ones!
Our Top 'Wash Smarter' Tips
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Pre-treat stains. Give tough spots some attention before they go in the machine.
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Separate colors. Basic sorting rules still apply.
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Pick the shortest, coldest cycle your machine offers.
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Use quality detergent that works in cold water. Nature Calls sheets are made for this!
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Wash full loads (but don't overfill). It's far more efficient to do one large wash than two smaller ones - this will stop clothes wearing out as quick, save water and reduce the release of microplastics.
- Air dry if you can. Kinder to fabrics, kinder to the planet. We'd still recommend a dehumidifier in HK though.
Small Change, Big Impact
Every wash is a choice. A colder, shorter cycle keeps your wardrobe looking good, saves energy, and reduces plastic pollution—all with zero extra effort.
At Nature Calls, we’re here to make sustainable living effortless. Cold wash. Quick wash. Smart wash.
It's a small change that your wardrobe and the environment will both appreciate!
Looking for more practical ways to live more sustainably? Nature Calls shares realistic eco-friendly tips that actually fit into real life.
Sources:
- Cotton, L., et al. "Improved garment longevity and reduced microfibre release are important sustainability benefits of laundering in colder and quicker washing machine cycles." Dyes and Pigments, Volume 177, June 2020.
- Delbert, C. "For Longer-Lasting Clothes, Science Says Use This Wash Cycle." Popular Mechanics, 2024.