6 Aspects of Sustainable Laundry

Washing is more than just getting clean clothes. In our everyday lives, there are potentials that can strengthen the fight against climate change. Almost every household owns a washing machine, and small adjustments in washing behavior can have a significant impact on the environment. In this article, you will discover how conscious washing can help avoid electronic waste, CO2 emissions, and microplastics. Small steps with a big impact for a more sustainable future.

Admittedly, washing is probably not the most exciting topic in the world. Climate change, on the other hand, is quite intriguing. After all, it's about the survival of our planet. And indeed, everyday washing holds unexpected potential in the "battle" against climate change. But starting from the beginning: Almost every household in Germany has a washing machine. More precisely, it's 96% of all households, approximately 37 million washing machines [1]. The smallest adjustments in our individual behavior have a tremendous effect.

We show you how to avoid electronic waste, CO2 emissions, and microplastics – without any pain. We don't want to lecture anyone! Perhaps you already follow the advice. Some tips may be irrelevant to you. You may not be able to follow all the tips. Regardless, every contribution counts! We have gathered a lot of tips for you. Here is a brief overview of the sections.

Table of Contents:
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1. The Right Machine
2. Washing Programs - and Temperature
3. Detergent & Fabric Softener
4. Loading & Frequency
5. Drying Clothes
6. Microplastics
7. Summary
8. List of Sources
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1. The Right Machine

Buy Used Washing Machines and Support Local Repairs

Every year, over 3 million washing machines are sold in Germany [2]. Old machines end up in landfills in large quantities. That's why not only we, but also the German Federal Environment Agency [3] and Stiftung Warentest [4], advise repairing washing machines or buying used ones. In any case, we recommend opting for durable brand machines (e.g., Miele, AEG & Siemens). This not only benefits the environment but also provides long-term financial savings due to lower operating costs [3].

The topic of used or repaired washing machines is particularly important to us at GOODZ Club. Due to the positive climate impact, we offer refurbished brand washing machines through our subscription model. We call this "Circular Commerce" because the goal is to keep the machines in circulation for as long as possible. At the same time, we provide convenient online ordering, fast and carbon-free delivery, and our free replacement service for defective machines. This makes sustainable living a bit easier!

Berlin Focus: Whether in Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, whether used or repaired washing machines, whether front-loading or top-loading – in Berlin, there are plenty of options to make sustainable choices. Of course, we recommend our washing machines from GOODZ Club in Berlin. Otherwise, specialized refurbished retail stores also offer options.

Pay attention to the availability of spare parts.

Having good availability of spare parts is essentially the life insurance for your washing machine. It extends its lifespan, which is the most significant factor in the environmental friendliness of a washing machine. According to Stiftung Warentest, once again, brand manufacturers are leading in this aspect [5].

Operate your washing machine with green energy

With an energy consumption of approximately 0.4 kWh for a 30° wash cycle [6], it adds up significantly over the lifespan of a washing machine. Green energy providers like the Bürgerwerke (Geerman) can reduce your household's carbon footprint.

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2. Washing Programs - and Temperature

Washing at 30°: Your Contribution to Climate Change

Modern detergents can effectively remove most stains even at a 30° washing temperature. Simply reducing from 40° to 30° cuts your washing machine's electricity consumption in half [6]. Higher temperatures, on the other hand, can strain your clothing and break down synthetic fibers [7]. Consider placing a marker at 30° so that everyone in the household washes in an environmentally friendly way. Of course, heavily soiled items like sauna towels or underwear may require warmer washing. Washing at 60° once a month can also prevent germs in the washing machine.

Use the Eco Program Often and Quick Wash Correctly

Eco programs wash with less water over a longer duration and avoid high temperatures, reducing both water and electricity consumption. Quick wash programs, however, are a bit trickier. Studies have shown that some quick wash programs consume more electricity than regular and eco programs [8]. The machine needs to heat up faster and spin more vigorously to achieve the same results. Despite this, quick washing at lower temperatures can still be beneficial.

Spin Cycle: As Little as Possible, as Much as Necessary

Spinning helps your laundry dry faster but consumes a lot of energy and strains your clothes. Synthetic fibers, especially those found in sportswear, can dissolve and flow away with the water during spinning, resulting in non-degradable microplastics [7]. Since synthetic clothing dries quickly, you can confidently skip the spin cycle here. We'll explain how to avoid microplastics in more detail later.

Pre-wash: A Relic from the Past

The pre-wash program was developed a long time ago to tackle stubborn stains. As a modern individual, disable the pre-wash and save electricity and water. If you have a heavily soiled item, pre-washing by hand with products like gall soap or pre-wash sprays is the most effective way to get it clean.

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3. Detergent & Fabric Softener

Everything You Need to Know About Detergents, Fragrances, Bleaches, etc.

Detergents are cocktails of various components. Some of them are essential, while others you can do without. We've taken a closer look at the ingredients for you.

Surfactants are the active cleaning components. They make textile fibers accessible to water and dissolve fats. We recommend plant-based surfactants instead of synthetic petroleum-based ones [9]. You can find more about the impact of surfactants on the environment in the article from Klärwerk.info (German).

‍Preservatives are used in liquid detergents to extend their shelf life [10]. If you are allergic to preservatives, you should therefore opt for powdered detergent. Preservatives must be labeled on the packaging.

‍Fragrances are present in almost all detergents. After all, don't you want your laundry to smell good? However, fragrances are often toxic and hard to break down [10]. Smarticular has created a guide (German)on how to make environmentally friendly fragrances yourself [11].

‍Bleaches lighten gray haze and stubborn stains. They only work at temperatures above 40°C, increasing energy consumption. Additionally, they burden the water cycle with partially non-degradable halogen compounds and boron salts [12]. Therefore, use them with caution.

‍Water softeners are mainly found in powdered detergents and ensure good washing results even with hard water [12]. Check your local water hardness on the bwt website (German). If you have soft water, you can use a detergent without a water softener (see modular system).

Avoid microplastics right from the choice of detergent

You might be wondering, "Microplastics? In detergent? Why would that be?" Microplastics are used, for example, to achieve a creamy consistency or reduce foaming [13]. However, microplastics enter the food chain of marine animals through the water cycle or migrate into our food through agricultural irrigation [14]. According to the environmental organization Global 2000, although the proportion of tested products containing microplastics decreased from 13% in 2019 to 5% in 2021, the proportion of water-soluble plastic increased from 27% to 55% over the same period. The effects of water-soluble plastic on humans and the environment are still largely unexplored. The study found no microplastics in any of the powdered detergents, but they were present in liquid detergents (4%) and gel pads or capsules (23%) [15].

Powder beats liquid detergent.

When it comes to washing performance, powdered detergent takes the lead. Liquid detergents are gentle on the colors of your clothes and guaranteed not to leave visible residues on dark textiles [16]. Due to the higher use of surfactants, preservatives, and fillers in liquid detergents, as well as their plastic packaging, we recommend using powdered detergent. This recommendation is also endorsed by the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) [17]. We also advise against capsules or gel pads since they often combine the drawbacks of liquid detergents with additional negative aspects such as increased microplastic content [15].

Fabric softener? Not really necessary, is it?

Fabric softeners make your laundry smell good and feel particularly soft. Fabric softeners are full of the above-mentioned difficult-to-decompose fragrances. In addition to additional plastic waste, there are also functional arguments against fabric softeners. Softened towels absorb less water. The German Environment Agency also appeals to consumers: "Fabric softeners should only be used when their functions are really needed, as they represent an additional entry of chemicals into the environment" [18].

Vinegar and citric acid are your natural little helpers

f you enjoy the fabric softener effect, you can add 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your laundry. Citric acid also has true superpowers. Mixed with a little salt, it eliminates, for example, blood or armpit sweat stains. For those who also opt for non-vegan products, gall soap is recommended. According to Stiftung Warentest, so-called soap nuts lag behind conventional detergents in terms of washing performance, and due to their hard surface, they cause more abrasion [19].

With the modular system, you can customize your detergents optimally

Let's summarize: There is no ONE detergent. Companies have also realized this and now offer so-called modular systems for detergents. The idea behind the modular system for detergents is to tailor the composition of the detergent to the degree of soiling, colored or white laundry, and local water hardness. We want to mention Sonett as a reference for the modular system. Sonett is also the winner in the full detergent test by Ökotest [20].

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4. Loading & Frequency

Use the full loading capacity of your washing machine

Use the full loading capacity of your washing machine

Most washing machines have a capacity of at least 5 kg (most of them even more). This refers to dry laundry. However, according to a study by IKW in 2014, an average of only 3.2 kg of laundry per wash was done in Germany, corresponding to a utilization of a maximum of only 64% [21]. In short: We are wasting a lot of capacity. This inefficiency leads to increased energy and water consumption. Therefore, our advice to you is to wait another 1-2 days for laundry and then fill the machine. Another advantage is that you have to hang up laundry less frequently.

Separate your clothes according to their surface

If you separate items with a hard surface (e.g., jeans) from those with a soft surface (e.g., fleece), you reduce microplastic abrasion. Shoes and other hard materials should not be put in the washing machine. For these items, you should take a hands-on approach to avoid microplastic.

Handwashing and airing are effective alternatives to the washing machine

For some textiles, such as wool, handwashing is recommended. Shoes also tolerate handwashing much better and thus cause less microplastic abrasion. Utopia has compiled a useful guide (German) to handwashing.

Textiles without visible dirt that have not been worn directly on the skin can be aired first. Wool, in particular, quickly releases odors. Impregnated clothing, such as rain jackets, retain their water-repellent properties longer through airing.

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5. Drying Clothes

Your laundry dries even without a dryer

Your laundry is done, washed in a sensible machine, with environmentally friendly detergent. What now? We say, "Definitely not in a dryer." Admittedly, the dryer is another device that gets us to our goal faster. However, it must be countered that dryers are quite energy-intensive. An average drying cycle consumes about 1 kWh/drying cycle with an efficient new device, which is more than 250% more than a 30° washing cycle. In less efficient devices, an average of 3 kWh per drying cycle (7.5 washes) is consumed [22]. For some people or professions, a dryer may be indispensable, but for everyone else, it's time to put the laundry on the line.

Your laundry is happiest outdoors

Whether in the garden, on the balcony, or on the clothesline between the facades of houses in Naples, laundry prefers being outside. If none of this is an option, opening a window also helps. Ventilating is the method of choice here. Don't place your wet laundry directly in the sun. The moisture, combined with UV radiation, acts like a magnifying glass and bleaches your laundry. In any case, it helps to shake out the laundry firmly, especially if, as recommended above, you reduce the spin cycle.

6. Microplastics

Use a laundry bag: Simple and effective against microplastics

Did you know that, according to the Fraunhofer Institute, textile washing ranks 10th among the largest sources of primary microplastics in Germany [23]? Now you understand why we are focusing so intensively on microplastics in this guide. The good news is that relatively simple measures can be taken to prevent microplastic abrasion from entering the water cycle. With laundry bags, microplastic particles can be intercepted directly in the washing machine. Just put your clothes in the laundry bag. It allows water to pass through, so your laundry gets fully washed, but the microplastics are captured in the membrane. Pretty smart, right? Our friends at Stop! Microwaste have lovingly developed a fantastic laundry bag called "Guppyfriend." You can learn more about this laundry bag and, of course, order it on the Guppyfriend website.

Microplastic filters: Hardware against the smallest particles

For those who don't want to use a laundry bag against microplastics with every wash, there's also the option to upgrade their washing machine technically. There are several microfiber filters that filter wastewater from the washing machine. The filter cartridges need to be replaced from time to time. As an example, we are linking you to the starter kit from the company Planet Care. France is a pioneer in this regard, as by law, all new washing machines there must be equipped with such a microplastic filter from 2025 [24].

Textiles made from organic materials: Ever heard of Lyocell?

Some of you might be thinking, "Synthetic clothes? I don't have them anyway!" Even better. Of course, we want to leave everyone in charge of their own wardrobe, and synthetic materials are simply very useful for sports. Nevertheless, we want to make you aware that many clothes have synthetic components without a real functional benefit. You can find out if a piece of clothing contains synthetic fibers from the care label. For those who like the look and properties of synthetic materials, it's worth noting that there are now many sustainable alternatives. Foremost among them is Lyocell from the manufacturer Lenzing AG, also known by the brand name "TENCEL." Made from wood cellulose, Lyocell combines the silky-soft feel and breathability found in synthetic fibers with sustainable production [25].

Berlin Focus: Our work, knowledge, and attitude towards the issue of microplastics are strongly inspired and shaped by thought leaders like the STOP! Micro Waste initiative. We would like to express our gratitude to them for their tireless work.

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7. Summary

As promised, there is huge potential in everyday laundry for your personal contribution to environmental protection. And not only that. You can also save money. In conclusion, we would like to summarize the most important findings for you again:

• Try to maximize the lifespan of washing machines, either by buying a used device or through repairs.
• Choose brand devices. They last longer, have a better carbon footprint in production, better availability of spare parts, and require less electricity.
• Wash at 30° if possible. Use the Eco program and short wash cycles correctly. Reduce the spin speed and skip the prewash.
• Opt for detergents without micro- or liquid plastics, using organic surfactants. You can skip fabric softeners and water softeners.
• For advanced users: Use a modular system for your detergent, tailored to your water hardness and washing needs.
• Fill the entire capacity of your washing machine. Separate your laundry by surface type. Remember that sometimes handwashing and airing are sufficient.
• Avoid expensive and energy-intensive dryers. Fresh air works too.
• Use a laundry bag or microplastic filter to keep your wastewater clean. Learn about sustainable textiles and detergent packaging.

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8. Quellenverzeichnis

[1]
https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft-Umwelt/Einkommen-Konsum-Lebensbedingungen/Ausstattung-Gebrauchsgueter/Tabellen/a-haushaltsgeraete-d-lwr.html (Accessed on 21.10.2021)

[2]
‍https://www.zvei.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Presse_und_Medien/Pressebereich/2021-007_Elektro-Hausgeraetemarkt-verzeichnet-deutliches-Plus/2021-01-28_Zahlenspiegel_Elektro-Hausgeraete.pdf (Accessed on 29.10.2021)

[3]
‍https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/378/publikationen/texte_11_2016_einfluss_der_nutzungsdauer_von_produkten_obsoleszenz.pdf  (Accessed on 21.10.2021)

[4]
https://www.test.de/Defekte-Haushaltsgeraete-Wann-sich-eine-Reparatur-lohnt-5157064-5157089/ (Zugriff am 21.10.2021)

[5]
Stiftung Warentest: Zusatzinhalte_Geraeteverschleiss_2017_201; Link: https://www.test.de/Geraeteverschleiss-Reparieren-oder-wegwerfen-5159127-0/ (Accessed on 21.10.2021)

[6]
https://www.verbraucherzentrale-rlp.de/sites/default/files/migration_files/media246707A.pdf (Accessed on 21.10.2021)

[7]
https://verbraucherfenster.hessen.de/umwelt-technik/umwelt/mikroplastik-in-der-kleidung-%E2%80%93-eine-unsichtbare-gefahr-f%C3%BCr-die-ozeane (Accessed on 21.10.2021)

[8]
https://www.hausgeraete-plus.de/presse/lange-laufzeit-niedrige-stromkosten (Accessed on 21.10.2021)

[9]
‍https://utopia.de/ratgeber/tenside-so-wirken-die-stoffe-in-kosmetik-und-reinigungsmitteln/ (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[10]
‍https://www.nabu.de/umwelt-und-ressourcen/oekologisch-leben/alltagsprodukte/23843.html (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[11]
‍https://www.smarticular.net/waescheduft-natuerlich-bio-ohne-chemie-aetherische-oele-selbst-herstellen/ (Accessed on  22.10.2021)

[12]
‍https://utopia.de/ratgeber/waschpulver-baukasten-fluessigwaschmittel-waschmittel-nachhaltig/ (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[13]
‍https://www.codecheck.info/news/Steckt-Mikroplastik-in-Deinem-Waschmittel-391358 (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[14]
‍https://www.verbraucherzentrale-hessen.de/plastiksparen/mikroplastik-in-waschmittel-reinigungsmittel-vermeiden-tipps-57236 (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[15]
‍https://www.global2000.at/publikationen/waschmitteltest (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[16]
‍https://www.waschtipps.de/wissen-zum-waschen-geschirrspuelen-reinigen/articles/tipps-dunkle-waesche-waschen.html (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[17]
‍https://www.nabu.de/umwelt-und-ressourcen/oekologisch-leben/alltagsprodukte/23843.html (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[18]
‍https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/chemikalien/wasch-reinigungsmittel/umweltbewusst-waschen-reinigen/weichspueler (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[19]
‍https://www.test.de/Waschnuesse-und-Waschkastanien-im-Test-Graue-Waesche-kein-oekologischer-Nutzen-5496372-0/ (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[20]
‍https://utopia.de/waschmittel-oeko-test-mikroplastik-frosch-persil-lenor-sonett-153690/ (Accessed on 22.10.2021)

[21]
‍https://www.ikw.org/fileadmin/ikw/Haushaltpflege/Informationsserie/WM/dateien/pdf/3_5.pdf (Accessed on 25.10.2021)

[22]
‍https://www.co2online.de/energie-sparen/strom-sparen/strom-sparen-stromspartipps/waschmaschine-trockner/#c124857 (Accessed on 26.10.2021)

[23]
‍https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/umsicht/de/dokumente/publikationen/2018/kunststoffe-id-umwelt-konsortialstudie-mikroplastik.pdf (Accessed on 26.10.2021)

[24]
‍https://goodnews-magazin.de/mikroplastik-filter-waschmaschine/ (Accessed on 26.10.2021)

[25]
‍https://www.allnatura.de/allnatura-essenziell/wissenswertes/wissenswertes-ueber-steppwaren/rohstoffe-steppwaren/lyocell-tencel.html (Accessed on 26.10.2021)