It’s Time to Air Your “Dirty” Laundry!

Laundering less is good for your pocketbook and the planet.

The Hidden Costs of Frequent Laundering

We’ve been conditioned to think of clean clothes as synonymous with being washed frequently. But washing less is actually better—not just from an environmental perspective, but for your wardrobe and wallet as well. There are so many reasons to reduce the use of washers and dryers in our quest for clean clothing that once you know, you’ll find it only makes sense to change your habits.

Environmental Impacts

The environmental impacts of washing machines, especially those using hot water, and electric dryers significantly increase household energy use. Dryers alone account for up to 75% of laundry-related energy consumption. Because of this, energy-intensive laundry practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Washing in cold water can reduce your carbon footprint by 10%, while air-drying cuts the impact by 67%. 

Each laundry load affects the health of waterways and the environment because it uses gallons of water, straining freshwater supplies, and high-frequency laundering multiplies this effect. In addition, synthetic fabrics shed microplastics into waterways during washing. These microfibers harm aquatic life and persist in ecosystems. Microfibers are being found in the organs of some human beings, introduced through water contaminated with them. 

Traditional detergents and fabric softeners release harmful chemicals into the air and water, including phosphates, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and artificial fragrances. These can irritate skin, harm aquatic life, and pollute the environment.

Financial Costs

Regular use of washers and dryers leads to increased electricity and water bills. Dryers are particularly energy-intensive, making them a costly household appliance to operate. More frequent use causes faster wear and tear on appliances, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs. 

There is also a grave impact to clothing and other fabric items as frequent washing and drying weakens fabric fibers, causing fading, shrinking, stretching, and tears. Washing less keeps your clothes looking fresh and wearable longer. High heat from dryers accelerates fabric degradation and can ruin delicate materials. Worn-out clothes mean more frequent purchases, driving (some of) the demand for fast fashion and its environmental impacts. That’s an entire blog post in itself!

When your clothes last longer, you buy less. This small shift has big ripple effects—less demand for fast fashion means a lower carbon footprint from textile production.

Time Cost

How many of us just dread dealing with laundry? Even if it’s something you enjoy, you can’t deny that it requires some amount of effort and time. Frequent laundry requires significant time for washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes. Air-drying and smarter laundry habits save time in the long run.

How to Break the Habit

So, how do you stop over-laundering without compromising cleanliness? Start small with these practical tips:

- Air it Out: Most clothing doesn’t need a full wash after one wear. Hang items to air out or spot-treat stains instead.

- Cold Cycles Only: When you do wash, use cold water and shorter cycles to save energy and reduce wear on fabrics.

- Reconsider "Dirty": Ask yourself, “Does this really need to be washed?” Items like socks, underwear need to be washed much more frequently than jeans, jackets, and skirts. Most clothing does not start to smell if you wear deodorant and are clean while wearing the clothes. What you are doing while wearing the clothes matters as well. Wearing a dress to an air-conditioned event is much different than wearing shorts and a t-shirt while gardening on a hot day.

Living “Less Laundry” with the Mushroom Dress

I launder very little. Socks and underwear, items I’ve sweated in, and items that I’ve gotten all over dirty go in the washing machine. Otherwise I air out my clothing and spot clean as I go. About two years ago I purchased a dress from a local store, a full poly blend with a cute earthy mushroom and other fungi pattern. After my initial cleaning to get the sizing chemicals off, I have not since washed the garment. I have worn it over 2 dozen times to various presentations and events and just because since it’s very comfortable. I pair it with different leggings, different wraps and cardigans when it’s chilly. Get clothes you love and that are easy to care for without all the laundering!

The Bigger Picture

Laundering less isn’t just a lifestyle tweak—it’s a quiet rebellion against the waste and inefficiency baked into modern habits. Every skipped cycle reduces your carbon footprint, saves water, and keeps microplastics out of the environment. As a bonus, it frees up time and money and helps you appreciate the clothes you already own.

If you’re looking to live more sustainably, your laundry routine is a great place to start. It’s a simple change with benefits that ripple far beyond your washing machine. 

Sources for the Curious

- PBS: Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/laundry-is-a-top-source-of-microplastic-pollution-heres-how-to-clean-your-clothes-more-sustainably

- Colorado State University: Sustainable laundry practices that protect the planet and your wardrobe https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/dm/programs-and-degrees/community-engagement-and-service-learning/sustainable-laundry/about-the-project/

- National Geographic: Laundry: Lightening the Load https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/partner-content-laundry-lightening-the-load