Laundry is an essential chore that we have to do regularly. However, only a few are aware of the hidden costs associated with our laundry practices. Do you know what lies whenever we use water, energy, and detergents when doing laundry? These things have a large contribution to the true cost of doing laundry.
Let’s debunk the hidden costs of laundry practices.
1. Water usage
Water is essential in doing laundry, but this is also one of the hidden costs of our practices. Several people are unaware of how much water they use when doing laundry. It is important to note that water is a non-renewable resource; if we waste it, there will be no healthy water.
Reduce the water in your laundry by washing full loads and using high-efficiency washers. If you do not have a budget for a high-efficiency washer, bring your clothes to the dry cleaning pickup and delivery service.
2. Energy consumption
Besides water, energy is also required to power the washer and dryer. According to the United States Department of Energy, an average American household spends $200 annually on energy costs associated with their laundry practice.
You can reduce this spike in energy consumption if you use cold water when washing your clothes. Cold water saves 90% of the energy in washing your clothes. It can also help your clothes last longer; some fabric is incompatible with hot water.
3. Environmental impact of detergents
The most obvious cost associated with laundry practice is the use of laundry detergents, especially the traditional ones that contain harmful ingredients that harm aquatic life and contribute to water pollution.
You can reduce the exposure of chemicals to our waterways by switching to eco-friendly laundry detergents. These detergents are made from natural and biodegradable ingredients that are safer for the environment. If you go to wash & fold delivery hudson yards for your laundry, you can bring your eco-friendly detergent and give them special instructions; some laundry services may offer this to their clients.
4. Wear and tear on clothes
If you have a harsh laundry practice, your clothes become easily worn and torn. Every time you wash your clothes, they are exposed to friction and harsh chemicals, which causes them to shrink, fade, and wear out faster than they would.
Consider washing your clothes less frequently, read the wash label, and use a gentle cycle when washing them.
5. Use of dryer
Dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home, and they can account for up to 6% of a household’s energy usage. Consider air-drying your clothes. It is best to hang your clothes to dry, which can reduce heat and friction as your clothes are exposed. Air-drying can save a significant amount of energy and money, and it can also help your clothes last longer.
Final Takeaway
Our laundry practices have a range of hidden costs that become detrimental to our environment when it adds up over time. We cannot neglect our laundry because of this, but there are ways to reduce these factors and adopt eco-friendly laundry practices.
