How to Reduce Plastic Waste Doing Laundry

Laundry is one of the easiest places to cut down on plastic, because most of it comes from a few products you buy again and again: detergent jugs, pod tubs, softener bottles and dryer sheets. This guide goes through the swaps that make the biggest difference, then a few habits that reduce the fibers clothes shed in the wash.

Start with the detergent packaging

A household that uses liquid detergent goes through a plastic jug every month or two, and a jug has a cap, often a spout and a label as well. That is the single largest piece of laundry plastic most homes throw out.

Sheets and powder are the two formats that commonly come in cardboard. Sheets are also pre-measured and weigh far less: a box of 50 sheets is about 3 oz, against about 6 lb for a 90-oz jug.

One note on wording: when a laundry product says “plastic-free”, check what it is describing. Our Toss & Go box is plastic-free cardboard. The sheets themselves are made with a polyvinyl alcohol film that is designed to dissolve in the wash.

Swap the other plastic-packaged extras

• Fabric softener. Many loads don’t need it. If you want softer towels, use less detergent (overdosing is a common cause of stiff fabric) or add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse.
• Dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls do a similar job, reusable for hundreds of loads.
• Stain sprays. A bar of laundry soap or a little detergent rubbed into the stain handles most everyday marks.
• Measuring cups and scoops. Pre-measured sheets need none.

How to reduce fiber shedding in the wash

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic shed tiny fibers in the wash, which can pass through to wastewater. You can’t stop shedding entirely, but these habits reduce it:

• Wash full loads. A fuller drum means less friction per garment.
• Use cold water and shorter cycles where the label allows. Heat and long agitation increase shedding.
• Wash less often. Jeans, sweaters and outerwear rarely need washing after every wear.
• Air-dry when you can. Tumble drying adds wear.
• Try a wash bag or a filter. Mesh wash bags for synthetics and filters fitted to the washer’s drain hose are designed to catch fibers before they leave the machine.

Choose fabrics that last

The longer clothes last, the less you replace. Cotton, linen and wool don’t shed synthetic fibers. Whatever the fabric, the right dose of detergent and the right water temperature keep it in good shape longer. Our guide to how much detergent to use explains why too much detergent wears fabric out faster.

A plastic-light laundry routine

1. Switch to a detergent in cardboard, such as sheets or powder.
2. Drop dryer sheets for wool dryer balls.
3. Skip softener, or use vinegar in the rinse.
4. Wash full loads in cold water, and air-dry when you can.
5. Add a wash bag or filter for synthetics.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most plastic-free laundry detergent format?

Formats sold in cardboard, which usually means sheets or powder. Check the packaging description and whether a plastic scoop or liner is included.

Are laundry sheets plastic-free?

The packaging can be. Ours comes in a cardboard box with no plastic jug. The sheet itself uses a polyvinyl alcohol film designed to dissolve in water.

Do wash bags for synthetics work?

They are designed to catch fibers and reduce friction. They work best with full loads and shorter cycles.

What can replace fabric softener?

Using the right amount of detergent, wool dryer balls, or half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse.

Make the switch: the Toss & Go Box of 50 is up to 100 loads in one plastic-free cardboard box.