{"id":3422,"date":"2025-05-15T11:47:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T10:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3422"},"modified":"2026-01-10T12:17:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T12:17:47","slug":"eco-friendly-laundry-tips-apartment-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/eco-friendly-laundry-tips-apartment-living","title":{"rendered":"Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips for Apartment Living (Low-Waste, City-Friendly)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3422\" class=\"elementor elementor-3422\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65743398 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"65743398\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fe4e3db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1fe4e3db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h1>Why Eco-friendly laundry matters\u00a0<\/h1><p><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">Laundry<\/a> is one of those \u201csmall\u201d chores that happens all the time\u2014so tiny inefficiencies repeat weekly. Apartment living adds extra friction: shared machines, limited drying space, and the temptation to do quick half-loads.<\/p><p>At <strong>Hamlet Laundry<\/strong>, we handle loads from <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a> flats every day, and most avoidable waste comes from the same trio: <strong>hotter-than-needed washes, half loads, and detergent overdosing<\/strong> (which leads to residue, odour, and rewashes).<\/p><p>The goal isn\u2019t perfection. It\u2019s better defaults that fit real life.<\/p><h2>The 10-minute sustainable laundry routine\u00a0<\/h2><p>This checklist is written to be saved, screenshotted, and actually used.<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Step<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What to do<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why it works<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td>Wash only what needs washing<\/td><td>Fewer cycles = less energy, water, and fabric wear<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>Default to <strong>cold\/cool<\/strong><\/td><td>Heating water is usually the biggest energy cost in washing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>Run <strong>full loads<\/strong> (or right water level)<\/td><td>Reduces water\/energy per item<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>Measure detergent<\/td><td>Prevents residue \u2192 prevents rewashes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>Choose <strong>high spin<\/strong><\/td><td>Shortens drying time<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td><td>Air-dry with airflow<\/td><td>Often the lowest-energy drying method<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td><td>If using a dryer: don\u2019t over-dry<\/td><td>Saves energy + reduces fabric damage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">Clean<\/a> dryer lint screen every load<\/td><td>Better airflow + safer + more efficient<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><strong>Operator note (what we see in real life):<\/strong> The quickest way people accidentally become \u201cunsustainable\u201d is <strong>rewashing<\/strong>. And the #1 rewash trigger we see is <strong>too much detergent<\/strong> (it makes clothes feel stiff, smell \u201coff,\u201d or look cloudy\u2014so they wash again).<\/p><h2>Cold wash (or 30\u00b0C): the biggest win that doesn\u2019t feel like sacrifice<\/h2><p><strong>Is washing clothes in cold water really effective?<\/strong><\/p><p>For most everyday laundry: <strong>yes<\/strong>. The U.S. Department of Energy explicitly recommends washing in cold water with cold-water detergents whenever possible.<\/p><p>Why it\u2019s such a big deal: <strong>water heating dominates washer energy use<\/strong>. ENERGY STAR notes that hot water heating can account for about <strong>90%<\/strong> of the energy used in washing, which is why cold-water washing is such a powerful lever.<\/p><h3>A practical temperature guide (apartment version)<\/h3><p>Use this as a default decision tree\u2014not a strict rulebook.<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Load type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Good default<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>When to go warmer<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Everyday <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-bickley\">clothing<\/a> (light\/medium soil)<\/td><td>Cold\/cool<\/td><td>Only if stains or heavy grime<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dark colours \/ delicates<\/td><td>Cold\/cool<\/td><td>Rarely needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Towels &amp; bedding<\/td><td>Cool\u2013warm (depends on fabric\/care label)<\/td><td>If heavily soiled or specific hygiene needs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gym wear<\/td><td>Cold\/cool + pre-treat<\/td><td>If odour persists after correct dosing\/drying<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><strong>London context:<\/strong> Energy costs and small-space living make lower-temperature washing especially practical. UK guidance from Energy Saving Trust emphasises energy-saving behaviours such as using more efficient wash settings and lower temperatures where appropriate.<\/p><h2>Detergent: the most common mistake (and the easiest fix)<\/h2><h3>Why \u201cmore detergent\u201d backfires<\/h3><p>Detergent isn\u2019t like salt. You don\u2019t add more to \u201cmake it work.\u201d Too much detergent can:<\/p><ul><li>trap odours in residue<\/li><li>make fabric feel waxy or stiff<\/li><li>force extra rinsing (or trigger you to rewash)<\/li><\/ul><h3>A simple dosing rule that works<\/h3><ul><li>Follow the label for your <strong>load size<\/strong> and <strong>water hardness<\/strong><\/li><li>If you\u2019re in a hard-water area (parts of London are), overdosing is tempting\u2014but correct dosing plus good airflow drying beats \u201cmore product\u201d<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>How we do it at Hamlet Laundry (subtle transparency):<\/strong> We dose detergents consistently by load type and size because <em>repeatable processes<\/em> outperform guesswork. That one habit reduces rewashes more than almost anything else.<\/p><h2>Microfibers: the hidden laundry pollution most people never hear about<\/h2><p>If you wear polyester, nylon, acrylic, or blends, your clothes can shed tiny fibres in the wash. This isn\u2019t just theory: recent research continues to measure and characterise microfiber release from real household washing activities.<\/p><p>The U.S. National Park Service has a practical explainer on <strong>laundry microplastics\/microfibers<\/strong>, including steps households can take to reduce release.<br \/>And at a policy level, the U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/system\/files\/documents\/2023-04\/The%20United%20States%20Federal%20Plan%20to%20Address%20Microfiber%2031Mar2023.pdf?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EPA<\/a> has published a federal plan that includes goals like prevention, capture, and public education around microfibers.<\/p><h3>How to reduce microfibers from laundry (5 actions)<\/h3><ol><li><strong>Wash less often<\/strong> when you can (especially outer layers)<\/li><li>Choose <strong>gentler cycles<\/strong> (less agitation can mean less shedding)<\/li><li>Wash <strong>full loads<\/strong> (better cushioning, less friction)<\/li><li>Avoid unnecessary high heat and harsh drying (fibre stress adds up)<\/li><li>Consider microfiber-capture options if you\u2019re highly motivated (not mandatory; the habit changes above matter most)<\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Real-life framing:<\/strong> You don\u2019t need a perfect setup to make progress here. If you simply switch to <strong>full loads + gentler cycles + less rewashing<\/strong>, you\u2019re already moving the needle.<\/p><h2>Drying sustainably in small spaces (London reality edition)<\/h2><p>Drying is where city living gets tricky: no garden line, limited airflow, and London weather that often pushes you indoors.<\/p><p>The DOE\u2019s guidance is simple and powerful: <strong>don\u2019t over-dry<\/strong> and use moisture sensors if available.<br \/>The National Park Service also notes that dryer balls can improve airflow and reduce drying time, and reminds people to clean lint filters.<\/p><h3>Apartment-friendly drying tactics that actually work<\/h3><ul><li><strong>High-spin first:<\/strong> it removes more water so drying takes less time<\/li><li><strong>Airflow beats heat:<\/strong> place a rack where air moves (near a window, doorway, or a fan\u2014not against a radiator)<\/li><li><strong>Space garments out:<\/strong> crowding creates odour \u2192 rewashes<\/li><li><strong>Dry heavy items separately:<\/strong> towels and heavier cottons dry differently than lightweight clothing<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry perspective:<\/strong> Overdrying is one of the fastest ways to shorten garment life (and it wastes energy). In practice, \u201cjust a bit more\u201d dryer time is rarely necessary\u2014it\u2019s habit, not hygiene.<\/p><h2>Shared laundry rooms: sustainable etiquette that saves rewashes<\/h2><p>If you share machines, your biggest sustainability tool is\u2026 <strong>organisation<\/strong>.<\/p><p><strong>Four habits that prevent waste<\/strong><\/p><ol><li><strong>Combine loads<\/strong> when possible (fewer cycles)<\/li><li><strong>Set a timer<\/strong> so loads don\u2019t sit damp (damp = odour = rewash)<\/li><li><strong>Bring measured detergent<\/strong> (avoid \u201cfree-pouring\u201d from giant bottles)<\/li><li>If a dryer is used, <strong>clean lint screen<\/strong> (efficiency + safety)<\/li><\/ol><h2>If you\u2019re in London: a realistic option when space or time is limited<\/h2><p>Not every London flat can support a perfect laundry routine\u2014especially if you\u2019re juggling work, commuting, or a shared laundry room schedule.<\/p><p>In those situations, a <strong>shared, optimised setup<\/strong> (wash-and-fold, scheduled processing, and pickup\/delivery) can be a practical solution\u2014because it reduces the two big \u201cwaste multipliers\u201d we see most often: <strong>rewashing and overdrying<\/strong>.<\/p><p>That\u2019s the logic behind how we run loads at <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> in London: consistent dosing, efficient load planning, and careful drying so garments last longer and customers don\u2019t need repeat cycles. (If you\u2019re not in London, keep the routine above\u2014those habits work anywhere.)<\/p><h2>The Sustainable City Laundry Routine<\/h2><p>If you only do five things, do these:<\/p><ol><li>Wash in <strong>cold\/cool water<\/strong> whenever you can<\/li><li>Run <strong>full loads<\/strong> (or match water level for small loads)<\/li><li><strong>Measure detergent<\/strong>\u2014more doesn\u2019t mean cleaner (it often means rewashing)<\/li><li>Use <strong>high spin<\/strong> to shorten drying time<\/li><\/ol><p>Don\u2019t <strong>over-dry<\/strong>; clean lint filters if you use a dryer<\/p><h2>People Also Ask<\/h2><p><strong>Is washing clothes in cold water really effective?<\/strong><\/p><p>Yes, for most everyday loads. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends cold-water washing whenever possible, and ENERGY STAR notes water heating is typically the dominant energy cost\u2014so cold washing is a major energy saver.<\/p><p><strong>How can I reduce microfibers from laundry?<\/strong><\/p><p>Wash less often, use gentler cycles, and run full loads. The National Park Service also suggests practical steps like energy-conserving drying habits and maintaining lint filters.<\/p><p><strong>What\u2019s the most eco-friendly way to dry clothes in an apartment?<\/strong><\/p><p>Air-drying with good airflow is usually the lowest-energy approach. If using a dryer, don\u2019t over-dry and clean the lint screen to keep efficiency high.<\/p><p><strong>How much detergent should I use?<\/strong><\/p><p>Use the amount recommended for your load size and water hardness. More detergent often causes residue and rewashing\u2014wasting both detergent and energy.<\/p><p><strong>How can I make laundry more sustainable without buying anything?<\/strong><\/p><p>Switch to cold\/cool washes, run full loads, measure detergent, use high spin, and avoid overdrying. Those are the highest-impact changes and they\u2019re backed by mainstream energy guidance.<\/p><h2>Final takeaway: sustainable laundry is a system, not a personality test<\/h2><p>You don\u2019t need a perfect eco setup. You need a few repeatable defaults:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Cold\/cool wash<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Full loads<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Measured detergent<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>High spin<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Airflow drying<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Fewer rewashes<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p>That\u2019s what truly helps in real life\u2014whether you\u2019re in a London flat or anywhere else.<\/p><h3>Ready to Make Laundry Effortless (and Greener) in London? \ud83c\udf3f\ud83e\uddfa<\/h3><p>If you live in London, you don\u2019t have to choose between <strong>convenience<\/strong> and <strong>sustainability<\/strong>.<\/p><p>At <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong>, we help busy city households simplify laundry while reducing unnecessary waste, rewashes, and energy use\u2014using the same principles shared in this guide, applied at scale.<\/p><h3>Why Londoners choose Hamlet Laundry<\/h3><p>\u2714\ufe0f <strong>Pickup &amp; delivery<\/strong> \u2014 no trips to shared laundry rooms<br \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong>Wash &amp; fold done right<\/strong> \u2014 consistent dosing, full loads, careful drying<br \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong>Apartment-friendly service<\/strong> \u2014 ideal for small flats and busy schedules<br \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong>Eco-conscious by default<\/strong> \u2014 smarter processes, not greenwashing<br \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong>Time back in your week<\/strong> \u2014 laundry handled while you focus on life<\/p><p>We work with thousands of real household loads every month, which means:<\/p><ul><li>fewer repeat washes<\/li><li>longer-lasting clothes<\/li><li>and a more efficient way to handle laundry in a dense city like London<\/li><\/ul><p>\u2728 If space, time, or shared machines make sustainable laundry difficult at home, <strong>Hamlet Laundry is a practical next step<\/strong>\u2014not a compromise.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><strong>Explore Hamlet Laundry\u2019s pickup &amp; delivery service in London<\/strong><\/a> and see how effortless laundry can be when it\u2019s done properly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Eco-friendly laundry matters&nbsp; Laundry is one of those &ldquo;small&rdquo; chores that happens all the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3423,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[510,620,19],"tags":[438,47,233,66,8,437],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3422"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3422"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3422\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3427,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3422\/revisions\/3427"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3422"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3422"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}