Filthy Clean wool dryer balls

Eco laundry swaps: a low-tox, low-waste laundry routine for Australian homes

Laundry never ends, especially with kids, pets and a Queensland summer. Because it happens so often, small changes to your routine make a real difference to your water, energy and packaging use. Most of them cost nothing.

This guide covers the washing machine, detergents, drying and fabric care. It's about ingredients, materials, water, energy and waste. It doesn't make claims about health or skin; if you have a question about a skin condition, please ask your GP or pharmacist.

The free swaps: how you wash

Before changing any products, look at how you use the machine. The Australian Government's energy.gov.au advice is clear and practical:

  • Wash in cold water where possible. Hot water is responsible for around 25% of the average household energy bill, and washing clothes in cold water with a full load is one of the first tips the government gives for reducing it.
  • Wait for a full load. If you need to run a smaller load, adjust the water level if your machine allows.
  • Use the everyday, regular or eco cycle. These are often the most water- and energy-efficient settings.
  • Dissolve powder detergent first if you use powder in a cold wash; energy.gov.au notes this helps it work better in cold water.

That's it. No new products, and an immediate change.

If you're buying a new machine

Washing machines carry two labels: the Energy Rating Label (stars for energy) and the WELS Water Rating label (stars for water). According to energy.gov.au, a 4-star (water) 8 kg machine may use around 69–82 litres per wash, while a 6-star 8 kg machine uses 40 litres or less. When you compare different sized machines, divide the litres per wash by the capacity in kilograms to compare like with like.

Detergent: reading the pack

When your current detergent runs out, here's what to look at on the replacement:

  • Format. Liquids are mostly water. Concentrates, powders in cardboard and laundry detergent sheets mean less weight shipped and often less plastic.
  • Dose. Use the amount on the label for your load size and water hardness. More detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes; it can leave residue and waste product.
  • Ingredients. Many brands now list ingredients on the pack or their website. A clear list is a good sign.
  • Fragrance. If you'd rather avoid added scent, look for fragrance-free options and check the list for "fragrance" or "parfum".
  • Claims. "Eco", "green" and "natural" on their own don't tell you much. The ACCC's guidance to business says environmental claims should be accurate, backed by evidence and not broad or unqualified. Look for something specific instead — for example, a recycled-content percentage or a named standard.

You'll find laundry detergent sheets and a refillable sheet tin in our Home & living collection.

Stains: treat early, treat gently

A good stain routine saves clothes from being thrown out, which is one of the most useful things a household can do.

  • Act quickly. Scrape or blot, don't rub.
  • Rinse from the back of the fabric with cold water.
  • Use a stain remover or a bar of laundry soap on the mark before washing.
  • Check before drying. Heat can set a stain, so air-dry until you're sure it's gone.

A dedicated stain remover is one product it's worth keeping on hand. Ours sits alongside other laundry basics in Home & living.

Fabric softener and dryer sheets

Fabric softener is optional, and plenty of households do without it. If you'd like softer towels:

  • Don't overload the machine, so towels have room to move.
  • Shake towels out before hanging.
  • Try wool dryer balls if you use a dryer. They're reusable for a long time and replace single-use dryer sheets.

Drying: the line is your friend

In much of Australia, and certainly in Queensland, the sun does the job for free. energy.gov.au lists drying clothes on the line rather than in the dryer as one of the simple ways to reduce appliance running costs.

  • Hang clothes inside out to keep colours from fading.
  • Use a covered area or an indoor airer in the wet season.
  • Hang shirts on coat hangers to cut down on ironing.
  • If you do use a dryer, clean the lint filter every time, dry full loads, and pop in dryer balls to separate items.

Caring for natural fibres

Natural fabrics last longer when they're looked after, which means fewer replacements.

  • Organic cotton and linen: cold wash, line-dry, and iron while slightly damp if you need to.
  • Wool: use a wool cycle or hand-wash, and dry flat.
  • Silk: hand-wash or use a delicate cycle in a mesh bag, with a gentle detergent; dry out of direct sun. Silk pillowcases and scrunchies last much longer this way.
  • Baby clothes and wraps: wash as the label recommends, and keep the care labels so you can pass items on with instructions.

If you're buying fabrics labelled organic, our earlier guide on organic cotton labels explains GOTS and other textile marks.

Microfibres and washing less

Synthetic clothes shed tiny fibres when they're washed. The Australian Government's National Plastics Plan includes working with industry on a phase-in of microfibre filters on new washing machines by 1 July 2030. In the meantime, CSIRO suggests washing your favourite clothes a little less often, choosing full loads with shorter cycles and cold water, and considering natural fibres such as cotton, linen or hemp when you shop for clothes.

Laundry packaging and waste

  • Cardboard detergent boxes go in kerbside recycling in most areas. Check the Australasian Recycling Label on the pack.
  • Empty liquid bottles can usually be recycled with the lid on or off depending on your council; check your council's guide.
  • Old towels and sheets make great rags, or can go to animal shelters that accept them.

A laundry routine you can start this week

  1. Today: switch your default to a cold, full load on the eco or everyday cycle.
  2. This week: hang everything you can on the line or an airer.
  3. When detergent runs out: try a concentrate, a cardboard-boxed powder or detergent sheets.
  4. When dryer sheets or softener run out: try wool dryer balls, or go without.
  5. Ongoing: treat stains early, and wash some items less often.

How we label laundry and home products

Every product on our marketplace carries one clear label: Certified organic, Organic (as described by the brand) or Natural & low-tox. Read more on our How we label page. Product information is supplied by the brands; labels and formulas can change, so always read the label on the product you receive and follow the directions.

Sources

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