by Dreamweaving

Created on: February 14, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

Ah, the laundry! That weekly chore that everyone looks forward to (dreads) when we'd all prefer to be doing other things!

This article will first share information about laundry products, such as detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners. Next, I will share information about use of cleaning appliances that can be more energy efficient. Last, I will share information about making the total laundry experience more time efficient.

First, users of laundry products need to check labels to see that laundry products are safe for all members of the family. Many detergents and especially bleaching products contain toxic substances that are potential poluting. Most bleaching products contain chlorine that has been shown to be responsible for household poisoning, particularly young children. Other research studies have shown that exposure over time to toxic household products can result in reproductive, indocrine and immune system disorders. Adults should convert to nontoxic, natural, and/or plant-based laundry products which work as effectively as harsh chemicals to clean clothes. Many natural product for use with laundry have been sold through word of mouth. Many over-the-counter product manufacturers are converting to natural products.

Next, for those using washers and dryers that lack current energy efficient technology, you can practice energy efficient habits. Launder when you have a full load of clothing, or set load levels appropriate for the amount of clothing. Wash clothes in cold water wash when possible. Most detergents today work well in either hot or cold water. For clothes with stains, using detergent directly on spots before laundering will help remove them. Many 'spot removers' use harsh chemicals that will remove the spots but could endanger sensitive skin and add to polution. Try to treat spots as they occur and teach family members to report spots for pre-treating. Teach family members the appropriate ways to pretreat different types of re-occuring spots -spilled coffee, chocolate, etc., to make laundering more efficient.

Dryers use more electrical energy and waste more electrical energy than other appliances. The 'automatic' settings on dryers ensures that dryers run only long enough to dry the clothing. I live in a climate that allows me to hand my wet clothes indoors and even jeans will dry over night. I have lived in more humid climates and savey energy by partially drying and then hanging in doors. I also do not let laundry accumulate to the weekend, when there is more to do and hanging to dry overnight is not convenient due to the amount of laundry. Sheets take most room to dry. I do diffenent sets of sheets on different weekends. While sheets take lost of space to dry, they dry fairly quickly inside.

Finally, doing the laundry takes planning. One solution may be to wash a load as it accumulates, so that hanging clothes inside is more convenient. Involving the whole family in sharing the responsiblities can be part of the planning process. Teach family members to correctly use cleaning products, organize and manage clothes, pre-treat stains, use cold water to wash, and use the dryer the shortest amount of time possible. When everyone works together, we all show care for our environment and we share in each others lives.

Learn more about this author, Dreamweaving.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.