The washing machine is one of the most essential household appliances, but it is also one of those that has the greatest impact on the environment. Its consumption of water and electricity, coupled with the use of detergents, causes considerable waste of resources and pollution. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this impact through eco-friendly washing machines and sustainable washing practices.
In this article we will explore how to choose an efficient washing machine, what types of eco-friendly washing machines exist, and practical tips to reduce energy, water and detergent consumption, all while taking care of the environment.
How to select an efficient washing machine?
The first step to minimizing the environmental impact of our washing machine is to choose one that is efficient in terms of energy, water and detergent consumption. Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) recommends taking into account two fundamental factors when buying a washing machine: the maximum load capacity and the electrical class or energy efficiency.
The capacity of the washing machine must be adapted to the size of the home:
- Large families (more than 4 people): Washing machines with up to 9 kg loading capacity.
- Medium-sized families (4 people): Washing machines with up to 8 kg load capacity.
- For 2 or 3 people: Washing machines with a load capacity of up to 7 kg.
- Households with 1 or 2 people: Washing machines with up to 6 kg load capacity.
In addition to capacity, you have to look at the energy label, which classifies washing machines based on their electricity and water consumption. These labels range from A+++ (highest efficiency) to D (least efficient). It is advisable to always opt for an A+++ washing machine, since, in the long term, the savings in water and electricity costs can be considerable.
Eco-friendly washing machines: what options are there on the market?
Innovation in the home appliance sector has given rise to a number of washing machines that minimise both water and electricity consumption. There are various types of washing machines that can be considered environmentally friendly, whether due to their technology, their manufacturing characteristics or their lower environmental impact.
High efficiency washing machines
Some brands, such as washing machines Samsung with EcoBubble technology, wash effectively even with cold water, reducing energy consumption by up to 70%. In addition, other technologies, such as QuickDrive, allow shorter washing cycles with less energy consumption.
Furthermore, the Xeros washing machines, use less than a glass of water to wash a full load of laundry. These machines use small, reusable plastic beads that clean clothes as they rub against them.
Washing machines without water
Another important advance is washing machines like the lg styler, capable of eliminating bad odours and cleaning clothes without the need for water. These devices use recycled CO2 and biodegradable detergents, making the process more environmentally friendly and significantly reducing resource consumption.
Pedal and manual washing machines
There are also completely manual washing machines such as the Rotator, which works with a pedal that allows washing and drying clothes without electricity. Its design is ideal for rural areas or where access to electricity is limited. A more advanced variant is the washing machine Drums, with a more sophisticated but similar operating system.
These types of washing machines not only save energy, but also provide physical exercise for those who use them.
Bicycle washing machines and hybrid washing machines
Another innovative design is the Biciladora, which uses a stationary bicycle to start the washing machine drum. This is useful in areas without electricity and allows you to save energy at all times.
An interesting proposal is the hybrid washing machine Washup, which connects directly to the toilet and allows the water from flushing to be reused, thus saving a significant amount of water.
Tips for more efficient use of your washing machine
Efficient use of the washing machine depends not only on the type of machine we use, but also on how we operate it. By following some simple guidelines, we can significantly reduce our impact on the environment.
use cold water
90% of the energy used by washing machines is used to heat the water. Using cold water to wash clothes not only reduces energy consumption, but is also a more respectful option for the fibres of the fabrics, making clothes last longer.
Choosing eco-friendly detergents
The choice of detergents also plays a crucial role. Traditional detergents contain phosphates and other chemicals that are highly polluting to water. Opting for ecological detergents or even making your own homemade detergent with Marseille soap and baking soda can make a big difference.
Also, if you want to avoid fabric softener, you can use white vinegar, which is an excellent natural fabric softener and does not leave chemical residue in the water or on the clothes.
Making the most of full loads
One of the most common mistakes is to run the washing machine half full, which wastes water and electricity. It is advisable to wait until you have a full load before starting the washing machine. This maximizes the efficiency of each wash cycle.
Avoid using a dryer
Finally, while dryers can be convenient, they consume a lot of energy. Whenever possible, it is preferable to dry clothes outdoors or indoors. In addition, drying in the sun eliminates bacteria and germs naturally. If using a dryer is essential, adjust its function to operate at low temperatures.
Detergent: The Third Critical Factor
Many users are unaware that overusing detergent can do more harm than good. If more than the recommended amount is used, the detergent can leave residues that are difficult to remove in the rinse cycles, affecting the durability of the clothes and increasing chemical residues in the water.
The recommended dosage is about 50 ml of liquid detergent for a 4,5 kg load. It is also important to ensure that the washing machine is not overloaded to ensure that the washing cycles are completed correctly.
Finally, you can opt for completely ecological detergents, prepare your own homemade detergent or even use apple cider vinegar as a natural fabric softener.
It is possible to reduce the impact of our washing machines on the environment. By making conscious choices about our purchases and washing habits, we can actively contribute to the sustainability of the planet.