As a rainy country, it’s good to check the weather before you put on a wash, and try to dry clothes from 10am to 2pm, when the sun rays are at their strongest (a bit of wind helps!)
- Retractable clothes lines (that fit flush to the wall when not in use) are safest. If you use rotary lines, either stash them away somewhere safe, or at least use a cover when not in use, to avoid accidents with children, pets and wildlife.
- High & Dry Portable Washing Line is made (by engineers) from sturdy materials, easy to wheel to follow the sun (or stow away, when not in use). Delivered flatpack (put together in minutes), it can easily take king-size sheets and duvet covers, without getting tangled.
- Use a spin cycle on the washing machine (low-spin to avoid creases).
- Sort out damp if you live with it. A small dehumidifier helps.
- Don’t overfill your machine, as clothes will be more damp.
Always dry clothes in ‘wet rooms’ like bathrooms (not living rooms or bedrooms, as this could create dangerous mould). Also don’t dry clothes on radiators, this is a fire hazard.
Use biodegradable laundry detergents (unscented for pregnancy/nursing, babies and pet bedding – citrus is toxic to pets).
Clothes Pegs (made from fishing waste)
Made by Nona makes clothes pegs made from fishing waste (nets that clog our oceans and trap marine wildlife). These super-strong pegs won’t snag, mould or leave rust stains, and one pack is guarantee for life.
The one-piece peg is UV-resistant with no moving parts. And the innovative wave design, means you just push the peg down, for a stronger hold. Sent in plastic-free packaging, a portion of profits goes to ocean charities.
The same company makes a matching washing line, supplied with wall mounts, plugs and adhesive strips, with a circular knitted cord build for optimum strength and knitted micro-edges for secure grip (adjust the cord length to fit your space).
Stainless Steel Clothes Pegs (from France)
Pincinox makes stainless steel pegs, produced in France since 1970. Packed in paper, these also won’t leave rust marks, and are sold in packs of 20 or 40.
Comfortable to use and resistant to heat and frost, they easily secure heavy wet blankets, and the springless forged construction means no joints will snap under pressure. They can also be used to seal open bags of frozen peas, and are easily recycled at end of use.
These pegs were created by Monsieur Violet (what a fabulous name!), A French metal worker, after his wife complained about wooden clothes pegs!
Heated Clothes Driers & Indoor Washing Lines
Heated clothes airers are a good investment. They cost a bit but likely less than a tumble dryer. These cost less than 10p an hour to run, and modern versions switch off automatically, with built-in timers. They also are easy to move, and fold down for storage.
Indoor washing lines are good, if you have no garden or outdoor space. These kind of work the same as outdoor retractable washing lines, you just roll them back into the wall, when not in use.
The World’s First Hemp Dryer Balls
These hemp dryer balls are the eco alternative to tumble dryer sheets, or wool dryer balls (often from sheep destined for slaughter). They allow greater airflow and heat circulation for faster drying time, absorbing moisture into fibres, and leaving laundry soft and fluffy.
Suitable for any fabric, use 3 to 6 per load. Wash before first use. Hemp dryer balls are five times more absorbent than wool (due to shared manufacturing facilities, there may be low levels of wool present, so be aware due to allergies).
- Always register appliances, to ensure you are notified or recalls. Never leave tumble dryers unattended.
- Remove lint after each cycle and bin (don’t leave in garden, it goes mouldy and could choke, if birds took it back to nests).
- Don’t overload sockets, and be aware of scorch/burn marks and visible wires. Ensure the tumble dryer is well-ventilated, and use the ‘cool down’ cycle, before removing clothes.
- If buying a new tumble dryer, it’s UK law that the store has to take back and recycle the old one.
A Natural Way to Soften Clothes
Instead of fabric conditioners (some brands can increase flammability of fabrics, in tumble driers), add half a cup to unscented cleaning vinegar to the dispenser or final rinse cycle. The smell dissipates, so your clothes won’t smell like a bag of chips!
You can bin empty chemical laundry containers (don’t rinse). For half-full items, take them to toxic waste at your local refuse centre.
Consider Using an Eco Launderette
Launderettes may have taken a bit of a back-seat in recent years. But considering the cost of washing machines and their maintenance, using a local eco launderette if one’s nearby is a good idea. Not only can you have your clothes washed and dried in greener ways, but you support a local indie business, and can stop for a chat and cup of tea too!
Kitty’s Launderette (Liverpool) was named after an Irish immigrant who pioneered the washhouse movement, back in the day when most people had no laundry facilities.
This affordable community launderette offers a community space for tea and chat, plus an eco-dry-cleaning service. It also offers free washing services for those who need it, and a repairs/alterations service for clothing.
Run as a non-profit co-operative by local residents, it also offers services for hotels and restaurants, and will even wash gowns and kits for hair salons and local football teams (the city has two quite good ones!)