Laundry Facts and Eco Impacts: What Your Wash Cycle Isn’t Telling You

Laundry seems simple. But each load can use over 50 litres of water and release thousands of microplastics. Most of the energy is not spent on cleaning. It's used to heat the water.

Detergents leave more than clean clothes. Many contain chemicals that harm fish and build up in waterways. Some include brighteners that do not break down.William Polson Even the fibres in your clothes can pollute rivers with every wash.

These small details add up. Most laundry products still rely on strong surfactants, artificial scents and other harsh chemicals. The impact goes far beyond the washing machine.

How Much Water Does a Washer Use For Your Laundry?

According to Unsustainable Magazine, a typical front-load washing machine uses between 50 and 90 litres per load. Older top-load models can use even more. Most households do between 300 and 400 loads each year, which adds up to over 20,000 litres of water.

Almost all of that water gets flushed away. It’s mixed with detergent, dirt, and fibres from your clothes. Very little is reused.

Washing with cold water can cut energy use sharply. The American Cleaning Institute states that about 90 percent of the energy in a laundry cycle goes into heating the water. A cold wash still gets clothes clean but uses far less power.

What’s Hiding Inside Your Laundry Soap?

Most laundry detergents do more than clean. Many still contain chemicals that don’t break down and can harm marine life. These ingredients often pass through wastewater systems and end up in rivers, lakes, or the ocean.

Phosphates are one of the biggest culprits. They feed algae blooms that block sunlight and lower oxygen in the water. This leads to dead zones where fish and other life can't survive. Optical brighteners are also common. They make fabrics appear whiter but are not biodegradable. Some build up in aquatic species over time.

Another concern is SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s a strong surfactant that helps detergent foam. But it can irritate skin, damage aquatic life, and linger in the environment. Many detergents also use synthetic fragrances and chemical additives that leave behind residues.

Australia has taken steps to phase out some of these ingredients. But many imported or older products still rely on them. To learn more about how phosphates work and what to avoid, see What Are Phosphates? The Importance of Phosphate Free Cleaning Products.

More people are switching to plant-based, biodegradable detergent sheets. These formulas work without the harsh extras. They clean well and break down safely.

Why Do Clothes Release Microfibers in the Wash?

Every time you wash synthetic fabrics, they shed tiny plastic fibres. These are called microfibres. They come from clothes made with polyester, nylon, spandex and other plastic-based materials.

Once released, they drain into waterways. Most treatment plants can't catch them. They end up in rivers and oceans, where they’re eaten by fish and other marine animals. These plastics don’t break down and can travel up the food chain.

According to Cleanr, clothing accounts for around 35 percent of all microplastic pollution in the ocean. A single load of washing can release up to 1.5 million fibres.

There are simple ways to reduce the damage. Washing full loads helps. Using cold water and switching to front-load machines also makes a difference. You can also add a microfibre filter or a wash bag to trap fibres before they go down the drain.

Australia plans to make microfibre filters standard in all new washing machines by 2030. But you don’t have to wait. These filters are already available.

How Much Energy Does Laundry Really Use?

Most of the power used in a wash doesn’t go toward spinning or rinsing. It goes into heating the water.

The American Cleaning Institute says that up to 90 percent of a washing machine’s energy use comes from heating. That means washing with cold water is one of the easiest ways to cut both your bills and your carbon footprint.

Dryers use even more power than washers. A single cycle can use as much electricity as four washing loads. Using the clothesline saves energy and helps clothes last longer. In many parts of Australia, the sun does a better job than any machine.

Upgrading to energy-efficient machines also makes a big difference. Front-loaders tend to use less water and power than top-loaders. They also remove more moisture during the spin, which shortens drying time.

Small changes like these go a long way. They save money, reduce emissions and extend the life of your clothes.

What Are Better Natural Laundry Alternatives?

Most modern detergents use a long list of synthetic chemicals. But there’s a better way to clean your clothes.

Lucent Globe’s laundry sheets are made with plant-based surfactants and natural enzymes. These ingredients break down stains without relying on harsh cleaners. They’re free from phosphates, optical brighteners and other additives that linger in waterways.

One key ingredient is saponin. It’s a plant-based cleanser that lifts dirt and grease from fabric. Unlike strong foaming agents like SLS, saponins clean without over-stripping fibres or leaving behind residue.

These sheets dissolve easily in hot or cold water. They work in all washing machines, including front loaders and HE models. They also come without plastic packaging, so they help cut waste as well as pollution.

Choosing a better detergent is only part of the shift. Natural fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo also shed fewer microfibres during a wash. They break down faster and don’t rely on fossil fuels for production like polyester or nylon.

What’s the Full Lifecycle of Your Clothes?

Laundry is only part of the impact. What your clothes are made from, and where they end up, matters just as much.

Most fast fashion uses synthetic fibres like polyester. These fabrics shed microplastics in every wash. They also take decades to break down in landfill.

Natural fibres like organic cotton and bamboo are a better choice. They come from plants and break down more easily. They also use fewer resources to grow.

When clothes wear out, try to recycle, donate or upcycle them. Upcycling gives old fabric a new purpose and keeps it out of landfill. Some brands take back used items, and local charities may accept clean clothing.

Each piece of clothing comes with a footprint. Choosing better materials and extending their use helps cut waste and pollution with every wash.

What Can You Do Right Now to Reduce the Impact?

Even small changes in your laundry routine can make a big difference. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Just start with one or two of these.

• Wash with cold water whenever possible.
• Only run full loads to reduce waste.
• Skip the dryer and hang your clothes outside.
• Use detergent sheets that are free from phosphates and harsh chemicals.
• Avoid plastic packaging and microplastic-heavy fabrics.
• Install a microfibre filter or use a wash bag.
• Choose natural fabrics like organic cotton.
• Upcycle worn-out items instead of tossing them.

And here’s how common habits stack up:

Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry and the Environment

Does using less detergent help the environment?

Yes. Overdosing creates more residue and needs extra rinsing. But not all products need measuring. Lucent Globe’s detergent sheets are pre-measured, so you use the right amount every time without guesswork.

Do front loaders use less power than top loaders?

They do. Front loaders use less water and remove more moisture, which cuts drying time. They also tend to cause less wear on fabrics over time.

Can fabric softener cause problems for septic systems?

Yes. Traditional softeners often contain quats and synthetic additives that don’t break down easily. These can interfere with bacteria in septic tanks. Dryer balls or plant-based softener sheets are better options.

Is there a benefit to using longer wash cycles?

Yes. Longer, gentler cycles reduce friction and release fewer microfibres. Quick cycles often use more aggressive agitation, which can cause more fibre shedding.

What fabrics shed the most plastic in the wash?

Fleece, activewear, and fast-drying synthetics shed the most. These are often made from recycled plastics like PET. Choosing woven natural fabrics instead of knit synthetics helps lower shedding.