Laundry experts advise changing washing habits for sustainability

Experts are advising changes to laundry habits to improve garment longevity and reduce environmental impact. Researchers from SIFO at OsloMet suggest that washing clothes less frequently can save water, energy, and money while reducing mechanical wear and microplastic release. For example, items like jeans often do not require washing after every use and can be aired out or spot-cleaned instead.

Additionally, textile researcher Timo Rissanen warns against leaving wet laundry in the washing machine for extended periods. To prevent unpleasant odors caused by microorganisms like the bacterium Moraxella osloensis, it is recommended to hang clothes or move them to a dryer within 30 to 60 minutes. Bacteria can also colonize washing machines, particularly in rubber seals and soap dispensers, potentially re-contaminating clean laundry.