In our quest for clean clothes, we might not always think about the impact on the environment. Here at Laundryheap, our primary objective is to set the standard as a frontrunner in implementing eco-friendly laundry practices within the laundry and dry cleaning industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various steps that we, along with our partner facilities, have taken for a better environment.
Sustainability standards define the way that Laundryheap operates. As a company, we take the challenges of climate change very seriously and strive to do our best to operate as sustainably as possible.
Switching to a 30-degree wash saves the average person 38% energy. At Laundryheap, unless a hot wash service is specified, we always wash at 30. Not only does this lower our energy usage, but it also allows us to maintain a high standard of cleaning care for our customer’s clothing. Despite warmer temperatures being beneficial for disinfecting clothing, lower temperatures are more beneficial when lifting stains and improving the longevity of clothing.
Most mainstream detergents are made from synthetic chemical compounds which have disastrous effects on the environment. For example, some detergents contain surfactants that help remove dirt from our clothing. Surfactants, however, are also highly toxic to aquatic life and break down the mucus layer that coats fish and protects them from parasites. At Laundryheap, we only use environmentally-friendly detergents, made from natural alternatives. In addition, we use automatic dosing pumps to minimise detergent waste.
Commercial laundry wastewater contains a high quantity of contaminants, such as detergents, grease, and dye. If this wastewater is pumped into freshwater bodies without first being treated, it can cause damage to aquatic life and increase water pollution. All of the wastewater generated at our Laundryheap facilities is treated and filtered before being sent into the sewer or sent out via tankers.
Recycling is an essential step in helping save our environment. It reduces the need to extract raw materials from the earth and helps conserve natural habitats. Today, the recycling industry provides half of the world’s raw materials. Our switch from plastic to cotton laundry bags has resulted in our customers reusing bags an average of 5 times. In addition to this, we recycle 40% of our wire hangers.
In 2019, transport produced 27% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions. E-bikes could cut the UK’s transport emissions by half. Having trialled the EAV2Cubed eCargo bike for a year, we have ordered 200 more bikes in a bid to lower the carbon emissions we omit whilst delivering to our customers. Our CEO, Deyan Dimitrov, commented, “Our EAV’s can move around the city almost twice as fast as vans, and the fact that they make almost no environmental impact whatsoever gives us a much more carbon-neutral status as a business.”
At Laundryheap we are committed to improving our sustainability, whilst maintaining a fast and reliable service for our customers. To book your Laundryheap order simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.
The cost of laundry can really add up. Clothing, underwear, bed linen, towels, the list of things you need to wash is endless. Unfortunately, the laundry detergent you use is not. Constantly having to stock up on detergent is not cost effective, which is why you should save yourself the money and make your own DIY detergent.
Aside from being cost effective, there are a lot of benefits of DIY detergents. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients that you want to include. This means, there are no harmful chemicals or added toxins that could cause skin irritation. Not to mention, the lack of harmful chemicals and toxins is much better for the environment. Additionally, through making your own detergent you are not buying unnecessary packaging and are, therefore, decreasing the use of single-use plastic.
To make your DIY detergent you need three simple ingredients:
You can make your DIY detergent in three easy steps:
Use three level teaspoons per wash and store the rest of your detergent in a lidded container. Don’t forget to label your container so people know what’s inside- for extra safety add a list of ingredients to your label.
If you want to make your DIY detergent last longer, make a bigger batch by doubling the amounts of each ingredient, but using the same ratios.
If you want to save your DIY detergent for clothing only, our Home and Bedding service can be used on the remainder of your washing. We will pick up, launder and deliver your items back to you within 24 hours, at no extra cost. Book your slot on our Laundryheap app.
A lot of people still see professional dry cleaning as a luxury, but we at Laundryheap understand that it is, in fact, a necessity. Dry cleaning has countless benefits that you can’t get from doing your laundry at home.
Not every piece of clothing needs to be dry cleaned. However, taking care of the items that do will prolong their life and maintain their beauty. Make sure you pay attention to care labels on your clothes to know which pieces are best dry cleaned. Alternatively, you can talk to the specialists if you are having trouble with the details.
Doing the laundry at home means you have to cover all the steps, including washing, ironing, folding and storing items. As a result of all these different tasks, people can often overlook important aspects of cleaning clothes, which will have a massive impact on your clothes life span.
When taking your clothes to professional dry cleaners, they can handle all these tasks for you with extra care. Professionals like us here at Laundryheap understand the different needs of different types of clothing. All you need to worry about is collecting it at your door and hanging the clothes in your wardrobe.
Modern dry cleaning innovations are using greener products that are less abrasive on your clothing than traditional laundry techniques we use at home. The professionals know which clothes require a wet cleaning process and which do not.
Likewise, professional dry cleaners know how to deal with delicate items that require special care. Dry cleaners are up to date with the best practices and will clean your clothes in the smartest possible way.
There are lots of excellent home remedies for removing stains, but most come with a risk of ruining the clothes further. It is always a safer idea to get the professionals to deal with your tricky stains and lingering odours.
So, if you ever find yourself about to throw your clothes away because you can’t get rid of this latest stain, why not take it to the dry cleaners? You’d be surprised at some of the hidden magic the professionals have up their sleeves.
Everyone wants their clothes to look fresh for longer. One of the best ways people can achieve this is by having your garments professionally cleaned.
By getting the dry cleaners to take care of your items, they are less exposed to fibre-wearing agitation that comes from the washing machine. As a result, they will last longer and retain their original colour. Also, a big bonus is you will end up saving money because you won’t need to purchase new clothes as frequently.
It could seem evident to some, but not all, that dry cleaners have more capacity than your average washroom. If you are looking to get items like curtains, rugs, sofa covers or bedding cleaned well, then look no further than the dry cleaners.
What can seem like a torturing chore for you to handle at home is a walk in the park for the professionals. Using a professional service for big items will save valuable time and reduce stress.
Dry cleaners don’t just take a load of laundry, but they also take a load of stress off your back. By handing over that task to the professionals, you can now enjoy your free time by doing the things you want to do.
Time is valuable and often overshadowed by work or chores that can take up your entire day. So, by using a dry cleaners, you are regaining that precious time to spend with friends, family or yourself.
Often people’s biggest issue when it comes to seeking professional help comes from having to leave the house. That’s why Laundryheap comes to you. We come to your home or place of work, pick up your dirty clothes and return them within 24 hours fresh, ironed and ready. Did we mention that we also do all this with no collection or delivery charge?
So, next time you want to enjoy your free time and give your clothes a professional clean, look no further than Laundryheap.
Laundry isn’t usually on the top of people’s list of ways to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. If you are someone who does multiple loads of laundry every week, it could be having a more substantial effect on the planet than you might think. The amount of water, energy, and products used when doing laundry can inevitably add up.
Washing and drying your garments in a more environmentally conscious way can make for a more Eco-conscious household. These simple switches will not only reduce the environmental impact but will also save you money while you’re at it.
Up to 90 % of the energy used when doing your laundry involves just heating the water. Most of us know that having a long, hot shower is less environmentally friendly than a quick, short one. The same applies when doing your laundry.
Washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C uses about 40% less energy. Doing your laundry at a lower temperature can also be better for your clothes. Exposing your clothes to hot temperatures can shorten the lifespan of the garment.
Reducing the number of loads you do per week will save water and save you money. Even the most environmentally-efficient loads can use up to 40 gallons of water per load.
Try reducing your loads as best you can throughout the week to reduce your carbon footprint. You could wear some clothes more than once before washing. This solution doesn’t go for all pieces of clothing, socks and underwear come to mind, but not tossing your jeans in the laundry basket after one wear is the first step to improving your laundry habit.
We are not suggesting that everyone throws out their current working washing machine and head to the shop to buy a new eco-friendly one today. If you are in the market for a new washer or dryer, buying a greener model can save energy and use less water, lowering your bills in the process.
High-efficiency machines use between 20% to 60% less water and as little as 50% energy as traditional washing machines. Investing in a green washing machine will significantly reduce your environmental impact at home.
Conventional washing detergents can be very damaging to the ecosystems where the dirty water we wash down the drain can end up. Standard laundry detergent contains phosphates which can have disastrous effects to marine life that comes in contact with it.
When purchasing more Eco-friendly detergents, make sure you keep an eye out for labels that indicate the product is biodegradable and phosphate-free. These detergents are often more gentle on the skin, too.
We know this option will cause some people to wince. Hand washing can be time-consuming, but there are some ways to make the process easier. Tools like a pedal washer can allow you to exercise while you wash your laundry, helping your body and the environment at the same time.
Hand washing can give you a sense of just how much laundry you’re going through weekly. As well as helping you see where you can cut back on the amount of laundry you do.
Your dryer uses up a lot of energy – so anything you can do to cut down the time using this machine will help the environment. Not using your dryer as much can also save you money on your electric bill.
Little things like cleaning the filter in your dryer can also save energy. If the filter is clogged, the clothes take longer to dry, meaning more energy wasted.
One of the most optimal ways to cut down on time using your dryer is to hang your clothes to dry. If weather permits, hanging your clothes to dry on the line outside can take away 100% of the energy used when using your dryer.
For people who live in a warmer climate drying clothes outside can be quick and easy. Those who live in wetter corners of the globe, can always line dry indoors all year round. Hanging clothes to dry will not only reduce energy, it will also cut your electric bill and make your clothes last longer.
Ironing is top of most peoples most hated chores list. So why not cut it out when it isn’t necessary? Ironing consumes excess energy and can deteriorate the fabric on your clothing.
We understand that even the most environmentally conscious of us still don’t want to rock up to a job interview with a creased shirt. To avoid looking scruffy, all you have to do is hang up your shirt straight after the wash cycle is complete. For materials that are more prone to creasing, like linen, just cut the final spin cycle on your wash, leaving more water in the fabric, resulting in fewer creases.
It might sound unconventional, but commercial washers and dryers tend to be more efficient than domestic machines because they are bigger and can take bigger loads. By using professionals like Laundryheap, you can lessen the number of loads, meaning less wasted energy and water at home.
Laundry is a time and an energy consuming activity that contributes to the CO2 emissions of the environment.
Here is what doing laundry does to the environment:
Here are some of the things you can do, to have a more sustainable laundry operation:
Wash only when you need to: Reduce the number of loads you do per week and wash only when you absolutely need to. This can be done by wearing your outerwear clothes more often than once. By doing this, you’ll save a whole lot of energy, water and money!
Wash on colder cycles: Did you know that about 90% of the energy used in the washing machine is used to heat up water for hot washes? Washing on a colder cycle completely reduces the energy needed to heat up the water.
Use green laundry detergent: Conventional detergents may contain harmful ingredients (phosphates) that aren’t good for your skin and can affect the aquatic ecosystems and marine life in a negative way. Look for detergents that are biodegradable, are phosphate-free, and are plant based products. These indicate that they’re environmentally friendly as well as kind to the skin.
Also, why not go for concentrated detergent? They have reduced packaging and reduce carbon footprint.
You can also make your own detergent! What better way for eco-friendly laundry than with homemade detergent?!
Wash by hand: The ancient way of washing clothes means less consumption of water and energy! Yes, it may be time consuming but it is a good work out.
Natural air dry: Tumble drying contributes to 75% of the carbon footprint. Drying naturally uses no energy whatsoever, so if it’s a lovely sunny day, make the most of it and dry your clothes outside, if not, then dry them in your home. Only use the dryer when you need to wear your clothes right away.
Using Laundry services: Sounds a little unusual but commercial washers and dryers tend to be more efficient than domestic versions because they’re bigger and can take more kg. This means lessening the number of loads, energy and water consumption you would use at home.
