Fast & sustainable laundry – 10 tips for getting children’s clothes clean with less energy and water

Do you know that feeling when the laundry basket never seems to empty? Welcome to parenthood! 😅 Piles of baby bodysuits, grass-stained soccer shirts, messy bibs, and candy-stained T-shirts—as if the washing machine is working overtime nonstop. And honestly: with children in the house, the washing machine is often your most-used appliance. But what if I told you that you can get all those children’s clothes clean without wasting mountains of water and energy? Yes, really! As a mother and self-proclaimed “laundry guru” (born out of necessity), I’ve learned how to wash smartly, quickly, and sustainably. Here, I’m sharing 10 practical tips that will not only save you time and money, but also help you make environmentally conscious choices. Sustainable laundry doesn’t have to be complicated—small adjustments can make a big difference. Put them to good use and give your energy bill (and Mother Earth) some relief, while your children’s clothes come out sparkling clean.

Let’s dive straight into this laundry basket full of tips. By the end of these ten tips, you’ll officially be a fast and sustainable laundry pro, I promise!

10 tips for faster and more sustainable laundry

1. Wash at a lower temperature—choose 30°C or 40°C: Most children’s clothes get perfectly clean at 30 or 40 degrees. Only extremely dirty soccer shorts may occasionally need 60°C, but as a standard, you can wash at a lower temperature. This saves a considerable amount of energy (the washing machine uses the most electricity to heat the water!). Modern detergents also work excellently at lower temperatures. Pro tip: use a powerful detergent or additive so you won’t miss the extra heat. For example, add a scoop of The Pink Stuff Oxi White stain remover powder to a white wash—you’ll get stains out of white shirts and leave them sparkling clean at 30°C, whereas you might once have used 60°C. Low temperature + good assistance = clean laundry and lower energy costs.
2. Use the eco setting or short wash programs: Many modern washing machines have an eco program or a short program. The eco setting sometimes takes a little longer, but it uses less water and electricity by heating and operating more efficiently. A short wash program is ideal for clothes that aren’t particularly dirty (for example, T-shirts that just need freshening up). Did your little one wear a shirt for one day without any major stains? Use the short program! It saves time and energy.
3. Fill the drum, please—but don’t overfill it: Always wash with a full load whenever possible. Two half-loads use more electricity and water than one full load. So collect enough laundry by color and type. Of course, you shouldn’t stuff your machine completely full—the rule of thumb is to leave enough room for one hand at the top of the drum. This allows the laundry to move properly and ensures everything gets clean. A well-filled washing machine operates most efficiently. Do you have half a drum of urgently dirty children’s clothes (we all know the spaghetti incidents on light-colored clothes…)? Consider adding some bed linen or towels in the same color. Maximum loading = minimal waste.
4. Pre-treating saves you from washing twice: Spending a little extra time before washing can prevent you from having to wash something again (which saves water and energy). Loosen stains beforehand with a stain remover or a household remedy, so the washing machine can handle them in one cycle. For example, rinse mud stains first and rub in a little liquid detergent, or spray grass and sauce stains with a good stain-removing spray. A color-safe stain remover such as The Pink Stuff Oxi Color powder (1000g) is ideal for adding to the wash or soaking clothes. This way, you won’t need to run a hot wash or wash the clothes again. One wash is enough when the stains have been properly pre-treated—sustainable and less frustrating.
5. Use detergent sparingly and choose concentrated formulas: More detergent doesn’t necessarily make clothes cleaner. Follow the dosing instructions (or even use a little less than recommended for lightly soiled laundry). Too much detergent can cause the machine to rinse extra times (a waste of water), and it can also be bad for the machine in the long run (grease buildup, yuck!). Preferably choose concentrated detergents or powerful eco-friendly formulas that work with a small dose. There are also detergent strips or sheets that dissolve in water—overdosing is impossible, and there’s less packaging waste, so it’s a win-win! The most important thing is not to waste soap and rinse water unnecessarily.
6. Skip the dryer more often—or use it smartly: The dryer guzzles energy, period. Of course, it’s useful during rainy weeks or for large loads of bed linen, but you can often do without it for children’s clothes. Hang those shirts and trousers on a drying rack or clothesline. They usually dry within a day, especially in a warm room or outside in a light breeze. No space or in a hurry? Then use the dryer efficiently: spin the laundry at a high speed in the washing machine first, so it goes into the dryer less damp, and dry it at a lower temperature or on the dryer’s eco setting. Remove synthetic or thin garments earlier (they dry faster) to prevent overdrying. Tip: use dryer balls—or simply a few clean, dry tennis balls—in the dryer. They help separate the laundry so it dries faster. Less drying time = less energy.
7. Wash during off-peak hours and load the machine smartly: Some energy suppliers offer off-peak rates late in the evening, at night, or on weekends. If washing late at night is cheaper (and often greener) for you, go for it! Set the washing machine on a timer or delayed start, for example at 3 a.m. Then you’ll wake up to clean laundry that cost less. Make sure it’s safe (modern machines can handle this perfectly well) and hang the laundry up immediately in the morning to prevent musty smells. Pro tip: add a splash of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment if you leave the laundry sitting overnight after spinning; this helps keep odors away. Oh, and one more thing: combine loads whenever possible. Does your child only have a few red garments? Maybe wait until you have more red or pink laundry, or combine them with your own clothes in similar shades. That way, you won’t run a half-empty load for one dirty skirt.
8. Choose energy-efficient and natural products: It’s not only the way you wash that matters, but also what you use. Environmentally friendly laundry products are more biodegradable and often more concentrated. Think eco-friendly detergent or detergent strips that clean without harsh chemicals. There are also products specifically designed to work more effectively at low temperatures. A good example is The Pink Stuff biological laundry detergent: this liquid detergent is concentrated, works even in short cycles and at low temperatures, and is gentler on the environment (and your skin!). Your laundry will be fresh and clean without having to use liters of water at 90°C or harsh products. Sustainable laundry starts with sustainable products in your routine.
9. Reuse clothes and think twice before washing: Not every garment worn for an hour is actually dirty. A sweater your child wore only indoors and that still looks clean may well last another day. Or those jeans worn for just an hour on the school playground—shake them out, air them, and they’re ready for the next round. By not putting clothes in the wash after every tiny mark, you can save a lot of wash cycles. After wearing them, hang clothes on a hanger to air out (outside or by an open window), allowing them to freshen and dry. Many fabrics benefit from this perfectly well. What’s more, clothes stay looking good longer when you don’t wash them unnecessarily often. Win-win: less laundry, less wear, and lower energy consumption.
10. Maintain your washing machine: A clean, well-maintained washing machine works more efficiently and uses water and electricity more economically. Every so often—say, every 1–2 months—run an empty cycle at 90°C with a washing machine cleaner, or simply with a cup of white vinegar or baking soda, to rinse away detergent residue and dirt. Check and clean the filter regularly—blockages make washing less effective and can waste water. Also check the seals for any leftover bits and pieces (think buttons, stones from pockets, etc.). You can also use a special washing machine cleaner, such as the products from Fabulosa (for example, they offer a washing machine cleaner in wonderfully scented varieties). A clean machine = cleaner laundry, less need to rewash, and lower energy consumption because the appliance can perform at full capacity.

With these tips, doing laundry becomes a little easier, faster, and greener. I’ve noticed that it’s not only good for the environment and your wallet, but it also reduces stress. The laundry mountain feels less overwhelming when you work more efficiently. And you no longer need to feel guilty every time you run a load: after all, you’re doing it as sustainably as possible.

So the next time you look at that endless pile of baby bodysuits and toddler trousers, take a deep breath and think: *“I’ve got this—sustainable laundry, bring it on!”* You’ll see that even with a household full of children, you can get the laundry under control. Happy washing!
(And now go hang up that laundry before you forget… 😉)