Washing in an environmentally friendly way means washing as infrequently as possible and using as little energy as possible. The lower the temperature and the lower the spin speed, the less energy is used and the gentler the wash cycle is for the clothes. This also means that the washing machine should always be sufficiently loaded to avoid unnecessary wash cycles. For normal clothing, 30 degrees on a short gentle wash cycle with a spin speed of no more than 800 is sufficient. If the items of clothing are not subjected to unusual wear and tear, pre-washing is not necessary. The general rule is: always follow the washing instructions on the label.

Even if it saves time, the dryer is really only suitable for boiled laundry. While wool, viscose and synthetic fibers are completely unsuitable for the dryer, it is also more gentle for the rest of the clothing to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight so that the colors do not fade. Never hang clothes when they are wet, only when they are damp, and dry heavy and delicate items of clothing lying flat so that they retain their shape. Smooth out all wrinkles before hanging.

The less often you run the washing machine, the less water and energy you use. This saves resources – and also your clothes, because every wash cycle puts strain on the fabric. A garment should therefore only be put in the washing machine if it is really dirty or heavily used. Conversely, this means: wrinkles are not stains, and lint or pilling are not dirt. Smaller stains can be partially removed by hand to protect not only the entire garment but also the climate.

Usually, only clothes that are close to the body need to be washed after wearing them once. This includes underwear, socks, tight T-shirts, pajamas and sportswear. Everyday clothes such as jeans, shirts and coats, on the other hand, can be aired after wearing to eliminate odors. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen and wool are particularly suitable for this.

To ensure that a piece of clothing stays fresh and beautiful for longer between cleanings, it needs to be handled carefully after use. This includes hanging it up neatly on a hanger and airing it out with plenty of air circulation before putting it back in the closet. Gently smooth the fabric with your hand immediately after taking it off. A hand steamer not only removes wrinkles, but also odors and bacteria. Small stains can be removed with water and a little soap; lint rollers and fabric shavers make clothes look like new even without washing.

Jeans should be washed as infrequently as possible. The reason: the indigo dye, which is responsible for the beautiful blue color, washes out more with each wash. It is better to clean stains partially. A popular trick to combat odors and bacteria: pack jeans in an airtight container and put them in the freezer overnight.