Fast fashion gets plenty of blame for fashion’s waste problem, but Electrolux says our laundry habits may be just as damaging.

A new report, The Truth About Laundry: Australia, found that 55% of Australians have ruined clothes due to heat, 43% have binned items because of sun fading, and only 17% consistently follow the care labels.

As Channel News recently reported, Electrolux has partnered with the Whitehouse Institute of Design, which has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, to infuse principles of sustainability into fashion education.

In its latest effort to help the planet by encouraging Australians to extend the life of their wardrobes, Electrolux design chief Lyndon Craig has outlined five simple clothes-washing tips, which are as follows.

Electrolux wants Australians to use their products, but a little more sparingly

  1. Wash cool – Stick to 30°C or below. Hot washes fade colours, shrink fabrics and weaken fibres.
  2. Respect the labels – Care tags are written to protect garments. Skipping them risks shrinking, stretching and pilling.
  3. Dry smart – Harsh sunlight is one of the fastest routes to fading. Dry in the shade or indoors, or use a gentle tumble cycle.
  4. Don’t overwash – Jeans, jackets and knitwear rarely need a wash after one wear. Overwashing destroys fibres.
  5. Match the cycle – Today’s machines have tailored programs for wool, delicates and mixed fabrics. Use them to preserve shape and softness.

Electrolux says better care doesn’t just cut waste, it also saves households money by keeping clothes looking new for longer.