Sustainable Laundry & Dishwashing: A Practical Guide

Before You Buy Anything: Use What You Already Have

A sustainable laundry and dishwashing routine can start with what’s already in your cupboard.

Finish the detergent you have. Keep using your pegs, brushes and laundry basket while they’re doing their job. There’s no need to throw away useful items just to replace them with something labelled “eco-friendly.”

Living in a van has made me more thoughtful about what I bring into my space. Before buying anything, I ask: Do I need it? Do I already own something that works?

When a product runs out or an item needs replacing, that’s an opportunity to explore your options. Consider your budget, storage space and washing needs, alongside packaging and how long something might last.

You don’t need a perfectly coordinated laundry cupboard or a whole new cleaning collection. Start with one useful change when it makes sense for you.

Choosing Laundry and Dishwashing Products

There are plenty of options, from powders and liquids to bars, concentrates and sheets. Start with what you need the product to do, then consider how it fits into your routine.

Choose the right product for the job. Laundry detergent, hand dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent have different uses. Check the label rather than assuming one product can do everything.

Consider the packaging and preparation. A concentrate might let you reuse a container, while a powder may come in cardboard. Check the whole pack, including any liners or wrappers, and whether you can recycle it locally.

Think about space and weight. These matter in my van, but compact products can also suit smaller cupboards at home. Remember that a concentrate’s weight and volume increase once you add water.

Compare the cost per wash. The pack price only tells part of the story. Look at the recommended dose for your usual load, rather than relying solely on the largest “number of washes” printed on the packaging.

Look beyond the word “eco.” Consider the ingredients, clear usage instructions and evidence behind environmental claims. Less packaging is useful, but it’s one part of the picture.

For my firsthand experiences with the products I’ve used, explore my laundry and dishwashing alternatives reviews.

Don’t throw out perfectly usable products just to replace them with something labelled “eco-friendly”

Reduce Waste When Washing Clothes

The way we wash matters alongside the detergent we choose. A few practical habits can help you get more from each load and look after the clothes you already own.

Wash when it’s needed. Some clothes need washing after every wear. Others, such as jumpers and jackets, may simply need airing if they’re still clean. Consider how you’ve worn them, any odours and their care instructions.

Make each load count. Where practical, wait until you have enough washing for a suitable load. Leave room for clothes to move rather than packing the machine tightly.

Measure your detergent. Follow the recommended dose for your load size, level of soiling and water conditions. Adding extra isn’t automatically going to give you cleaner clothes.

Choose an appropriate wash cycle. Check garment labels and your machine’s instructions. A cooler wash may suit everyday clothing, while other loads need different treatment for stains, fabric care or hygiene.

Treat stains before rewashing. Check stained items before putting them through another full cycle. Follow the stain-remover instructions and make sure the treatment suits the fabric.

Dry in a way that works for you. Use a clothesline or drying rack when practical, following garment care labels. If weather, space or your circumstances mean using a dryer, that’s okay too.

Living in a van has taught me that the ideal routine isn’t always possible. The aim is to make useful changes where you can, while keeping your clothes clean and cared for.

Make Your Cleaning Routine a Little Simpler

Looking for somewhere to start? My free sustainable cleaning checklist can help you organise your routine and make manageable changes at your own pace.

Reduce Waste When Washing Dishes

Whether you wash by hand or use a dishwasher, start with a routine that gets your dishes clean without unnecessary water, detergent or repeat washing.

Washing by Hand

Scrape first. Put food scraps in the appropriate bin before washing, rather than sending them down the drain.

Fill a bowl or sink. Where practical, wash several items together instead of leaving the tap running.

Measure your detergent. Follow the product instructions. More detergent can mean more rinsing, especially when water is limited.

Soak stubborn food. Give suitable cookware a short soak to loosen dried-on food. Check its care instructions before soaking delicate materials.

Keep your cleaning tools clean. Rinse brushes and cloths after use, let them dry and clean or replace them when needed.

Using a Dishwasher

Scrape off food first. Follow your machine’s instructions on whether any rinsing is needed.

Load it thoughtfully. Leave space for water to reach each item and check that nothing blocks the spray arms. Only include dishwasher-safe items.

Choose the right detergent. Use a product intended for automatic dishwashers. Ordinary hand dishwashing liquid is not a substitute.

Run a suitable load. Where practical, wait until the dishwasher is full without overcrowding it. Choose a programme appropriate for the dishes and how dirty they are.

Keep up with maintenance. Clean the filter and spray arms as directed by the manufacturer to help avoid poor results and repeat washing.

In the van, I’m particularly conscious of the water I carry. At home, your priorities might be different. Choose the habits that work for your washing setup and everyday needs.

Choose Durable Laundry and Dishwashing Accessories

When something wears out, look for a replacement that suits your routine, is easy to care for and can be used repeatedly. Keep using the items you already own while they’re doing their job.

Clothes Pegs

Look for pegs that hold your washing securely and suit the conditions where you dry it. Consider grip, ease of squeezing and exposure to weather.

If you choose stainless steel, check the grade and the supplier’s guidance, particularly if you live near the coast. “Stainless steel” doesn’t mean every peg has the same resistance to corrosion.

Dish Brushes

Choose a brush that’s comfortable to hold and suitable for your cookware. A replaceable head can be useful, provided replacements are easy to find.

Check how the different parts should be disposed of when worn out. A wooden handle doesn’t necessarily mean the entire brush can be composted.

Reusable Cloths

Use cloths you can wash, dry and keep in good condition. You may already have suitable ones at home, there’s no need for a matching new set.

Follow their care instructions and allow them to dry between uses. Keep cloths used for dishes separate from those used for other cleaning jobs.

Make Space for What You Need

In my van, storage matters as much as durability. A small collection of useful items makes more sense than carrying several tools that do the same job.

Whether you’re travelling or at home, choose replacements around your actual needs. Comfortable, practical tools that you’ll keep using are worth more than a cupboard full of alternatives you rarely reach for.

Look Beyond Environmental Claims

Words like “eco-friendly,” “natural” and “green” can catch your attention, but they don’t explain the whole product. Look for specific information that helps you understand what you’re buying.

Check what the claim covers. Does “plastic-free” describe the packaging, the product or both? Does “recyclable” include every part of the pack?

Look for supporting evidence. If a brand mentions testing or certification, check what was assessed and under which conditions. A clear explanation is more useful than a reassuring label alone.

Separate ingredients from packaging. A cardboard box tells you about the packaging. It doesn’t, by itself, explain the ingredients or what happens to them after washing.

Remember that dissolving isn’t the same as biodegrading or composting. This distinction matters when considering water-soluble materials such as PVA in some detergent sheets and pods. You can explore the topic in my PVA explainer →.

You don’t need to become a chemist before doing the washing. Start by asking what a claim means, what supports it and whether the product suits your needs. It’s okay to ask questions, and to change your choices as you learn more.

Explore the Products I’ve Tried

If you’d like to see how different laundry and dishwashing products have fitted into my routine, I’ve brought my experiences together in one review.

It covers Biome’s laundry concentrate bar, soapberries, Lucent Globe and Filthy Clean, including what I liked, the drawbacks I noticed and practical considerations around space, weight and storage.

Read My Laundry & Dishwashing Reviews →

You don’t need to try everything or change what already works. Use these experiences as a starting point when you’re ready to explore an alternative.

Find a Routine That Works for You

A more sustainable laundry and dishwashing routine doesn’t need to happen all at once. Start with what you have, care for the things you use and make changes when they’re useful.
Living in a van has made me conscious of space, weight and water. Your priorities might include cost, accessibility, family needs or simply getting through a busy week. Those things matter too.

Choose one manageable change and see how it fits. You can build on it over time or adjust if it doesn’t work for you.

Sustainable living is about learning as I go and making thoughtful choices that fit into my everyday life.