How to consciously wash kids’ clothes and footwear
It can sometimes feel like the laundry pile never really goes down. The moment you finish one load, the basket's already overflowing again! That's life as a parent and a feeling most of us are more than familiar with.
However, it's good to remember that, while essential, doing laundry has a significant environmental impact. Luckily, there are ways to make this regular household chore more eco-friendly and ensure your little one's clothes are clean and last longer.
Below are our top ten tips for washing clothes for babies and kids, plus some pointers for a more conscious laundry routine.
1. Check the clothing care symbols
Before tossing everything in the washing machine, take a look at the label. It will tell you what you should and shouldn't do with a particular garment. For instance, you wouldn't typically put a snowsuit in the washing machine because it may harm the coating on the fabric. Knowing how to care for clothing and other washable accessories will make the items last longer, which is the first step to more conscious consumption.
2. Separate and rinse
Just as you would when washing your own clothes, separate whites and colors. If there are solid food stains on the garment, remove them by brushing them off or rinsing the area under the tap.
3. Fill the machine
Doing fewer but fuller loads is better for both the environment and your bank balance. The one-palm trick lets you know how much space is left in the machine. Place your hand into the drum. If there is enough room for your open palm, then the machine is perfectly packed. If you can't fit your hand in, the machine is overfull.
4. Use an eco program if available
An eco program uses lower wash and rinse temperatures and so requires less energy for heating. If your washing machine doesn't have an eco program, choose a lower temperature to save water and energy. This also keeps the garments from losing their shape and color.
Comfortable Little Girl Skirt Dress
4. Make informed purchases
Opt for fabrics that are easy to care for and quick to dry. For example, cotton is a popular material for children's clothing because it's breathable and so keeps kids cool even when they're at their most energetic. It's also durable and gentle against the skin. Doing some research about different materials before buying can help you to make smarter purchases
5. Always be ready to wipe
Act fast to avoid a stain from becoming permanent. When your little one makes a mess, quickly remove as much of the stain as possible. Carry a pack of baby wipes to swoop in as speedily as possible. If you can, immediately rinse or soak the clothing in cold water.
6. Avoid harsh chemicals
Many detergents contain several chemical compounds that have negative environmental effects and can irritate your child's skin. As this becomes more widely known, people have begun to wonder if you can wash baby clothes with regular detergent. The answer is that you can, but you should choose a non-biological detergent. Less is also more whenever using laundry detergent - two tablespoons per full load is plenty.
You could also make your own detergent when you wash clothes for babies. This is often cheaper than buying store-bought detergent, and you can always be sure what's gone into the solution. There are lots of recipes for homemade detergent on the internet - a quick Google search should provide some inspiration.
7. Shelf the fabric softener
It's often a habit to use fabric softener with every wash, but it's unnecessary. Fabric softeners can be packed full of toxic chemicals that disturb the hormones, damage fabrics, and trigger skin allergies. Instead, try distilled white vinegar, which is a natural alternative that can also clean detergent residues from the washing machine.
8. Avoid the tumble dryer
Not only does tumble drying damage clothing, it also eats energy at a shocking rate. Choosing air drying over tumble drying could reduce your household's carbon footprint by 2,400 pounds a year. What's more, the heat of the tumble dryer sets stains and makes them practically impossible to remove. If it's a nice sunny day, dry the clothes outdoors and let the sun bleach away the stains.
9. Repair, repurpose, recycle
When the garments finally kick the bucket, repair or repurpose them if possible. For example, jeans with worn knees can become a pair of summer cutoffs. If clothes are beyond repair, take them to your nearest recycling center or use them as rags for cleaning. Clothes your child has outgrown can be given to friends and family, second-hand stores, or sold on sites like eBay.
How to clean kids’ shoes
It's not just kids’ clothes that need to withstand heavy use. Kids’ shoes quickly become grubby, but can look fresher and last longer with a little care.
How to clean kids' shoes depends on the type of shoe. Fabric shoes can easily be washed by hand using dishwashing detergent, warm water, an old toothbrush, and some paper towels. Just wipe down the fabric to remove loose stains, and gently brush the shoes with a toothbrush that has been dipped in soapy water. Work with the grain of fabric and don't soak the shoes. Wipe the shoe with a damp paper towel to rinse away the soap then blot with a dry paper towel.
Some athletic and tennis shoes can be put in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Just remove inner soles and wash the laces separately. Never put the shoes in the tumble dryer as the heat can deform their shape and may damage the machine in the process.
Leather shoes, including patent leather and faux leather shoes, can easily be wiped clean with a cloth dipped in a solution of cool water and distilled white vinegar.
Whatever the material, air dry the shoes and don't use them again until they are completely dry. By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your child’s shoes and get much more bang for your buck!
