Whether we’re growing our associate volunteer program or connecting customers with nonprofits we admire, we’re proud to create opportunities to give back in the communities where we live and work.Caring for Your ClothesRE-IMAGINEDTaking care of your clothes can help them last longer and reduce their environmental impacts. Here are a few tips to Re-Imagine laundry day…
Wash LessDid you know that we’re all overwashing our clothes? Not only does this use a lot of energy, water and detergent, but it can also wear down your clothes more quickly.
TARGET SPOTS
Spilled something? Try spot cleaning it first.
CHOOSE A REFRESH OPTION
Laying clothes out in the sun or putting them in the freezer is a fast way to freshen them up.
START BEFORE YOU WASH
Make your clothes last longer by turning denim and bright prints inside out before throwing them in the washer (this prevents fading).
PRE-TREAT
Target any stains before washing to avoid having to rewash your clothes.
CARE FOR DELICATE GARMENTS
Wash delicates like swimsuits and bras in a mesh bag to protect them.
PROTECT WATERWAYS
Put synthetics in a microfilter washing bag to prevent microfibers from entering into the water system.
TARGET SPOTS
Spilled something? Try spot cleaning it first.
CHOOSE A REFRESH OPTION
Laying clothes out in the sun or putting them in the freezer is a fast way to freshen them up.
START BEFORE YOU WASH
Make your clothes last longer by turning denim and bright prints inside out before throwing them in the washer (this prevents fading).
PRE-TREAT
Target any stains before washing to avoid having to rewash your clothes.
CARE FOR DELICATE GARMENTS
Wash delicates like swimsuits and bras in a mesh bag to protect them.
PROTECT WATERWAYS
Put synthetics in a microfilter washing bag to prevent microfibers from entering into the water system.
Wash BetterDid you know that 90 percent of the energy your washer uses goes into heating the water? Here are a few tips to reduce its impact…
COLD-WATER WASH
Use cold water the next time you do laundry. Not only is it gentler on your clothes, but most detergents are just as effective in cold water.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT DETERGENT
Try eco-friendly, phosphate-free varieties made from plantbased ingredients. If you already have a favorite detergent, look for the concentrated version (less packaging and less fuel to ship!).
FILL UP YOUR WASHER
Maximize your washer’s efficiency! A great rule of thumb is to fill it to the point that you can fit your fist between your clothes and the washer wall. Otherwise, wait to add more clothes or lower your wash-size setting.
SPIN-DRY
The more you dry your clothes in the washing machine, the less work your dryer will have to do later.
COLD-WATER WASH
Use cold water the next time you do laundry. Not only is it gentler on your clothes, but most detergents are just as effective in cold water.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT DETERGENT
Try eco-friendly, phosphate-free varieties made from plantbased ingredients. If you already have a favorite detergent, look for the concentrated version (less packaging and less fuel to ship!).
FILL UP YOUR WASHER
Maximize your washer’s efficiency! A great rule of thumb is to fill it to the point that you can fit your fist between your clothes and the washer wall. Otherwise, wait to add more clothes or lower your wash-size setting.
SPIN-DRY
The more you dry your clothes in the washing machine, the less work your dryer will have to do later.
Dry BetterDid you know your dryer uses a lot of energy, only second to your refrigerator? Reduce your environmental impact—and save money too—by cutting your dry time.
DITCH THE DRYER SHEETS
Dryer balls are reusable and reduce drying time by absorbing moisture. Plus, you can add your favorite essential oil to give your clothes a nice scent.
AIR-DRY
Air-drying saves energy and money (yay!). Line-dry or invest in a sturdy drying rack.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR DRYER
Remember to clean the lint filter—it increases efficiency and can shorten drying time. Or turn on the moisture sensor on your machine—it’ll shut off once your clothes are dry.
HANG IT UP
For wrinkle-prone items, hang them right away so you can skip the iron and reduce your impact.
DITCH THE DRYER SHEETS
Dryer balls are reusable and reduce drying time by absorbing moisture. Plus, you can add your favorite essential oil to give your clothes a nice scent.
AIR-DRY
Air-drying saves energy and money (yay!). Line-dry or invest in a sturdy drying rack.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR DRYER
Remember to clean the lint filter—it increases efficiency and can shorten drying time. Or turn on the moisture sensor on your machine—it’ll shut off once your clothes are dry.
HANG IT UP
For wrinkle-prone items, hang them right away so you can skip the iron and reduce your impact.
Dry Clean BetterDid you know that dry cleaning isn't actually dry? The process often uses some pretty scary chemicals to remove soil and stains.
DELAY CLEANINGS
For dry-clean-only clothes, wait until it’s completely necessary to have them cleaned. For in-between cleanings, try spot cleaning to remove stains or steaming to freshen your clothes.
GO GREEN
Choose an eco dry cleaner who avoids harmful chemicals like perchloroethylene (better known as perc). Bonus points if you ask them to skip the plastic bag and return the hangers when you’re done.
LOOKING AHEAD
We’re working hard to make even more of our collection machine washable, but some of our clothes require dry cleaning to protect the integrity of the fabric or garment.
DELAY CLEANINGS
For dry-clean-only clothes, wait until it’s completely necessary to have them cleaned. For in-between cleanings, try spot cleaning to remove stains or steaming to freshen your clothes.
GO GREEN
Choose an eco dry cleaner who avoids harmful chemicals like perchloroethylene (better known as perc). Bonus points if you ask them to skip the plastic bag and return the hangers when you’re done.
LOOKING AHEAD
We’re working hard to make even more of our collection machine washable, but some of our clothes require dry cleaning to protect the integrity of the fabric or garment.
When You’re Done Loving Your ClothesGive your clothes a second life by donating them to charity or reselling them. It’s the final step you can take to reduce your impact!