Green Laundry Hacks: Can 30-Degree Wash Clean Baby Clothes?

Green Laundry Hacks: Can 30-Degree Wash Clean Baby Clothes?

In the quest for a more sustainable lifestyle, every small choice matters. From minimising waste to reducing our carbon footprint, there's a growing awareness of the environmental impact of our daily routines. Laundry, especially when it comes to washing baby clothes, plays a significant role in how our choices affect the environment and many laundry detergent brands now suggest washing at 30 degrees. 

However, does washing at 30 degrees clean baby clothes as effectively as higher temperatures? In this post, we look into how effective washing at 30 degrees is when it comes to keeping kids' clothes clean and how washing at colder temperatures is better for the environment.   

Is washing at 30 degrees more eco-friendly?

While at-home washing machines have revolutionised the chore of washing laundry since they were introduced in the 1950s, the use of washing machines has come at a price. With every load of washing, CO2 is generated from heating water to the desired temperature, with washing machines emitting an estimated 62 million tonnes of CO2-eq greenhouse gases each year.

However, research, by leading laundry detergent provider Ariel, has shown that when combining modern detergents and energy-efficient washing machines, the environmental impact of washing machines can be reduced. By choosing to wash your clothes at 30 degrees you can achieve clean results and reduce carbon emissions by 30%. The benefits of washing at lower temperatures do not stop there: 

Washing clothes at 30 degrees can also:

  • Save money on your energy bills
  • Keep clothes looking more vibrant 
  • Helping clothes to last longer by avoiding shrinkage at hot temperatures.  

Does washing at 30 degrees work on baby clothes? 

Although washing at lower temperatures is better for the environment, is washing at 30 degrees appropriate for baby clothes? Although baby clothes are small, typical life with a baby generates a lot of laundry, from spilled milk to nappy explosions, baby’s clothes endure some tough stains. 

Modern laundry detergent formulas are great at removing stains with claims from Persil stating that even tough stains like mud and pasta can be removed at 30 degrees.

Putting stained clothes through a cold pre-soak or hygiene rinse can also help to tackle tough stains before washing them, allowing you to use a lower temperature setting and still obtain clean results.

However, when it comes to stains that include bacteria such as faeces, a common stain when raising a baby, it is agreed that hotter washes are needed. 

Choose an eco-friendly laundry detergent

Choosing the right laundry detergent can help to reduce the environmental impact of washing clothes at home. Here are some great eco-conscious laundry brands:

  • Smol - Get your laundry detergent sent to your home in plastic-free packaging that is cruelty-free with Leaping Bunny approval.
  • Ecover - Ecover uses biodegradable ingredients and avoids common irritants. Its packaging uses plant-based materials and recycled plastic. 
  • Clothes Doctor - This clothing care company offers eco-wash detergents in plastic-free bottles, with detergents aimed at specific needs. Their baby detergent is free from irritants and has a higher alkaline formula to tackle tough stains.  

Balancing cleanliness and sustainability

The concept of using lower temperatures for washing baby clothes aligns with the ethos of sustainable living. It minimises energy consumption and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. However, maintaining a balance between cleanliness and eco-friendliness is paramount. Hence, occasional higher-temperature washes for heavily soiled items or bacteria-prone garments might be necessary for peace of mind.

Eco-conscious cleaning: Tips and tricks

  • Choose eco-friendly detergents: Opt for detergents specifically labelled as eco-friendly or suitable for lower temperatures. These formulations ensure effective cleaning without compromising the environment.
  • Pre-treat stains: For stubborn stains on baby clothes, pre-treating them before washing is a game-changer. Natural stain removers like baking soda or white vinegar work wonders without the need for harsh chemicals.
  • Maximise full loads: To conserve water and energy, ensure your washing machine runs at full capacity. Combining multiple baby clothing items in one load not only saves resources but also maintains the machine's efficiency.
  • Air dry whenever possible: Embrace the air-drying method for baby clothes. Not only does this preserve fabric integrity, but it's also energy-efficient and eliminates the need for energy-hungry tumble dryers.
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Why Borro clothes?

Renting means less waste, more wardrobe flexibility and no more piles of outgrown clothes. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to dress your little ones.

With Borro, you get high-quality kidswear without the commitment, just what you need, when you need it. Helping you save time, save money, and save the planet.

What about stains?

Don't panic! Let us worry about the stains. Stain insurance is included. Obviously it's best to prevent stains if you can, or treat them as soon as possible. But we will never charge you.

If the garment can't be saved, it will be upcycled or recycled. Nothing ever goes to landfill, and we'll never charge you.

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All the clothes are individually priced and there's no minimum amount or set subscription - we're flexible!

Rent as many/few things as you like and you'll see at checkout what your monthly subscription will be. (If you want us to pick out a coordinated bundle of 10 items for you, it's £29/month).

Exchanges

We know little ones grow as fast as the weather changes! You don't need to return your previous order to order new clothes, so simply send back items whenever you no longer have a need for them, and add any new items to your subscription, by adding them to your basket and checking out.

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Delivery

Your order will be packed and dispatched the next working day. Delivery takes 2-3 working days.

Returns

Pop them inside the bag/box they came in, attach the free pre-paid returns label, then drop off at your nearest Evri ParcelShop.

We only include one pre-paid returns label per order, so if you choose to send just some of an order back and the rest later, you will need to pay for the postage of the second return. 

Once we've received your items we will amend your subscription so you only pay for what you've got.

We recommend returning items 4-5 days before your subscription renews in order to allow enough time for delivery and processing to avoid your next monthly payment going out. If you're a few days late, you can always cancel online (use the link in the order confirmation email). As long as we receive the clothes within the next few days, that's fine.

Sustainability

At Borro we maximise the use of each item of clothing by providing a service that ensures it's well maintained, repaired and enjoyed by as many families as possible.

So if a garment is used by 6 different users, the global warming potential is 49% less, with a CO2e (kg) per user of 1.18, instead of 2.29.

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