Truth About Laundry
Truth About Laundry – What’s fuelling Australia’s fast fashion problem?
We know fast fashion is a problem. But what if the real issue isn’t just what we buy, but how we care for it. While the environmental impact of fashion is widely known, how we care for our clothes at home is often ignored – despite playing a key role in how long our clothes last.
Extending clothing life is in everyone’s interest
Every year, 92 million tons of textile waste⁶⁷ is produced globally. Of this, 87% ends up in landfills or is incinerated⁷, often before items reach the end of their usable life⁸. Additionally, 11% of plastic waste originates from clothing and textiles.
⁶Global Fashion Agenda | ⁷EU Monitor | ⁸Fashion Revolution
⁶Global Fashion Agenda | ⁷EU Monitor | ⁸Fashion Revolution
About the report
We interviewed 1,000 Australians across all major cities to identify their attitudes and behaviours towards the laundry, including drying, routines, energy efficiency, longevity, and overall fabric care.
The need for speed
Nearly a third (29%) of Australian respondents wish their machine would wash more quickly, rising to 40% among 18-34-year-olds.
Wash temperatures
75% of Australian respondents claim to wash at 30°C and below with the majority, 58%, saying they wash cold. Younger generations (18-34 years-old) are less likely to wash cold than other age groups.
Drying habits revealed
When it comes to using the dryer, there is a great deal of uncertainty and nervousness around drying certain fabrics. For a country renowned for its wool, 73% of dryer owners are highly reluctant to dry it, with 45% saying they would never put it in a dryer.
Energy efficiency
With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, energy efficiency is top of mind for Australian households. In fact, 61% say it will influence their next appliance choice, reinforcing the need for appliances with lower energy consumption.
Fabric care
Air drying is preferred by most dryer owners, with 72% believing it is better for their clothes. While 43% cite fading from sun exposure as a reason for discarding clothes.
The Better Living Program
The Better Living Program is an 11-year action plan by Electrolux that aims to shape better and more sustainable living around the world. Its focus is an evolving list of 100 bold actions that we pledge to undertake by 2030. These actions represent our commitment to the four clear targets we have defined across the categories of Better Eating, Better Garment Care, Better Home Environment and Better Company.
UltimateCare washing machines
Designed to make your wash life easier, with the ability to wash 12kg in just 45 minutes or wool programs backed by Woolmark certification, your washing machine makes life simpler.
UltimateCare dryers
Our dryers are designed to look after your clothes, keeping them looking their best for longer. With Woolmark certification, specific delicate programs and wifi connectivity, you can rest assured your clothes are looked after by the best.