If you want to take better care of both your clothes and the environment, you can benefit from taking a closer look at your clothes before putting them in the washing machine. Does it smell? Is it dirty? Or does it just end up in the machine because that's where it usually goes after one or two days of wear? Most clothes can be worn many times before they actually need detergent - especially trousers, which make up the majority of LAURIE's range. The fresh air just outside your door can usually work wonders within a few hours.

The selection of environmentally friendly detergents is extensive, so when it's time to do laundry, it's worth opting for the greenest alternative. Additionally, it's worth dosing correctly. Overdosing detergent is a loss for both clothes – which risk retaining excess soap residue – the environment, and your wallet. There are dosing instructions on all detergents, so you just need to find out how hard the water is where you live.

You're probably well aware that your clothes are best sorted by color. But do you also sort them by fabric type and recommended washing temperatures? By doing so, you can extend their lifespan. Is fabric softener necessary? We use fabric softener as both a softening and scent-enhancing agent – but above all, we use it to counteract static electricity in clothes. However, static electricity only occurs in garments made of synthetic materials, and at LAURIE, we strive to use as many natural materials as possible. Because nature has a hard time breaking down fabric softener, we therefore recommend skipping it.

The shortest answer is, of course, no. We've been dressing ourselves for centuries without using tumble dryers, and we all know they are harsh on both clothes and the environment. Everything we design and produce at LAURIE is best not tumble dried - but if you're in a hurry one day, we recommend the efficient drying balls, which shorten the time in the dryer. They work by lifting and separating the clothes, allowing air to circulate better - and that's good for both the clothes, the environment, and the electricity bill.

We know from bitter experience how a washing machine can start to smell between washes if we forget to leave the door slightly ajar. This happens when the air isn't changed, and leftover water aren't allowed to evaporate. In addition to always leaving the door ajar between washes, despite the greater environmental impact, it's a good idea to run your washing machine on a hot wash a few times a month. This helps remove bacteria and built-up soap residues, and for a thorough cleaning, you can also wipe the rubber seal and wash the detergent drawer. A clean washing machine simply washes clothes better, thereby prolonging their lifespan.