Hur kan man spara vatten hemma? En tvätt mindre gör större skillnad än du tror

How can you save water at home? One less laundry load makes a bigger difference than you think

June 24, 2026

When water scarcity is discussed, it often revolves around shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, or letting the lawn be a little less green during summer. But one of the biggest water savings many of us can make is already at home in the laundry room.

A typical washing machine uses about 50 liters of water per wash. If every household in Stockholm county skipped just one wash a week, it would save almost 56 million liters of water. In Skåne, it would be about 33 million liters, and on Gotland about 1.5 million liters of water – every week.

This raises an interesting question: do all the loads we run really need to be done?

How much water does a washing machine use?

Most people don't think of the washing machine as a major water consumer. But since washing is something we do several times a week, the cumulative effect is significant.

A modern washing machine uses, on average, about 50 liters of water per wash. For a family that washes five times a week, that's approximately 250 liters of water every week, or over 13,000 liters a year.

Of course, we need to wash clothes. But many washes are also done out of habit rather than necessity.

Many washes are done out of habit rather than necessity

We've learned that washing is the answer to almost everything. But between "used" and "washed" there are more possibilities.

Many of us toss clothes into the laundry basket almost reflexively. Not because they're dirty, but because they've been worn. But a pair of jeans, a linen shirt, or a blazer can often be worn several times before they actually need washing. In many cases, airing the garment or letting it recover between uses is enough.

Perhaps that's where the biggest water saving lies – not in washing smarter, but in sometimes not washing at all.

It doesn't just save water. It also reduces wear and tear on the fibers and helps garments stay looking good longer.

Feel free to also read our guide on how to care for linen and our article on why workout clothes smell despite washing.

What happens if we extend the time between washes?

One less wash might not sound like much.

But if every household in:

Stockholm county skipped one wash per week, almost 56 million liters of water would be saved.
Skåne county skipped one wash per week, approximately 33 million liters of water would be saved.
Gotland county skipped one wash per week, approximately 1.5 million liters of water would be saved.

This shows how much difference small changes can make when many people make them simultaneously. At the same time, garments get fewer wash cycles, less wear and tear, and often a longer lifespan.

How you can reduce water consumption at home

Saving water doesn't have to mean big sacrifices.

A few simple habits can make a difference:

Wash full loads.
Air garments between uses.
Wash when the garment is dirty instead of according to a routine.
Use lower temperatures when sufficient.
Address odors between washes instead of washing immediately.

It's not about stopping washing. It's about washing when it's actually needed.

When is it enough to freshen up instead of washing?

Odor is one of the most common reasons we wash clothes. But odor doesn't always mean a garment is dirty.

Often, it's organic residues from skin, sweat, and everyday use that become nutrients for odor-producing bacteria. If those residues are broken down, the conditions for odor also disappear.

Pure Effect Textile Spray contains Bacillus subtilis, which helps break down the organic residues that odor-producing bacteria feed on.

When the cause of the odor is broken down, the garment can be freshened up between uses without needing to be washed as often. For garments like jeans, linen shirts, blazers, outerwear, and shoes, it can be a simple way to extend the time between washes.

Summary

A washing machine uses about 50 liters of water per wash. By washing when truly necessary, instead of out of habit, we can save large amounts of water while our garments last longer. Often, airing or freshening up between uses is enough.

Frequently asked questions

How much water does a washing machine use?

A modern washing machine uses an average of about 50 liters of water per wash. The exact amount varies between different models and programs.

How can you save water at home?

Some of the simplest ways are to wash full loads, air garments between uses, and avoid unnecessary washes.

Do you need to wash clothes after every use?

No. Many garments, especially jeans, linen, wool, blazers, and of course outerwear, can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed.

Do you really save a lot of water by washing less?

Yes. If every household in Stockholm county skipped one wash per week, almost 56 million liters of water would be saved every week. In Skåne, it would be about 33 million liters, and on Gotland about 1.5 million liters.