The Ethical and Practical Debate on Using Febreze on Clothes
It is not uncommon for individuals to seek ways to extend the life of their clothing, especially in an era where laundry cycles are frequent and clothing quality is often debated. This article explores the ethical and practical considerations surrounding the use of Febreze on clothes, while also examining the environmental impact of our washing habits.
Introduction to Febreze and Its Usage
Like many, I have wondered whether it is acceptable or practical to use Febreze on clothes to wear them again before washing. For instance, have you, or would you, admit to using Febreze on your clothes in order to wear them again the next day, despite needing to wash them? This raises a pertinent question: is it more efficient to extend the use of clothes or to wash them regularly?
Personal Experiences with Febreze
My personal experience with Febreze involves treating musty bed pillows. I typically put them out on the deck, spray them with Febreze, and let them stay in the sunlight, turning them over mid-day. This method works great for me. However, I would never use Febreze on clothes that need washing because of their odor. Nonetheless, in the event of an emergency, I might consider it if it's absolutely necessary, but the most practical solution is to wash them.
Another individual suggests shaking clothes in fresh air to refresh them for one final wear. If clothes are not visibly dirty or smell badly, this method might be sufficient, provided they are not old or have visible signs of wear. This approach offers a natural and efficient solution, avoiding chemical additives completely.
The Ethical Considerations of Washing Clothes
That said, I personally find the act of admitting to using Febreze for any reason unimaginable. I believe that garments should only be laundered when they smell, have a stain, or show signs of wear. For example, a man might use shirt laundry services for collared dress shirts to remove sweat stains, as these garments can quickly accumulate wear and sweat marks. However, for those not wearing fitted clothing as frequently as men, the need to launder items after just one wear is often an overkill.
Until after World War II, people were accustomed to doing laundry on the same day, such as Monday, with a few suit sets and being able to wear the same thing every day except Sunday, which was reserved for more formal attire. This practice was likely due to the higher quality of clothing back then, as many textiles were boiled as part of the laundry process. This era of large-scale laundry was a day-long activity for many families.
Environmental Impact and Laundry Frequency
More recently, the habit of wearing something different every day and showers every day has become commonplace, especially in the US. The practice of laundering clothes after just one use, with no visible signs of wear or body odor, is often seen as wasteful and unnecessary. It is often more practical to launder only underwear and socks after one wear, or if it has been soiled with perspiration during hot weather.
It is worth noting that the use of products like Febreze can have an environmental impact. EWG (Environmental Working Group) has provided substantiation regarding the contents of such products, which are often not natural and can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Additionally, frequent laundry cycles consume energy and water, which can contribute to environmental degradation and higher utility bills.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to extend the life of our clothing by using products like Febreze, there are ethical and practical considerations to keep in mind. In many cases, natural methods such as air-drying and shaking clothes in fresh air are sufficient to refresh them for one more wear. However, if you do choose to use Febreze, it is essential to be mindful of the environmental impact. A balanced approach to laundry habits can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.