what to use instead of laundry detergent?

Answer 1

go naked

or,

1) Use sodium hexametaphosphate to cut detergent use in half and dry spotless (use with hard water; does not remove dried on food).
2) Cutting Grease: ½ c baking soda to detergent or add lemon slices to water (also fresh smell).
3) Buy detergents with no phosphates or chlorine.
4) Rub a sponge with bar soap

Answer 2

If you are simply allergic to most detergents, you might want to try Dreft. It is a laundry "soap" used primarily for baby clothes, and highly non-allergenic.

If you just want to freshen your laundry (not a lot of dirt), you might try scrubbing your dirty spots with some dish soap (make sure there is no bleach in it!) and then laundering your clothes with baking soda. Sprinkle a bunch of it into your wash cycle, the same as you would detergent. It removes bad odors also!

Answer 3

Grated Zote soap from Mexico works great! It's an animal based soap, not a detergent so it's easy on your skin and your clothes. You can buy it on eBay. You used to be able to buy it at Wal-Mart but for some stupid reason they stopped carrying it.

Answer 4

Soap nuts. In India they are called "aritha". They contain 12% saponin and will clean clothes naturally without any chemicals.They are even used to wash hair.

Answer 5

baking soda