That's how one of my clients insists on doing it. She never goes anywheres and says the detergent irritates her skin. But is this sanitary to not use any detergent?
2006-08-25 17:04:11 · 22 answers · asked by Dellajoy 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Keep in mind, she ONLY wants COLD water used....she thinks the hot water has an oily residue.
2006-08-25 17:10:40 · update #1
Yes and No. Yes in the fact that the water will wash off water soluble particles. Since it is cold, it will not wash off as much as warm water. This is because the water molecules are moving slower and don't have the required energy to wash off the "stickier" particles. However, it will be very hard for her to get out non-polar substances that are in the fabric. So, if she gets a stain from salad dressing, it might take quite a few washes to come out. Also, bacteria tend to be sticky and have non-polar outer membranes. This means it will wash off some, but probably not nearly as much bacteria as warm water with detergent. Also, warm water only washes may free residual detergent from the sides of the washer. That may lead to the sense that warm water is equivalent to adding detergent. Anyway, hope this helps!
2006-08-26 14:33:38 · answer #1 · answered by Drew 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Washing in cold water is better than washing at all. It will "block" fabric and also remove quite a bit of dirt. A lot of stains will not come out without detergent which actually softens the water, and breaks up grease that cold water alone won't.As far as germs detergent isn't really what kills them anyway.If the clothes are put in the dryer that would help. The way she washes clothes isn't the best but I guess it is better than a skin rash.
2006-08-26 00:19:43 · answer #2 · answered by malraene 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2006-08-26 10:06:53 · answer #3 · answered by ivyemily50 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Washing in cold water doesn't do much to remove much of the tough stains, but i guess its better than not washing clothes at all. Cold water helps clothes looking better for longer, since washing in warm water tends to fade the color of the clothes over time and combine this with tumble drying the clothes...does reduce the "life span" :) of the clothes.
But i guess what your client can do is..... if she is really allergic to detergent, an antiseptic liquid can be added to the load (ie. Dettol-only a little) this way her clothes are sanitized, but as for tough stains, dettol or any antiseptic liquid wont do much. Btw-the chances of being allergic to Dettol should be very very low....c'mon...its dettol!!!!
For my laundry, I use dettol, detergent and wash in cold water (only because I'm a med student, and for the obvious reasons). Hope this helps.
2006-08-26 05:30:03 · answer #4 · answered by crtee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think she's just wasting her time. NO, I don't think it's sanitary. PLAIN water will not remove the body oils in clothing. There is BOUND to be SOME type of washing powder or something she can use.
She should find out EXACTLY what it is in the washing powder she is alergic to and find a brand that doesn't contain it.
ALSO, you can buy PLAIN Borax at WalMart. It is used as a washing powder booster. (I add a scoop to any VERY dirty laundry I have to wash in ADDITION to the washing powder.) Maybe THIS wouldn't bother her skin.
GOOD LUCK!!
2006-08-26 12:03:00 · answer #5 · answered by Renee D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This will not remove odors or stains, only surface dirt. Laundry detergent removes discolorations & particulates from clothing chemically. See if you can persuade her to use a hypoallergenic brand of detergent.
Cold water is fine for both rinse and wash.
2006-08-26 00:13:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as her clothes are not stained and nasty and look like they seriously need a run through some hot water and a lot of soap.....its all good. I wash all my clothes (as long as they are not extremely dirty) in cold water, it saves on the utility bill a lot. I do think its a bit nasty not to use soap though. I think its unsanitary for her not to use laundry detergent on her underwear ewwww.
2006-08-27 16:32:54 · answer #7 · answered by bobbie21brady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have your client try other brands of detergent. Lots of companies have web sites with free samples. It's not going to hurt them, but her clothes will not be truly clean without detergent.
2006-08-26 01:12:56 · answer #8 · answered by swarr2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think washing just with cold water will get her clothes clean. Has your client tried sensitive brands and maybe try rinsing the clothes more than once.
2006-08-26 04:18:07 · answer #9 · answered by m x 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way! While it's possible to boil clothing to sanitize it, cold water does nothing at all! Your client needs to use a soap that is less irritating. Does she use powdered or liquid? If powdered, stop using it. If liquid, cut down ever so slightly or rinse twice.
2006-08-26 00:48:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋