How to do laundry without using detergent?

Question

Do you know any eco-friendly and cheap ways of doing laundry without using washing powder/liquid etc, while still leaving clothes clean and smelling nice?
Can't stand thinking what all these chemicals are doing to the planet, as well as household products being tested on animals.
Thanks for any ideas!

Answer 1

I ran out of detergent once and just put the machine on with none. Clothes came out fine and clean. Hung the washing out in the sunshine to dry and they smelled lovely.

Answer 2

Don't fall for the eco-balls. The only reason they appear to work is that your clothes retain a residue of detergent through several washes -- enough to get the clothes cleat without adding detergent. Tests have shown the eco-balls useless, and a waste of money (there was an expose' about it on TV a while back, but I don't remember what show presented it.)

Check with a natural foods store, or the natural foods section of your grocery store. Ecologically friendly products are becoming more available at prices comparable to the more damaging products. I use a liquid put out by a company called Seventh Generation. Their citrus scent product makes clothes smell nice and doesn't make my allergies kick up.

In general, liquid detergents are less ecologically damaging than powders.

Answer 3

Pre-treat any stains with a bit of detergent or stain remover

Use about a third of the soap that you are directed to on the bottle into the washer

Mix a couple tablespoons of baking soda in a cup or so of water and pour into the washer

If you have strong odors emanating from your laundered items, use a half-cup to a full-cup of WHITE vinegar. It can brighten whites, it smells fresh and by the time it comes out of the dryer or off the line - it no longer has any pickle-y smell!

I use this method if some cat piddle gets on an expensive or nearly new clothing item - i have saved a fair bit this way!
Let it wash

Answer 4

Most of the detergents say that they are biodegradable. Is that not good enough? I don't know that you're going to find anything else that will get stains out and get your laundry clean. I do understand your position, though, and applaud your efforts.

If there were such an item as eco-friendly laundry liquid, it would be at Whole Foods or Central Market. I don't know if you have one nearby...

Answer 5

you don't have to use the washing powder/liquid
i once forgot to buy some when we were out of washing powder/liquid so i used none hung it in the sun and were pretty clean (i can't stand chemicals we always buy something natural or eco-friendly)

Answer 6

Yes, use a cup of vinegar in your water. If all possible let the clothes soak overnight before washing. Not only will the vinegar get the clothes clean, it will leave it smelling fresh. There is nothing in vinegar that could ruin your clothes or harm the eviroment.

Answer 7

First there are eco friendly products you can get. Secondly whatever you use you most likely won't need nearly as much as it says on the box, an extra rinse is far better than more product. Hanging clothes outside will also make them smell great.

Answer 8

Fortunately, Yes, Darling.
In India, our grandmothers uses to use a fruit, REETHHAA. for washing. Those were kept into water for 3 days and then scrubbed, giving a bit foam. Those were excellent cleaners. Woolens and other expensive clothes were washed thus.
REETHHAA is still available in grocery shops around Sealdah, Calcutta.

Answer 9

Try using soap nuts. They are pretty cheap when you order them on the Internet. I use a couple in each wash and they do the job quite happily. I have a friend who has children and she uses them too. I have found that I can easily use less than the recommended amount. They look a bit weird, but really are okay!

http://www.gogreen.cellande.co.uk/shop/products/soapnuts/soapnuts.php

Answer 10

my friend had ordered some form of natural substancein the form of sheres you reuse in washer to clean clothes Dont know if it worked well, she didnt care if they looked clean, just cncern for environment only was her aim. I looked up washing clothes without detergent and came up with this for one:(Im not promoting anythng and have no idea if this is a legit business but its a sample)

GeoWash is a Laundry Ball System that allows you to wash clothes
with less detergent. It works on the principle of Piezzo Electric Effect.
When GeoWash is put into the washing machine, the agitation of the
water with the ceramic chips inside the balls creates a Piezzo Electric
effect. This effect softens the water because of the small Piezzo
electric charge that is discharged into the water. Softer water allows
you to wash the clothes with less detergent. You may use some Bleach or
Javel Water for added disinfecting to the wash.

GeoWash will allow you to wash clothes with up to 80% less detergent.
This means that a standard load of laundry that requires 1 cup of
detergent can be washed with approximately 3 tablespoons. When using
Bleach or Javel Water, only 1/2 the normal amount is required. Even
though GeoWash can clean clothes without detergent, we strongly
recommend using some bleach or detergent to kill bacteria. GeoWash
does not contain whiteners or any bleaching chemicals. The 3 added
tablespoons of detergent should provide enough whiteners for a standard
load. GeoWash is not a stain remover. Please note that stains should
be removed with a stain remover as normally done.

Some advantages of using GeoWash are as follows:

1) The aggravation of soap allergies are reduced. This is especially
healthier for children.
2) There is a savings to the environment.
3) There is a reduced cost of doing laundry over a period of time.
4) There is less deterioration of the washing machine seals and bearings
due to soap corrosion.
5) You save on both detergent costs, and wear on your washing machine.
6) Because there is less detergent, fabrics will last longer.

To use GeoWash, all three balls are put in with the wash, and allowed
to go through the complete cycle. This product should give you hundreds
of washes. We have many customers using this product for a number of
years now. GeoWash is not to be used in the dryer.