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What happens when you wash clothes without detergent

There is no detergent at home, but you need to do laundry? Is it possible?

What happens when you wash clothes without detergent | Photo: Steve Buissinne / Pixabay

Many have faced the situation of having to wash clothes without detergent. What are the consequences?

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Currently, everyone is trying to live more sustainably. Of course, it makes sense to simply skip adding detergent when washing clothes. This way, one can avoid the need to rinse out some toxic and harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

Here's what to expect when washing clothes without detergent:

If detergent is not added during washing, at best, you might manage to remove a few small stains.

However:

  • Unpleasant odors will remain on the clothes;
  • Stubborn stains won't be removed.

Additionally, the smell of the clothes may become even stronger because they haven't been cleaned with chemical agents. Therefore, the conclusion is clear – it's better to wash laundry with detergent.

What to do if there is no laundry detergent at home?

There are several effective alternatives that can replace commercial detergent.

According to Healthline, in an emergency, you can simply use a cup of baking soda. Just distribute it in the drum along with the clothes.

What happens when you wash clothes without detergent. Photo:: Unsplash License / Unsplash.com

CNet states that baking soda is an even better and gentler alternative, especially for sensitive skin. This is mainly because baking soda doesn't contain additives that can cause itching or rash.

According to information from Healthline, baking soda is not the only substitute for laundry detergent. In addition to it, you can also use plain vinegar. It is:

  • Inexpensive;
  • Effective;
  • Environmentally friendly.

Moreover, vinegar is almost always available in every household. It can also be used for various cleaning purposes, including as a whitener, deodorizer, and fabric softener.

In summary, in an emergency situation when detergent is out of stock, and laundry needs to be done urgently, you can use baking soda or vinegar. However, washing without detergent on a regular basis is not a sustainable solution.

All alternatives serve as temporary solutions to the problem of removing stains.

Even if you're trying to live sustainably and avoid using detergent, the consequences of doing so can lead to unpleasant odors and stubborn stains on your clothes. Despite alternatives like baking soda and vinegar being effective in emergency situations, regularly washing clothes without detergent is not a sustainable solution.

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