How To Wash Clothes Without Detergent: 8 Easy Ways!

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Cloth diapers, blankets, and other items that can’t be washed with regular detergent. Because you don’t want to ruin these items, it’s important to know how to wash them without detergent. But how you can do that?

According to the report of the Association for the Advancement of Science, more than 80 percent of the world’s population does not use traditional laundry detergent. In fact, they don’t even have easy access to it.

So, what about the other 20 percent? Well, there are a few different ways that people in this group wash their clothes without detergent. It means that there are a variety of methods that you can use to get your clothes clean without any harsh chemicals.

That’s why you need to completely read this article. Because in this article, I have shared the 8 best ways how to wash your clothes without detergent.

Also, I have covered things to keep in mind when cleaning clothes without detergent. It will also help you to avoid any damage to your clothes. 

So let’s get started.

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Instructions Before Wash Clothes Without Detergent

If you have a full load of laundry that is soiled with light dirt and stains, you can wash your clothes without using any detergent. Because detergent can be harsh on your clothes and cause them to fade, it is best to save it for when you really need it. Before starting the process of washing clothes without detergent, you have to keep these instructions in mind.

• Check the clothing care labels: Before you start washing your clothes without detergent, you need to check the care labels. This will help you understand the fabric and how it should be washed. Different fabrics require different washing techniques and you don’t want to damage your clothes.
• Pretreat the stains: If your clothes have any stains, you need to pretreat them before washing them. This will help to remove the stains and make your clothes look clean.
• Soak your clothes: Soaking your clothes in water before washing them will help to remove any dirt or stains.
• Ice water: Using ice water to wash your clothes will help to remove any tough stains. Because ice water is very cold, it will help to break down the stains.
• Washing machine: When you are washing your clothes without detergent, you need to make sure that you use the right washing machine cycle.

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8 Simple Ways To Wash Clothes Without Detergent

It’s time to save money and ditch the laundry detergent. Whether you have sensitive skin or are looking for more eco-friendly options, there are plenty of ways to clean your clothes without any harsh chemicals. Here are 8 simple ways to wash clothes without detergent.

1. Apply Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is a type of bleach that contains hydrogen peroxide. It is a more gentle bleaching agent than chlorine bleach and can be used in both whites and colors. 

To use, simply mix oxygen bleach with water according to the package directions and pour it over your clothes. Because it is a more gentle bleach, you may need to soak your clothes for longer to see results. 

It is also important to note that oxygen bleach will not disinfect your clothes as chlorine bleach will. But, it is a great alternative for those with sensitive skin or looking for more eco-friendly options. 

If you are using oxygen bleach in place of chlorine bleach, you may need to use a higher concentration or soak for a longer period of time. 

However, be sure to always test a small area first to avoid damaging your clothes. And, be sure to follow the package directions for proper use.

Last updated on 2024-04-18/Affiliate Links/ Images from Amazon

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2. Try To Use Borax

Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a natural mineral that is mined from the earth. It has been used for centuries as a cleaning agent and has even been shown to have antimicrobial properties. 

Because it is a natural product, borax is much safer to use than traditional laundry detergents. To use borax to wash your clothes without detergent, add 1/2 cup of borax to your washing machine for every load of laundry. 

You can also pre-treat any stains by applying a Borax paste to the area and letting it sit for 30 minutes before washing. But keep in mind that borax is not safe for use on delicate fabrics like silk or wool. 

If you’re washing these items, skip the borax and opt for a different method. However, for most other fabrics, borax is a great alternative to detergent. And it’s especially good at getting rid of stubborn stains.

Last updated on 2024-04-18/Affiliate Links/ Images from Amazon

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3. Using Soap Nuts

Soap nuts are the fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree. They grow in India and other parts of Asia and have been used for centuries as a natural laundry detergent. Soap nuts are 100% natural and gentle on both clothes and skin. 

They are also hypoallergenic and won’t cause any irritation. To use soap nuts, simply place 4-5 in a small cloth bag and tie it closed. Then, add the bag to your washing machine along with your clothes. 

The soap nuts will release their natural soap into the water, creating suds that will clean your clothes. Because soap nuts are all-natural, they are a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. They are also eco-friendly and biodegradable. 

It’s important to note that soap nuts only work in warm or hot water. They will not be effective in cold water. But, using soap nuts to wash your clothes is a great way to save money and ditch the laundry detergent. 

Last updated on 2024-04-18/Affiliate Links/ Images from Amazon

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4. Try To Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made from distilled grain alcohol. It is a popular cleaning agent because it is effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains. It is also a natural fabric softener. 

To use white vinegar as a laundry detergent alternative, simply add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular laundry soap. 

Because white vinegar is acidic, it is important to use a color-safe laundry soap to avoid damaging your clothes. But don’t worry, the vinegar smell will dissipate once your clothes are dry. 

If you’re looking for a more powerful cleaning solution, you can add 1 cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle. This will help to remove any stubborn stains or odors. 

However, it is important to note that using too much vinegar can damage your clothes. So, be sure to use it sparingly.

Last updated on 2024-04-18/Affiliate Links/ Images from Amazon

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5. Boil Water With Lemon Peels

One of the most effective ways to clean your clothes without laundry detergent is to boil water with lemon peels. The lemon peels will add a fresh and clean scent to your clothes while also getting rid of any tough stains. 

Because this method uses boiling water, it’s best to use it on tougher fabrics such as denim or linen.

To use this method, simply add a handful of lemon peels to a pot of boiling water. Add your clothes and let them soak for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

And lemon juice can also be used as a natural bleach alternative. So, if you have any white clothes that need to be brightened up, this is a great way to do it. 

However, be sure to test the lemon juice on a small area of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.

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6. Apply Washing Soda

Washing soda is a great alternative to laundry detergent and can be used in a variety of ways. You can add washing soda directly to your laundry in place of detergent, or you can make a washing soda solution to pretreat stains. 

To make a washing soda solution, mix 1 cup of washing soda with 1 gallon of water. Because washing soda is alkaline, it can cause skin irritation. 

Be sure to wear gloves when handling washing soda. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to consider using baking soda instead. 

But keep in mind that baking soda is not as effective at removing stains. However, baking soda is a great option for washing whites. And like washing soda, it can also be used to pretreat stains.

Last updated on 2024-04-18/Affiliate Links/ Images from Amazon

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7. Add salt to the wash cycle to make your clothes softer

Salt is a natural fabric softener and can help to brighten up your clothes. Add ½ cup of salt to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. 

Because salt is a natural disinfectant, it will also help to kill any bacteria on your clothes. It’s a great way to keep your clothes fresh and clean without using any harsh chemicals. 

But, be sure not to add too much salt or it could damage your clothes. And, if you’re washing a load of particularly dirty clothes, you may want to add a little more salt to the cycle. However, if you’re washing delicate clothing, you should skip this tip.

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8. Using A Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid is a detergent used to clean dishes. It is made up of water, surfactants, and other chemicals that can break down grease and remove stains. It can also be used to wash clothes. 

Just add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a bucket of water and soak your clothes in it for 30 minutes. After that, rinse your clothes with clean water. 

Because dishwashing liquid is made to remove grease, it will also remove any built-up dirt and grime on your clothes. It is a great alternative to laundry detergent for people with sensitive skin. 

But, if you have a lot of clothes to wash, it can be quite expensive. If you want to save money, you can use dishwashing liquid to pre-treat stains before washing them with laundry detergent. 

Last updated on 2024-04-18/Affiliate Links/ Images from Amazon

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Things to keep in mind when cleaning clothes without detergent

Clothes can be cleaned without detergent, but it is important to keep a few things in mind. Because there is no detergent to help lift dirt and stains, heavier or more set-in stains may be more difficult to remove. 

Additionally, without detergent, clothes may not come out as clean as they would if detergent were used. Here are a few tips for cleaning clothes without detergent:

• Hot water can help to loosen dirt and stains, making them easier to remove. Because hot water can also shrink and damage some fabrics, it is important to check the care label before using hot water.
• Pre-treat any set-in stains with a pretreatment product or by rubbing the fabric together to create friction. 
• Scrub the clothes by hand to help lift the dirt and stains. But be sure to be gentle so as not to damage the fabric.
• Use a clean toothbrush to scrub small or hard-to-reach areas. 
• Rinse the clothes thoroughly in cold water. Hang or lay the clothes out to dry. 
• Without detergent, you may have to scrub the clothes by hand to get them clean. 

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Wrap Up On: How To Wash Clothes Without Detergent

It is possible to wash clothes without detergent if you know which methods work best for your needs. By following the instructions provided or trying some of the 8 simple ways listed, you can save money and have clean clothes that smell great too! 

And reduce the amount of detergent you use each month, give one (or all!) of these methods a try. Make sure you read the care instructions on your clothing tags before attempting any of these methods. 

Test each method on an inconspicuous area of your garment first to make sure there is no adverse reaction. 

Also, use cold water whenever possible as it helps preserve colors and fabrics. Did any of these methods work for you? Let us know in the comments below.

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FAQ: How To Wash Clothes Without Detergent

There are many questions in the mind of people related to how to wash clothes without detergent. Here I am giving answers to some important questions;