Laundry Secret: I don’t use detergent 99% of the time

I just don’t.

Unless it’s kitchen towels covered in grease, or really muddy, greasy clothes in the load, I don’t bother.

It comes out smelling fresh and is perfectly clean without that horribly over-perfumed scent of fake flowers or fake mountain breezes.

The agitation, and the warm water does the trick, and I have never looked back since.

I did try a load here at my parents, with a bit of detergent and I almost threw up from the nausea of the strong chemical-laden ocean mist scent that came off the clothes.

I have to re-wash them later on. This time, sans detergent.



I don’t do it because I’m cheap, eco-friendly or that I want to save a boatload of money.

I do it, because it has made a slight difference, for the better to stop using detergent. My clothes seem to last longer/better without chemicals attacking the fabric, and the fresh-without-being-nauseating scent is a huge bonus for my (now) sensitive nose.

So unless you are covered in grease, huge chunks of dirt, and/or feces on a regular basis, give washing just with warm water and a cold water rinse, a shot.

About the Author

Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver. I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year. Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about my story here, or visit my other blog: The Everyday Minimalist.