no powder

[nangari]

It does make sense. Detergent really only removes grease and nappies are not greasy. However, I do really like detergent that smells nice. My husband is really anti-fragrance (no soap, no deodorant, no air freshners, no fragranced candles, burning oil, perfume etc) BUT I actually have a sense of smell (he doesn't! lol) and it's a real sensory pleasure I get when I get the washing off the line and it smells like the latest fragrance I have chosen from the detergent on special at the time. I'm sorry, but I just LOVE the smell of it. I remember as a kid, being given my first bottle of perfume. I used to spray a hanky with it and just sit there sniffing it. I think my daughter is going to be similar to me in this regard as she is always making comments about the smell of things.

Congratulations though, I reckon what you've done is great. Definitely better for the environment, your pocket and bub's skin. Well done. Keep it up!

[MrsJones]

I've got to say that since I've been using it on the nappies I now don't like the smell of Earth's Choice! Might give this a go - fresh air and sunshine must smell better

[mummytojack]

that sounds cool! well done. I have been investing in soap nuts and that been good. Would the no detergent thing work in cold do you think?

I dont have a dryer so I line dry or dry them by the fire. I use terry squares only. I also use a vinegar rinse, would you still use that???

[freobabe]

What about the environmental cost (and financial for that matter) of heating the water though?

Would it not actually be more eco friendly to use a biodegradable detergent and cold water?

[innod]

i didnt do it for environmental reasons
i did it cause the powder was staying on the nappies and making them smell
and just for the record i have solar water so some days it may not be reallyboiling hot so i guess the answer of if cold water would work them yeah
i think it's more the movement than the water, but in my case i like the water hot, just like some like the scent

[Bec259]

I think I'm dense I don't understand how the clothes can be getting 'cleaned'? How can just water remove stains & odours etc? It would save so much money though!

[innod]

i think it's because washing machines today 'agitate' really well
so it's not so much what you wash them in but that the machine washes well
mind you i wouldnt wash dh's work clothes with out powder but after rinsing 1st the nappies are fine, no smell at all(well wet fabric when straight out of the machine)

[tikki]

Originally Posted by freobabe

What about the environmental cost (and financial for that matter) of heating the water though?

Would it not actually be more eco friendly to use a biodegradable detergent and cold water?

I guess you could weigh it against the resources, often petroleum based, and energy that has gone into the production of the detergent.

Good one, Donni.

[~LoriMum~]

I am now going to try this, too - very interesting idea and makes a lot of sense!! Um, I usually do a 40 degree wash - I think this is classed as a warm wash....??

In terms of the envionrmental cost with heating the water, we now have our power 100% green (at no extra cost... not sure why... maybe cos I've been with them for a while?), so the environmental cost is less, whereas there is nowhere to go with detergents to decrease the environmental costs. I guess the only thing is you may use a little more water with the extra rinse prior to washing.

Hmm.. I think you've started something here!!! Great post

[~neek~]

This is awesome! Just what I needed to read with all my washing dramas lately. I'm just going to go detergent free. Brilliant!