Commercial Detergents

• Manufacturers are bowing to public pressure and producing greener versions of commercial products. Review labels for phosphate- and enzyme-free powders. If you really don't want to change your detergent, reduce the amount you use by half. Not only will you lessen chemical pollution, but your machine also will not become clogged with undissolved detergent and you will save money.
  
  

Homemade Laundry Powder

• Make a simple laundry powder by mixing four parts soap flakes with one part washing soda and one part borax. You may have to adjust quantities for the hardness of the water in your area. Add softness to your wash by adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Scent laundry by putting a few drops of essential oil into the dispenser. Lemon juice will bleach stains from clothing, but test in an inconspicuous area first. Alternatively, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to stains for several hours before laundering the item.
  
  

Soap Nuts

• Soap Nuts are the fruit of Sapindus mukorrosi "Chinese Soapberry." The "soap" is a substance called saponin, produced in the shells of the fruit. Soap nuts are economical and readily available. Place six or eight half-shells in a muslin bag or an old sock, and put the bag in the washer with the laundry. The shells can be used several times and then thrown onto the compost heap. Soap nuts do not produce a lot of lather, but they clean and soften laundry really well.
  
  

Laundry Balls

• The efficiency of laundry balls is debatable. Manufacturers make numerous claims about infrared radiation and "activated" ceramics, but no scientifically proven conclusions have been drawn. It is likely that the mechanical action of the balls during the wash cycle is sufficient to clean laundry; however, they can cause fabrics to weaken by repeated pounding.
  
  

Lower Temperatures

• Lower temperature washing is certainly environmentally friendlier. However, using colder water will cause detergent to remain undissolved, thus eventually creating a sludge in the machine and the outlet drain. Additionally, bacteria in clothing will not be killed, resulting in increased allergic reactions. Use a low-impact detergent or homemade laundry powder with the occasional hot wash to keep the machine clean and to keep clothing, bedding and towels free of bacteria.