Wash them clothes....how?

[Rachel_K]

This is an old thread, I know, but washing is a big part of my life as a housewife with a baby in cloth nappies!

I do already have a decent stock of soap nuts as they are great for nappies - they clean well (although not so great on stains) and wash out thoroughly which is untrue of 'proper' detergents. Detergent left in nappies (and towels) reduces their absorbency and also traps nasty bacteria, not something you want in normal life let alone in a survival situation. Detergent residues also 'eat' at elastic and more delicate fabrics, reducing their lifespan significantly. Soap nuts don't leave any residue even with little rinsing and they have a softening effect too (I doubt we'll be using fabric softener or the tumble dryer much!) so I will want some around. They can also be used for personal hygiene and are a natural insecticide - I use soap nut liquid on my tomato plants to kill aphids with good effect. When you're done with them, they just go in the compost. I sound like a soapnut salesperson, I'm not but I do love them!

My other alternative is soaking in 'eco bleach' - sodium percarbonate. I use this anyway for general washing and nappies, but it sanitises things so I would consider it for nappies or sick people's clothes. It breaks down to water, oxygen and soda ash so I think the water could then be used on the garden, although I haven't checked that properly. The soaking option sounds pretty good for me as I don't like hand washing things at the best of times.