
Natural washing: 5 effective ways without using chemicals
Kyiv • UNN
Say goodbye to chemical detergents! Vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, dryer balls, and folding warm clothes will help keep things clean and safe.
Chemicals, although they help maintain the whiteness in order, can cause skin irritation and accumulate harmful substances in tissues. But there are many natural alternatives that are just as effective at dealing with dirt and odors. By giving up chemicals, you can not only keep your clothes clean, but also take care of the environment. UNN has collected five simple tricks for washing without unnecessary chemicals that will make your things clean and soft, without harming your health.
Vinegar as a natural fabric freshener
White vinegar is a great alternative to traditional fabric softener. Its acidic properties help dissolve detergent residue that can build up in fabric fibers, and neutralize unpleasant odors. Vinegar not only reduces the stiffness of fabrics, but also adds softness to them without the use of chemical additives.

You can add it to the compartment for fabric softener, and this will provide your clothes with freshness without harmful chemical components. Moreover, vinegar helps to preserve the color of fabrics, especially dark things, and prevents the formation of small spots or yellowness.
Essential oils for freshness
Essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree, are not only wonderful natural flavorings for your clothes, but also have powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties. Lavender, for example, is known for its ability to kill bacteria, which helps eliminate unpleasant odors and mold.

Tea tree oil has similar properties and is often used to fight bacteria that can remain on clothing. By adding a few drops of essential oil to the wash, you will provide your clothes with not only freshness, but also hygiene without the use of chemicals.
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Baking soda for lightening and deodorizing
Baking soda is another great natural remedy that has long been used in the home. It not only helps to lighten the laundry, but also acts as a natural deodorant. For a better effect, add half a glass of baking soda during the rinsing cycle. It will balance the pH of the water, which will help get rid of unpleasant odors that may remain after washing, and also help remove stains and refresh white clothes. In addition, soda has a softer effect on fabrics than aggressive chemicals.
Replace dryer sheets with dryer balls

Using dryer balls instead of traditional wipes is an effective way to reduce the chemical load on your laundry and dryer. Wool balls, as well as tennis balls, help maintain air circulation in the dryer, which ensures more even and faster drying of things. They also help to avoid the formation of folds on clothes, which saves time and effort. Wool balls, in addition, can act as a natural deodorant, leaving a light and pleasant smell on the laundry, without the addition of chemical fragrances.
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Folding clothes immediately after the dryer, while it is warm
This simple method will help you save time and avoid using an iron. When you take clothes out of the dryer while they are still warm, fold them immediately. This will avoid the formation of folds that usually appear when clothes cool down in the folded state.
Thanks to such simple and effective methods, you will be able to make your washing more environmentally friendly, reduce the use of chemicals and take care of the environment.