There are many ways to reduce the amount of chemicals used to clean your clothes, which as well as posing environmental problems, can also cause skin complaints. Detergents often are made of petrochemicals, which themselves irritate skin, and the fragrances used to mask them. Napthalene and phenol are sometimes present in detergents, despite being known hazardous chemicals. Phosphates common in laundry detergents are the cause of algal blooms in water ways, where they end up after being used in the home. These algal blooms take the absorbed oxygen from the water, choking all aqueous life and disrupting ecosystems.

As well as being harmful to people and the planet, detergents are unnecessary. The obvious natural alternative is simply soap, which cleans effectively and can leave fabrics softer than detergents. When washing cotton and linen, soap can be added to soften the water, or baking soda, which will soften fabric and leave it with a fresh smell. To brighten colours, vinegar can be added to the wash. Surprisingly, vinegar also extends the life of your fabrics by balancing the pH level, and when added to the wash, reduces lint on dark fabrics. To fragrance a wash, add a few drops of essential oil on a cloth in the clothes dryer, with the other wet clothes.

Hand washing delicate fabrics such as silks and wools can also be done using mild soap or a protein shampoo. Otherwise, for synthetic fabrics or blended fabrics, biodegradable detergents are available which do not contain phosphates or other harsh chemicals.

To reduce the odour of cigarette smoke and other strong odours from items of clothing, run a hot bath, add a couple of cups of vinegar and hang the clothing above on the shower curtain rod. Antiperspirant stains can be removed with a solution of vinegar and baking soda dabbed onto the material with a dampened cloth. Other stains will usually dislodge with vinegar (for grass stains and coffee stains etc.), whereas grease stains can be removed with a baking soda paste prior to washing.

Diapers can also be cleaned with baking soda. Rinsing the nappies in a bucket with a liberal dessertspoon will help dislodge stains. When washed, hanging in sunlight will have a bleaching effect. Between use and wash, storing dirty nappies in a bucket with water and a tea tree solution (lavender essential oil is also sanitizing) will keep them sanitized. However, be aware that some children may be sensitive to them.

A gentler approach to wrinkle removal than ironing is to spray the dried cloth with a solution of water and vinegar (in a 3:1 ratio)  then hang up and air dry. Scorch marks from ironing can be lessened by rubbing white vinegar onto the area and then blotting with a clean towel. To clean the actual iron, occasionally fill the reservoir with white vinegar. Turn on the iron and allow it to steam for at least five minutes, then repeat with water. To clean the soleplate, scrub with a paste made from salt and vinegar in equal parts, heated in a pan.