If you ran out of washing powder ..

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

... what would you use?
Dishwasher tablets ... washing up liquid ... shampoo ... possibly a scraping of had wash powder?
We live a long way from any shop and I have to wash every day ....

[mcdog]

To go in a machine or to hand wash? Have you got fabric softener?

[insancerre]

I would either not wash and wear clothes again
or hand wash in sink with washing up liquid, rinse with cold water and put through machine with fabric conditioner

[charlieandlola]

I would wait until the shops are open tomorrow and buy some washing powder .

[whatcolour]

I would add some hand wash powder to machine without a second thought!

[ihaveadirtydog]

Use the scraping of hand wash powder and a hot wash- there's probably enough residue in the machine to create bubbles!

[deepinthewoods]

Are the shops closed today? My local ASDA is open 24/7 except christmas and New Year.

[supportworker]

Go to the garage, buy some washing powder or
blag some off the neighbours.

[MimsyBorogroves]

If they're not too dirty (worn, rather than dirty) I'd just do a hot wash with the scraping of powder.

[slartybartfast]

have you got bicarb?

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

Will try a v little hand wash .. Had heard it can froth and damage machine ... We live a v long drive from shops and I care for an incontinent elderly relative ... 2 loads a day and no dryer! ... Actually, as you say, just hot water would probably do, with maybe some vinegar - supposed to be good for making things smell fresher.

[CrispyHedgeHog]

I've used a squirt of washing up liquid before.. beware though.. a little bit goes a long way otherwise you'll be having a foam party in your kitchen :o

[MooMa42o]

My Dh did the washing the other day & accidentally put in a dishwasher tablet instead of the washing tablet & although i did re wash it all, it smelt & looked clean, not ideal but i would say better than unwashed. hth :)

[namelessposter]

Run it without any. Normally tons of residual powder in the machine anyway.

[deepinthewoods]

Tons of residual powder in the machine? Sounds like a dirty machine. My machine is squeaky clean and clothes have no residue of powder when hey come out. I'm not sure I would want to be wearing clothes with all that residue you describe.

[CheesyBadger]

Local guy who ran the launderette said it is the action of the machine which gets the clothes clean and the powder is just a degreaser. If not filthy, go with nothing and see

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

No grease involved ... Will run with nothing. Thanks for all the ideas. (Now can you stop it raining so that I can dry it???)

[Cherylemma76]

Is there a corner shop near?

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

Nearest shop is 4 miles away and wouldn't open on Easter Sunday. But I have done the washing in water.

[fidelineish]

Any stain remover at all? Tiny bit of that with a small spot of washing up liquid.

[fidelineish]

Oh too late

[noisytoys]

I have an eco egg that isn't used all the time but is perfect for occasions like this

[justtrunknotree]

I often do a wash with no powder at all as the action of the machine cleans the clothes. It works fine for every day clothes.

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

An eco egg is the answer! I could probably use it for most washes anyway.

[Frontdoorstep]

I'd just run the machine without powder.