Need to put washing machine on - no washing powder

[PorridgeIsYummy]

On holiday accommodation- can't face the trek to the nearest supermarket. Can I use something different in the washing machine to wash my clothes? Shampoo, maybe? Or just nothing?

Can't it wait until you get home?

I've run out as well, but am nipping down to market in half an hour for some! Is there nowhere remotely nearby to get some?

Eek! Not shampoo if it's going in a washing machine, it'll be an overflowing soap sud monster!!

According to this thread on money saving expert you can use basic-type shampoo in a washing machine.

Not sure I'd risk it in someone else's machine - unless the clothes are really dirty, I'd just use nothing - I've forgotten to put washing powder/liquid in occasionally and had pretty good results.

I once used a teeny tiny dab of washing up liquid in a dishwasher - had mutant non-popping bumbles foaming out of machine & across length of kitchen. So I would agree - don't add shampoo!

I'd wash either with nothing on a v hot wash, or perhaps if desperate add a dishwasher tablet?

Thinking more about it - rub hand soap on clothes and then put through waking machine. Would be less effort to pop to shops I think though

if you usually use washing powder, and especially if you live in a hard-water area, there will be a residue of soap remaining in the clothes. You can get away with washing them once, in hot water, and the residue will dissolve enough to give them a bit of a clean.

This is the reason why some people think that quack "green" soapless magic products work; it takes a while for the soap residue in the machine and the clothes to get used up.

Don't use shampoo, washing up liquid etc as the foam will be terrible and may damage the machine. If you ever get a foaming machine by accident, pour in fabric softener and the waxy content with break down the foam.

As PJ says they'll be enough residue in the clothes and the machine that if you run the clothes through on a hot wash, it will freshen them up. It won't get rid of grass or ribena stains, but for normal wear it will be fine.

Thanks! So I'll just wash them with no soap at all, that seems the consensus! Xxx

You can use shampoo op but not too much. I wash my woolens in shampoo and have never had a problem.

I've used shampoo, washing up liquid and hand soap before I just use a really tiny bit!

I use shampoo for wool & cashmere washes, never had an issue