So: the short version of the story is that we've become very interested in biodegradable laundry detergent. After reading Vicki C's comment on an earlier Re-nest post, we were all set to hack our washing machine, then stock up on Ecos during our next trip to Costco...
AT on... What Happens When it's in Your Own Backyard
...but it turns out Ecos is longer available there. It's been replaced with a house brand, and the reviews are not as positive.
So the reason for our sudden interest in laundry detergent? As you can see, in the great California tradition, our washing machine is outside in a lean-to against the house. We realized that it would be ridiculously easy to reroute the drain hose to irrigate our yard with greywater. And then, an interesting thing happened.
Suddenly, our deep loyalty to Tide detergent came into question. Upon reflection, perhaps Tide is our own green "kryptonite." We like our clothes to be clean, clean, clean, and nothing else we've tried does as good of a job. But when you're dumping out the drain water on your own lawn—the one you have dreams of turning into an edible garden—it's a bit harder to ignore the lackluster environmental performance and mysterious, undisclosed ingredients of a product like Tide.
So, stay tuned. We'll be blogging the conversion of our washing machine into an irrigation device, and we'll let you know what we find out about laundry detergent, greywater, and gardening.
Comments (13)
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wow, i've never seen the w/d outside like that...silly westcoasters! ;)
view kdkaboom's profile
I can't comment on Ecos because I never tried it. But, I did recently purchase Costco's new house brand eco-friendly liquid detergent, Wintree, and I'm quite pleased with it. Cleans my clothes well, no overpowering scent (just smells lightly of lavender), and doesn't fade colors (so far, anyway). It was also the cheapest liquid detergent Costco had for sale, which was an added bonus.
My only concern - it's manufactured for Costco by Huish, which manufactures all kinds of environmentally-unfriendly detergents as well. I still haven't decided if lessening the environmental impact of my detergent use balances out sending my dollars to a company like Huish, or whether my purchase actually encourages more companies to produce green products. I'm torn.
view elmcclell's profile
Speaking of detergents, does anyone know anything about Purex? My husband loves the stuff, and I have no objections with it so far, but I don't want to use it if there is some major health/earth issue out there. I am searching as I write this, but I figured I would ask here, too.
view stellato's profile
I just bought some Ecos at CostCo a few weeks ago. I guess I better go stock up on some - I like it because it works so well with the HE washer.
view Robbybird's profile
I haven't seen a washer/dryer outside like that before. I'm in SoCal and most I've seen are in their own room or a garage. Is that a central-northern cali thing or perhaps older homes? It would be easier to line dry outside. Do you have hard water?
thx :)
view Lizzykewl's profile
A fave of mine is an old standby detergent by Amway/Quixtar---Sa8 -- been using it for years, works great, use just a 1/4cup or less. Regarding Tide. A friend of mine lives in the Ojai area of CA on a ranch. All her life their waste water has gone into the ground via leach lines (sp?). For many years they used Sa8 soap w/ no problem. And had alot of grasses, flowers, etc growing where those leach lines are. Then, for what ever reason her mom started using Tide. Now where those leach lines are on their land nothing will grow, not even weeds. I'm excited to hear how your washing machine conversion goes--my husband and I were talking about doing the same thing at our house.
view smsintl's profile
Purex is a conventional detergent and is comparable to Tide. I used Purex for many years before switching to Ecos (I also buy it at Costco). I haven't noticed any change in cleaning performance.
I also use Trader Joe's detergent for handwashing - it comes in a small size that's easy to keep below the bathroom sink.
view laila's profile
The w/d outside thing is super, super common in So Cal......I see it all the time around L.A. It does seem strange if you didn't grow up with it, but it's no biggie to those who have. A friend of mine has hers right on her patio, and I've seen many on people's porches.
view Bx's profile
I live in San Francisco and our stackable (standard sized HE) w/d are outside on the covered back stairs. Works great.
view laspic's profile
It would surprise me if some plants (even grasses) weren't sensitive to soapy water, no matter how natural that soap is. It would probably mean a quick death for my houseplants.
view ChristopherB's profile
I can't comment on Ecos but I can say I have no wish to try it since I am a loyal Charlie's Soap fan. I have mentioned it on AT before.
It's CHEAP - on small bag lasts for 80 loads, it's environmentally friendly, biodegradeable, and it rinses VERY clean away. My dark clothes look even better than before thanks to that (we have hard water) stuff. And it REALLY does clean. I had issues with other environmentally friendly cleaners, they just weren't up to snuff. So far, no complaints.
http://www.charliesoap.com/
view annaland's profile
I use method detergent...would this work for you?
view hanako66's profile
We just started using these: Soap Nuts.
Okay, I know, it's really hippy, but they do work pretty well. You put two nuts in for hot/warm washes and toss them after, or four nuts in for cold washes, and you can reuse them. Everything comes out smelling and looking clean. We generally wash any stains out with water and a little liquid Dr. Brommer's as soon as they happen, and we haven't had any issues.
view mniche's profile