Like Eliza I don't use detergent or soap in my washing machine either. I put a small amount of eucalyptus oil in the wash if I think of it. Sometimes I boil up citrus skins and add the strained liquid. While on the subject of plastic. I can't believe the explosion of plastic wrapping on everything now. The more concientious we get about avoiding plastic bag use the more we end up with wrapping. Everything from tools, to clothing, to food. Much of it is already packaged in cardboard with plasic wrap over the top. I avoid as much as I can but it's getting harder. "Free range" chicken and pork, for example, is only available here in plastic packaging.
Joy