Thank you, everyone. What good suggestions.

I have an energy-efficient washer which takes only a bit of detergent (any more, and my floor is full of suds when I open it).

There is a WalMart across the street. I will try the Great Value detergent and add some baking soda. 

My problem is mostly with old towels I use for cleaning. Maybe I should wash them separately.

Best to all,

Seaturtle

 I don't have the money to wash in hot water (water heater went out, no money to fix it yet). I have found a few things that work, though. I can only use 3 brands of detergent because of itching problems. Tide seems to work a little better than All or Arm & Hammer, but it is not worth the increase in price.

 First, pretreat any stains. This really helps. 

Add bleach to whites - use off brands, it has the same stuff. Sometimes, I will use Iron-out because of my hard water or they sell a little package of whitener that seems to help. Don't do the iron out or the whitener very often, its expensive and not needed.

For colors, including towels, I use a color safe bleach by Purex. (not the same as borax - borax makes me itch). This product is one of the cheaper ones. It runs about $2 a box here and I don't have to use that much. I put it in the cold water before any clothes and swish my hand in the water to dissolve. It may be a little different with a high efficiency model though. This product works well and will brighten the colors (especially light ones) well.

Dust mites are not killed by cold water and they definitely will make you itch.  My mechanic's wife adds some Mean Green to his wash loads and you might try this every few washes.  Also, if you can find a scrap metal recycler who dismantles trailers, or a backhoe operator who mows down old houses on contract for the city or municipality, you may be able to get a water heater free or cheap.

Failing that, see if you can run a moonshine still and use the worm to heat your water when you're not shining... 

littlepitcher:

Failing that, see if you can run a moonshine still and use the worm to heat your water when you're not shining... 

Seriously, solar power can heat water for free. You don't need a system, you only need a barrel or bucket painted black or a dark color, or a long hose stretched out in the sun. Even at cold winter temperatures, a bucket positioned for full sun and covered with a black lid will catch enough of the sun's heat to wash clothes or dishes or yourself. 

I wash in cold only as well.  Sometimes I add an additive like Oxyclean, but its expensive.  99 cent store has one called Awesome I think that is for laundry and I have used that.  I use Shout for tuff  stains.

Pat:

Seriously, solar power can heat water for free. You don't need a system, you only need a barrel or bucket painted black or a dark color, or a long hose stretched out in the sun.

 I only use cold water, as a matter of fact I don't even have a hose hooked to the hot water line. My hubby gets super grubby at work and my boys can get pretty dirty on yard work days. I have found that using powder laundry soap doesn't work as well in cold water. I use only liquid. I also add 1/2 cup of vinegar to every load and 1 cup to towels. 

cyn

The last time I was out of washing detergent, I used a little bit of my hand soap (natural homemade lemon scent) and a little vinegar to cut down the suds.  It worked great.  I have been looking locally for Arm & Hammer washing soda to mix with grated soap for it seems the most frugal way to go- about 15 cents a load.  I'm going to ask Walmart if they will stock it.  If not, it is about $5 a box online.

 Dust mites are not killed by cold water and they definitely will make you itch

But aren't they killed by drying them on high heat?

Hi,

I don't suffer from dust mite allergy, but I looked on Stretcher and came up with this link:  http://www.stretcher.com/stories/05/05jan10a.cfm

I found that using Pine Sol is harsh on the clothes.  I try to find gentle soap and if it is sudsy, put in vinegar. 

I live alone, and am amazed at how much laundry I make.  As often as possible I do it all, wash, dry, fold and put away, but it seems at least once a month I have 4 loads to do.  I change my clothes after working at a client's home (health care) and then if I've cleanned my place and I have to sleep in a clean nightgown or pajamas each night.  And some nights after going out those go into the basket too.  Yes, I have a lot of clothes!

Hope that link gives you the info you need.