I think you're on to something here. :) I was intrigued by your account of using ammonia to wash clothes, so Googled it (of course). There are a billion articles and YouTube videos about it! They said it whitens without harming fabric, so I might try adding some to the wash when I do a load of whites.
Google is amazing. The problem I have seen with YouTube is the misinformation. I watched bunches, spending a lot of time, and learned very little. When it came to off-grid power there was a lot of wrong stuff spouted by individuals.
When combined with the self professed experts spouting on politics, I could not take it any more. It would be different if I were to deliberately seek out political opinions. Even my own views irritate me...
Daddy used to say... A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Nobody has had an epiphany because of an online spat.
My solution is best: Let's go cruising. There is nothing I can accomplish by becoming entangled in rhetoric on either side. The battles I will leave to others.
I have my oasis, my home aboard Seaweed. Truly I am blessed. If while out here water is in limited supply I will simply do the ammonia method.
You reminded me about the bleaching aspect. I had forgotten that one. I will say after a few months of hand washing I look forward to the more powerful washing machines. My shirts tended to get dingy eventually. Thus don't count on ammonia as a forever solution. At least in my opinion that is.
Your friend in the south, J.
Janice - I know you know this, but it might be a good idea to remind people NEVER to put chlorine bleach in with the ammonia. Resulting fumes are bad, bad, bad.
I had completely missed that. The page was updated, thanks to your message. I appreciate that. J.
Not a boat owner, but I investigated various cleaning options during COVID-19. I currently dissolve powdered laundry detergent in about 4oz ammonia (see below) then use it in the washing machine or bucket. Everything comes out clean and pretty neutral-smelling. If you want to try it first, you can try spot-treating with Windex (the one *with* Ammonia-D) to see if it gets out stains you're trying to remove. A couple sprays on that salad dressing or marinara even when you're wearing the clothes, wait one minute, then a wipe-down, and see if you can see the stain after the wash. Caveat: ammonia at some concentrations/durations will damage animal-based fabrics -- leather, wool, silk, cashmere, etc. Cotton and synthetics, I've noticed zero problems. Ammonia: ~1.5% concentration, from a janitorial supply place ("Pure Bright" brand for me, you can also get Safeway and Wal-Mart's store brands).