Washing clothes in cold water without using detergent is unlikely to have significant consequences on the clothes themselves. Cold water can rinse away some dirt and light stains, but it won't be as effective as using detergent, especially for removing oils, grease, or tough stains.
Here are some potential consequences of washing clothes in cold water without detergent and then putting them in the dryer:
Limited cleanliness: Without detergent, the clothes may not be thoroughly cleaned, and some stains or odors might still be present after washing.
Residue and bacteria: While cold water can rinse away some dirt, it might not eliminate all residues or bacteria present on the clothes. Detergent plays a crucial role in breaking down and removing these contaminants.
Odor retention: If there are any lingering odors on the clothes, washing them without detergent might not be enough to eliminate the smells, and they could persist even after drying.
Stains and spots: Tough stains or spots are unlikely to be effectively removed with cold water alone, and these may become more difficult to remove if they set during the drying process.
Fabric care: Cold water washing alone is gentler on fabrics, which is generally a positive aspect. However, without detergent, any stains or residues that remain may lead to potential fabric damage over time, especially if repeatedly washed without proper cleaning.
Waste of energy and time: Running a washing cycle without detergent may be wasteful in terms of energy and water usage if it doesn't achieve the desired level of cleanliness.
In summary, while washing clothes in cold water without detergent might be a temporary solution in some situations, it is not an ideal method for maintaining clean and fresh-smelling clothes in the long term. If you need to wash clothes without detergent due to a specific situation, consider re-washing them properly with detergent at the earliest opportunity to ensure better cleanliness and care for your garments.