No, you cannot put your clothes in a side-loading washer without water and expect them to get clean. Washing machines, whether they are top-loading or side-loading, rely on the combination of water, detergent, and mechanical action to effectively clean clothes.
Here's why you need water in the washing machine:
Detergent Activation: Detergent needs water to activate and create a soapy solution that can lift dirt, oils, and stains from the fabric.
Mechanical Agitation: The drum of the washing machine agitates or tumbles the clothes, helping to dislodge dirt and distribute the detergent evenly.
Suspension and Rinse: Water is essential for suspending the dirt and soil particles that are released from the clothes during the wash cycle. Without water, the dirt would just stick to the clothes and not be rinsed away.
Hydration of Fabrics: Water hydrates the fabric fibers during the wash cycle, allowing the detergent to penetrate and clean more effectively.
Without water, the clothes would not be cleaned at all, and you would likely end up with dry clothes that are just as dirty as they were before. The water in the washing machine is a fundamental component of the cleaning process, and omitting it would render the machine ineffective for cleaning clothes.
If you're looking for a way to freshen up clothes without using water, consider using a fabric freshener or spot cleaning with a suitable product, but these methods are not a substitute for a proper washing machine cycle.