What has always worked for me is to just hang the fabric on the clothes line for a few hours then wash in boraxo and cold water. Then line dry, I never use the dryer on my fabric. Yes cows are a problem, my DH put my clothes lines on our west porch. I wash on the south porch and dry on the west porch. Works like a charm. I very seldom use any commercial chemicals on our laundry. I will PM you with a soap powder recipe you might like.