A machine washing process with process-controlled dosing of water and detergent using a paste-form, phosphate-reduced or phosphate-free detergent which is substantially free from water, organic solvents and hydrotropic compounds. The paste comprises a phase liquid at a temperature below 10.degree. C. and contains a nonionic surfactant selected from the group of polyglycolether compounds and of a solid phase dispersed therein in which the particles have a mean particle size of from 5 to 40 .mu.m and less than 5% of the particles have a particle size larger than 80 .mu.m, the solid phase comprising washing alkalis, sequestering compounds and other detergent constituents and, optionally, anionic surfactants. Under the control of a process-control computer, the paste is taken from a storage container, delivered to a mixer and diluted therein with water to at least such an extent that the formation of a gel phase is avoided. The aqueous mixture is fed to a washing machine and, unless this has already happened in the mixer, is diluted with more water to a concentration of 0.5 to 10 g/l, after which the washing process is started.