Can You Use Dishwasher Detergent to Wash Clothes?
When you run out of detergent or want to save money on laundry costs, you may be wondering if it’s possible to use dishwasher detergent to clean your clothes. While it is possible to use dishwasher detergent to wash clothes, it’s not a common practice and should be used with caution.
Can You Use Dishwasher Detergent For Your Clothes?
It’s technically possible to use dishwasher detergent as a substitute for laundry detergent, but it’s important to consider the following:
- Low sudsing detergents are generally better for washing machines. Dishwasher detergents are designed to deal with greasy and oily messes which require higher levels of sudsing than laundry detergents. Too many suds can damage clothes and cause them to move around in the machine.
- Dishwasher detergents may be too harsh for clothes. Because of its cleaning power, dishwasher detergent may contain chemicals that are harsh for clothing materials such as wool and silk.
- Some powdered dishwasher detergents can cause residue in clothes. Powdered dishwasher detergents can leave behind a residue in clothes which can leave them stiff and discolored.
Alternatives to Washing Clothes With Dishwasher Detergent
If you need to do laundry and are out of regular laundry detergent, here are a couple of alternatives you can use instead of dishwasher soap:
- Vinegar: Add one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of the machine to help soften clothes.
- Baking soda: Add one cup of baking soda to the wash cycle of the machine to help remove odors from your clothing.
- Dish soap: Use a mild dish soap in place of laundry detergent. Keep in mind that this should only be used as a last resort as dish soap is not designed for use in washing machines and can leave behind residue.
In conclusion, while it is possible to use dishwasher detergent to clean clothes, it’s strongly advised against. There are other alternatives you can use if you are in a pinch, such as vinegar, baking soda, and mild dish soap.