11 DIY Laundry Detergent Alternatives to Try at Home

11 DIY Laundry Detergent Alternatives to Try at Home

M Hasan    8:03 AM   

Effective Laundry Detergent Substitutes

When you're faced with a mountain of laundry but can't make it to the store for more detergent, there's no need to panic. Many common household items can serve as effective substitutes for laundry detergent in a pinch. These alternatives are often found right in your kitchen or bathroom, making them easy to access when you need them most.

Common Household Items That Work as Laundry Detergent

Here are several items that can be used as a substitute for laundry detergent:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Dish soap (Dawn is often recommended)
• Shampoo or body wash
• Borax
• Vodka
• Powdered oxygen bleach
• Hydrogen peroxide

These items can help clean your clothes effectively, even without traditional laundry detergent.

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda as a Laundry Detergent Alternative

One of the most popular combinations is white vinegar and baking soda. This duo works well for heavily stained or soiled clothing, especially for smelly clothes like sports gear.

To use this method:

• Add a half cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
• For extra grease-fighting power, add a small amount of dish soap like Dawn.
• During the rinse cycle, add a half cup of white vinegar. This acts as a natural fabric softener.

This combination helps remove stains and odors while keeping your clothes fresh.

Using Baking Soda and Lemon Juice for Laundry

If you don’t have vinegar on hand, lemon juice and baking soda can be just as effective. This is a great option for both white and colored clothes.

Steps to follow:

• Add a half cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
• During the rinse cycle, replace vinegar with a half cup of lemon juice.
• For tough stains, apply lemon juice directly to the affected area before washing.

Lemon juice also helps brighten colors and eliminate odors.

Using Dish Soap Instead of Laundry Detergent

In an emergency, a small amount of dish soap like Dawn or Palmolive can work as a substitute for laundry detergent, especially for colored clothes that don’t require special care.

How to use:

• Add just a small squirt of dish soap to the laundry. Avoid using too much to prevent excessive suds.
• To ensure the soap rinses out properly, add a half cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle.

However, this method is not suitable for high-efficiency washing machines due to the risk of over-sudsing.

Using Shampoo as a Detergent Substitute

Shampoo can also be used as a substitute for laundry detergent, particularly for colored clothes. Use a gentle formula and be cautious with the amount, as shampoo can create a lot of suds.

Tips:

• Start with a small amount—about a capful.
• Avoid using this method in high-efficiency washing machines, as suds may not rinse out properly.

Using Bar Soap Flakes for Laundry

Bar soap can also be used as a quick alternative. Simply shave small flakes from a bar of soap and add them to your laundry load.

Guidelines:

• Use only a few flakes to avoid excess suds.
• If you’re concerned about leftover suds, run an extra rinse cycle.
• Not recommended for high-efficiency washing machines due to potential suds issues.

Using Vinegar for Stain Removal

Distilled white vinegar is a powerful stain remover and odor eliminator. It can be used during the wash cycle to help lift stains and freshen up your clothes.

How to use:

• Add a half cup of distilled vinegar to the wash cycle.
• This will help remove stains and odors without leaving a lingering smell.

Using Borax for All-Around Cleaning

Borax is an excellent all-purpose cleaner that can help whiten whites and combat hard water. However, it should be used sparingly, as it can cause skin irritation if used too frequently.

Instructions:

• Add a half cup of borax to a large load of laundry.
• Wash and dry as usual.
• Save any leftover borax to make homemade laundry detergent later.

Using Lemons to Brighten Clothes

Lemon juice is a natural whitening agent that can help brighten both white and colored fabrics. It also helps remove odors.

Method:

• Add a half cup of lemon juice to a regular load of laundry.
• Wash and dry as normal.

This is a great way to naturally refresh your clothes.

Using Vodka for Delicates

Vodka can be used to freshen up delicate items that aren’t heavily soiled. It’s a safe and effective way to remove odors without damaging sensitive fabrics.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto the inside of the garment and let it dry.

This method is ideal for light cleaning and refreshing.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for White Laundry

Hydrogen peroxide is a great option for brightening white clothes and removing stains.

Steps:

• Fill the washer with water.
• Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide.
• Run the cycle as usual.

This method is especially useful for restoring the brightness of white garments.

Using Oxygen-Based Bleach for Colored and White Clothes

Oxygen-based bleach is a safer alternative to chlorine bleach and works well on both colored and white clothes.

Instructions:

• Add ½ cup of oxygen-based bleach to the drum.
• Add your clothes and run the cycle as usual.

Always check the care label before using any bleach product.

Natural Ways to Wash Clothes Without Detergent

Even without traditional detergent, you can still keep your clothes clean and fresh. These natural methods are perfect for emergencies or when you want to reduce chemical use.

Remember, these substitutes can be used occasionally, but they shouldn’t replace regular laundry detergent entirely. If you enjoy the results, consider experimenting with DIY laundry solutions to find what works best for you.