Laundry detergent alternatives

Are you looking for a laundry detergent alternative? There are many different options out there, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most popular laundry detergent alternatives and what makes them unique. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. So, whether you’re looking for a green option or something that’s cruelty-free, read on for more information.

1. Shampoo

If you’re looking for a gentle, effective laundry detergent alternative, shampoo may be the answer. Shampoo is designed to cleanse textile fibers without damaging them, so it can be a great choice for delicate fabrics. In addition, shampoo is typically less expensive than laundry detergent and can be found in any grocery store. To use shampoo as a laundry detergent alternative, simply add a small amount to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. For best results, use a mild shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals. Careful not to overuse shampoo, as this can cause buildup on your clothes.

2. Bar of Soap

Bar soap may be a familiar sight in the shower, but it can also be used to clean laundry. In fact, bar soap is one of the most versatile and effective laundry detergent alternatives. When used in the wash, bar soap helps to break down dirt and oils, leaving clothes clean and fresh. And because bar soap is less concentrated than liquid detergents, it’s less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies. Best of all, bar soap is inexpensive and easy to find. For a natural alternative to conventional laundry detergents, reach for a bar of soap the next time you do laundry.

3. Body Wash

similar to using shampoo to wash your clothes, you can also use body wash. Body wash is designed to cleanse the skin, so it’s effective at breaking down dirt and grime. Plus, it usually contains moisturizers that can help to keep clothes looking and feeling soft. Simply add a quarter cup of body wash to your washing machine along with your usual amount of water. Depending on the size of your load, you may need to adjust this amount. For instance, you may need to use more body wash for a large load of laundry. Another advantage of using body wash is that it’s often less expensive than laundry detergent. However, keep in mind that body wash doesn’t always have the same stain-fighting power as laundry detergent. So, if you’re dealing with tough stains, you may want to try another alternative.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most versatile and effective natural cleaners available. In addition to being a great oven cleaner, it can also be used to remove stains, deodorize carpets, and Freshen laundry. To use baking soda as a laundry detergent alternative, simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. For particularly dirty laundry, you can increase the amount of baking soda to 1 cup. Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent because it is abrasive and absorbs odors. It is also a natural whitening agent, so it can help to brighten your clothes. Because baking soda is so effective, it is often used as a presoak for very dirty laundry. To presoak your laundry in baking soda, simply add 1 cup of baking soda to a tub or sink filled with warm water. Soak your clothes for at least 30 minutes before washing them as usual. Baking soda is a safe and non-toxic alternative to harsh chemicals and can be used on all types of fabrics.

5. White vinegar

White vinegar is a great alternative to store-bought laundry detergent. It’s gentle on fabrics and can be used on both colorfast and delicate items. Plus, it’s a great way to remove build-up from fabric softener and dryer sheets. To use white vinegar as a laundry detergent, simply add 1/2 cup to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to give your clothes a fresh scent. If you have hard water, you may need to add a little more vinegar to your wash cycle to get your clothes clean. However, overall, white vinegar is a great eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional laundry detergent.

6. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a great alternative to laundry detergent because it is natural and gentle on fabric. Lemon juice can be used to spot clean stains or pre-treat laundry before washing. Simply apply lemon juice to the stain, wait a few minutes, then launder as usual. You can also add lemon juice to your washing machine’s rinse cycle for a fresh scent.

7. Borax

Borax is a natural laundry detergent booster and stain fighter. Add 1/2 cup of Borax to your regular load of laundry to boost its cleaning power. You can also use Borax to pre-treat stains before washing. Simply make a paste of Borax and water, rub it into the stain, and then wash as usual. Borax is a natural disinfectant, so it’s especially effective at removing mold and mildew stains. If you have hard water, Borax can also help to remove mineral deposits. Just make a solution of 1 part Borax to 16 parts water, soaking stained fabrics in the solution for several hours before washing. For an extra boost, you can add 1/2 cup of Borax to your regular load of laundry to boost its cleaning power. You can also use Borax to pre-treat stains before washing. Simply make a paste of Borax and water, rub it into the stain, and then wash as usual.

8. Salt

Salt is a great alternative to laundry detergent if you’re looking for a natural option. All you need is to add a cup of salt to your washing machine along with your clothes. The salt will help to remove any dirt and grime from your clothes while also leaving them smelling fresh. You can also use salt to pre-treat any stains before washing. Simply apply a generous amount of salt to the stain and then rub it in. Let the salt sit on the stain for a few minutes before adding your clothes to the washing machine. You’ll be amazed at how well salt works to get your clothes clean.

9. Alcohol (Vodka)

Believe it or not, vodka can be used as a laundry detergent alternative. Vodka is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains or potatoes, and it contains ethanol, which is a natural disinfectant. When used in laundry, vodka can help to remove stains and freshen fabrics. It’s also gentle on delicate fabrics like silk and wool. To use vodka as a laundry detergent alternative, simply add half a cup to your washing cycle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to give your clothes a pleasant scent. 

However, if your clothes are very dirty, you may want to pre-treat them with a stronger cleaning solution vodka won’t help much. You’ll want to make sure the vodka is clear and unflavored, or your clothes may end up smelling like vodka!

10. Homemade Laundry detergent

If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to store-bought laundry detergent, consider making your own. Homemade laundry detergent is easy to make and can be just as effective at cleaning clothes as commercial stuff. Plus, it’s gentle on fabrics and won’t leave behind any harsh chemicals.

ingredients:

6 cups (1,419.53 mL) of water

⅓ bar of Fels Naptha laundry bar soap

½ cup (64 g) of washing soda

½ cup (64 g) of Borax 1 quart (32 oz) of hot water

2-gallon (7.57 L) bucket.

recipes:

1. Grate the Fels Naptha bar and add it to a saucepan with six cups (1,419.53 mL) of water. Stir over low heat until the lye is completely dissolved (don’t allow it to boil).

2. Next, Stir in the washing soda and Borax, then wait until it thickens.

3. After that, it’s at a thick consistency, remove it from heat and add it to the bucket with one quart of hot water. Mix the mixture and water well, and then add more water, leaving a few inches of space at the top of the bucket.

4. Leave the mixture to sit until it has thickened, usually around 24 hours. It’s recommended to use about a ½ cup (64 g) of detergent for each load.

You may customize your homemade detergent after you’ve mastered the steps. However, even if the quantities vary, the materials will most likely remain consistent.

Homemade laundry detergent is a great alternative to store-bought detergent because it’s gentle on fabrics, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Plus, it’s easy to make your own with just a few simple ingredients. Give it a try the next time you do laundry!

Common FAQs:

1. Can I use homemade laundry detergent in HE washers?

Yes, you can use homemade laundry detergent in HE washers. In fact, many people find that it works better than store-bought detergents because it doesn’t leave behind any harsh chemicals.

2. How long does homemade laundry detergent last?

Homemade laundry detergent lasts for about six months. After that, the ingredients may start to separate and it won’t be as effective at cleaning clothes.

3. Can I add essential oils to homemade laundry detergent?

Yes, you can add essential oils to homemade laundry detergent to give it a pleasant scent. Just add a few drops to the mixture before adding it to your washing machine.

4. What are some other uses for Borax?

Borax can also be used as a disinfectant, cleaning solution, and deodorizer. It’s a versatile product that can be used in many different ways around the home.

5. Can I use homemade laundry detergent on baby clothes?

Yes, you can use homemade laundry detergent on baby clothes. In fact, many people find that it’s more gentle and effective than store-bought detergents.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – ten different laundry detergent alternatives. Do any of them appeal to you? Or maybe you’ve tried one of these before and have a personal favorite. If so, we want to hear about it! Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below. And if you don’t see your favorite alternative on this list, tell us about that too. We love hearing from our readers and trying new things, so let us know what you think!