Laundry detergent substitutes are a must for people looking for a more plant-based lifestyle or for those who have allergies to certain ingredients in traditional laundry detergents.
Although many of these substitutes might seem like they wouldn’t work as well, they actually can get the clothes clean. These substitutes are safe to use and easy to find, so you don’t have to worry about making a trip to the store for ingredients.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional laundry detergent, try one of these 16 substitutes. We’ll go over each one in detail and tell you how well they perform.
1. Use The All-Natural Substitute – Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great laundry detergent substitute because it’s natural, affordable, and effective. It also doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or perfumes, so it’s perfect for people with allergies.
Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can get rid of tough stains and odors. It also helps soften the clothes, so they come out of the wash feeling softer.
To use baking soda as a laundry detergent substitute, simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your wash cycle. Then, add another half cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle. You can also increase the amount of baking soda, about 1 cup if you have a particularly tough stain to remove.
Baking soda is a great all-natural substitute for traditional laundry detergent. Try to use it and see how well it cleans.
2. Use Vinegar To Remove Odors
Vinegar is another affordable and environmentally friendly laundry detergent substitute that you can use. It is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can remove odors.
Vinegar is especially good for removing tough smells in clothes, such as smoke or sweat. It also helps to brighten the clothes and keep them smelling fresh.
Vinegar is almost available in every household, so it’s easy to get your hands on. The recommended vinegar to use is distilled white vinegar. This type of vinegar has a strong enough acidity to remove stains and odors, but it doesn’t leave behind any residue that might ruin your clothes’ appearance or texture.
To use vinegar as a laundry detergent substitute, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your wash cycle. Alternatively, add the same amount of vinegar to your washing machine’s detergent dispenser. You can also use 1 cup of vinegar for every large load of laundry.
3. Hand Wash Your Clothes With Body Wash
If you’re looking for a laundry detergent substitute suitable for sensitive skin, body wash is a great option. It is free from harsh chemicals and detergents, which can often cause skin irritation.
However, note that using body wash as a laundry detergent substitute can only be used if you hand wash your clothes. It is not suitable for use in a washing machine because the sulfates in the body wash can cause lather, which may lead to your washing machine being damaged.
Also, make sure that the body wash should be free from moisturizers or any oils. This prevents the oils from being transferred to your clothes and leaves a greasy residue.
To use body wash as a laundry detergent substitute, add a teaspoon of body wash to hot water and hand wash your clothes with this mixture.
Body washes are great alternatives for people with sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a detergent that won’t cause any irritation, give body wash a try.
4. Remove Stains With Lemon Juice
If you’re looking for a way to remove stains from your laundry without the use of harsh chemicals, lemon juice is a great option. It is a natural stain remover that doesn’t leave residue on your clothes. The acid in the pure lemon juice helps break down the stain and helps to brighten your clothes.
You can also use lemon juice as bleach when whitening your clothes, so it’s versatile and easy to use.
To use lemon juice as a laundry detergent substitute, simply mix 3 cups of water with 1/3 cup lemon juice to create a solution. Add the solution to your wash cycle, or you can just add 1/3 cup lemon juice to your washing machine’s detergent dispenser.
Take note, however, that artificial lemon juice is damaging to clothes, so make sure to use pure lemon juice. Lemon juice is great for removing tough stains from clothes and brightening them up as well. Try using it and see how well it works.
5. Borax Is A Great All-Purpose Cleaner
Sodium borate is a great alternative to laundry detergent because it has a high pH, which helps to neutralize the acidity in stains and prevent them from setting. It is also effective against odors because of its deodorizing properties.
The most common form of sodium borate is Borax, which can be found in most grocery stores.
Sodium borate can cause skin irritation, so be careful when using this laundry detergent substitute. Also, becareful not to ingest this detergent substitute, as it is dangerous if swallowed. It is best to avoid using this laundry detergent alternative if you have young children or pets at home.
To use sodium borate as a laundry detergent substitute, soak your laundry in a mixture of 1 tablespoon borax per gallon of water for 30 minutes before washing. Alternatively, add only half a cup of Borax to a pre-wash cycle.
Borax should not be used on silk or wool fabrics because it can cause damage to these types of fabrics. It should also be avoided on color-sensitive clothes.
Borax is a great alternative for people looking to neutralize stains and maintain the color of their clothes.
6. Use Bar Soap In Your Hand Wash
The most common laundry detergent substitute is bar soap. It’s a cheap option that is effective in removing stains and odors.
The only downside to using bar soap as a laundry detergent substitute is that it foams a lot when in contact with water, so it’s not ideal for washing machines.
To use bar soap as a laundry detergent substitute, soak your clothes in warm water and softly lather the soap bar on the surface of the clothing. Allow soaking for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Remember that you have to hand wash your clothes using this form of laundry detergent alternative.
7. Use Gentle Shampoo For Your Delicates
If you’re looking for a laundry detergent alternative that is gentle on your clothes, try using shampoo. It’s effective in removing dirt and oil from your clothes.
The downside to using shampoo as a laundry detergent substitute is that this fix should not be used regularly because it can damage your clothes.
We strongly advise against using a hair conditioner combination or any product that tints your hair. Rather, just use baby shampoo or a gentle shampoo. The more gentle your shampoo is on your hair and skin, the less harsh it will be on fabrics.
To use shampoo in your hand wash, add about one teaspoon of shampoo in a sink full of water and mix well. Then, hand wash your clothes with this mixture.
8. Use The Natural Power Of Soap Nuts
Soap nuts are a natural way to clean your clothes. They come from the Sapindus mukorossi tree and are dried berries that contain saponin, a natural surfactant. Soap nuts effectively remove dirt, oil, and sweat stains from clothes.
Soap nuts are a natural laundry detergent alternative that can be used on all types of fabrics, including cloth diapers and baby clothes. These make effective alternatives for people who have allergies to commercial products because they’re also hypoallergenic.
Soap nuts can be used as a laundry detergent substitute by adding six nuts to the porous bag it comes with. Place the soap nuts bag in your washing machine, and run a full wash cycle. Warm water is recommended for the soap nuts to foam effectively.
9. Vodka As A Disinfectant and Odor Eliminator
Yes, you read it right! If you need to freshen up, disinfect and remove odors on your clothes, a vodka solution might do the trick. It might not be the most appealing laundry detergent substitute, but it does the job.
To use vodka as a laundry detergent substitute, use only unflavored vodka. During the washing process, add several three fluid oz. of vodka to your washing machine. Run the machine on a full cycle. This will help to disinfect and remove any odors from your clothes.
10. Laundry Detergent Sheets Works Like A Miracle
A laundry detergent sheet is a small, tablet-type product that can be used as an alternative to traditional laundry detergents.
It has the same effect as regular washing powders, but it is more convenient. It comes in a small packet that you can easily store and carry around for an on-the-go laundry solution. Moreover, detergent sheets have strong cleaning power and effectively remove tough stains.
Popular detergent sheets brands include Miracle Laundry Detergent Sheets which only uses four natural ingredients – coconut oil, alcohol, natural vegetable oil, coconut oil extract, deionized water.
To use this alternative, simply toss one sheet into the washing machine along with your normal load of clothes. If you have heavily soiled or large loads of laundry, you can use 2-3 sheets. Then, run the washing machine on a normal cycle.
The detergent sheets may also be used to presoak clothes before handwashing. Dissolve 1-3 sheets in lukewarm or cold water, wash your clothes as usual, or soak stains for 20 minutes before washing.
11. Hand Wash Using Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwashing liquid can be used as a laundry detergent substitute, but it has to be for hand washing only. It is not meant for the washing machine. Dishwashing liquid works well as commercial laundry detergent while being cheaper as well.
Most brands of dishwashing liquids work well on fabrics. They are typically more concentrated than laundry detergent, so you’ll need to dilute them before using this as a substitute.
To use this alternative, add several drops of dishwashing liquid to a tub full of warm water and mix well. Add your clothes to the tub and scrub stains before rinsing them thoroughly.
12. Powdered Oxygen Bleach For Tough Stains
Powdered oxygen bleach is a great laundry detergent substitute for removing tough stains. It can also brighten whites and remove embedded dirt and odors.
Oxygen bleach is a safe substitute to chlorine bleach and can be used on all fabrics, including delicates. It is almost available at most local stores in the laundry aisle.
To use powdered oxygen bleach, you will need to fill the washer drum with 1/2 cup of powdered oxygen bleach before adding clothes. Add clothes and run the washer on a normal cycle. Wash the garments at any temperature, but warm water is recommended.
13. Oxy-Prime As A Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Substitute
Over the past few years, several different laundry detergent alternatives have emerged on the market. Oxy-Prime is one of them.
Oxy-Prime is a unique laundry detergent substitute that uses oxygen and enzymes to clean clothes. It is safe for people with allergies and sensitivities, as it does not contain any harsh chemicals or perfumes.
It is made of natural ingredients, including citrus extracts and essential oils. Oxy-Prime comes in a liquid form and can be used in standard and high-efficiency washing machines.
To use this product as a laundry detergent substitute, simply follow the instructions on the label. Add one capful to your normal load of clothes and let it work its magic.
14. Laundry Ball – An All-Rounder Substitute
A laundry ball is another alternative to traditional laundry detergents. It has many different sizes, shapes, and colors.
The best thing about these laundry balls is that you don’t need any liquid solution because they contain everything inside themselves. The primary ingredient in this product is sodium percarbonate which contains hydrogen peroxide – a powerful bleaching agent.
This substitute is great for those who want to avoid chemicals and artificial ingredients and reduce their environmental impact by not using detergents that often come with a high carbon footprint.
Allow the laundry balls to soak in water for 30 minutes to use this alternative. After that, toss them into the washing machine on top of the clothes and run the machine as usual.
15. Laundry Detergent Pods For A Small Load
If you have a small load of laundry, you can use a single detergent pod. Laundry detergent pods are convenient because they are pre-measured and can be tossed right into the washer drum.
These laundry pods come in a variety of scents and work well on all fabrics. These are another great option for those looking to avoid chemicals and artificial ingredients. There are various brands that are hypoallergenic and free of dyes, perfumes, and optical brighteners.
Laundry detergent pods are perfect for washing both whites and colors because they contain enzymes that remove stains without fading the color of your clothes.
To use laundry pods, follow the instructions on the label or package. Simply toss one pod into your washing machine drum before adding clothes and start the machine.
16. Washing Soda As Stain Fighter
If you are looking for a great laundry detergent substitute, then washing soda is what you need.
Washing soda is also referred to as sodium carbonate or nahcolite. It has many uses, but it can be used mainly to remove stains and brighten colors in the wash cycle. This product works by releasing oxygen which breaks down the stain or dirt.
Washing soda should not be confused with baking soda. They are two different products with different purposes. Washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda, so it has many purposes beyond laundry.
Washing soda can be bought at most local stores in either the laundry detergent aisle or the cleaning supplies aisle. It is a great product to have on hand for tough stains.
To use this as a laundry detergent substitute, create a mixture of 2 spoons of washing soda and 1 gallon of warm water. Add your stained clothes to the mixture and let them soak for a few minutes. Then, wash as usual.
Final Word
There are many different laundry detergent substitutes available on the market today. Each of them has its unique benefits and drawbacks. So, it is important to do your research before you decide which one is best for you and your family.
Most of these laundry detergent substitutes have natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. They are also environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, perfect for people with sensitive skin.
If you want to get rid of chemicals in your household while saving time and money, then these laundry detergent substitutes are a great option for you. Try out a few of them and see which one works best for your needs.
So, consider using one of these substitutes next time you run out of laundry detergent or want to try something new. Your clothes will thank you!