Ran out of detergent mid-load? Or ready to cut back on harsh chemicals for a greener routine? Don’t panic. You likely have a workable substitute sitting in your pantry or bathroom right now.
Plenty of laundry detergent alternatives can clean lightly soiled clothes, lift odors, and brighten whites without a trip to the store. Treat most of them as emergency stopgaps rather than a full swap for detergent, and a few, like baking soda and white vinegar, earn a permanent spot as wash boosters.
Here are 14 substitutes worth reaching for, with honest notes on what each one can and cannot do.
Key Takeaways
- Pantry staples: Baking soda in the wash and white vinegar in the rinse deodorize and brighten, but use them in separate steps, never mixed, since together they cancel each other out.
- Emergency only: Shampoo, dish soap, body wash, and bar soap clean by hand in tiny amounts; their heavy suds can overflow or damage a high-efficiency (HE) washer.
- Heavy-duty: Washing soda and borax cut grease and soften hard water; handle borax with care, as it irritates skin and eyes and should be kept from kids and pets.
- Gentle and reusable: Soap nuts and laundry balls are low-irritation, low-waste options for sensitive skin.
14 Laundry Detergent Alternatives
Store-bought laundry detergents get the job done, but the ingredient lists are often a mystery. Many contain chemicals that irritate skin and contribute to plastic pollution.
If you have sensitive skin or want to lower your carbon footprint, DIY solutions are the way to go. Plus, these alternatives are often significantly cheaper per load.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most useful items in the laundry room. It isn’t just for cookies; it is a reliable cleaning agent that neutralizes acids and odors.
It works by regulating the pH level in the wash water, which helps lift dirt and bacteria (1). Its benefits include:
- Gentle cleaning: It acts as a natural stain remover that breaks up grit without damaging fibers.
- Odor elimination: Baking soda absorbs smells rather than masking them, making it perfect for sweaty gym gear.
- Fabric protection: Unlike harsh commercial detergents, it cleans without wearing down your clothes.
How to Use Baking Soda As Detergent
Add one cup of baking soda directly into the drum or detergent dispenser. Wash as normal using warm or hot water to ensure it dissolves completely.
Baking soda works best as a booster for lightly soiled or smelly loads, not as a full replacement for greasy or heavily soiled clothes. Skip the popular tip of pouring vinegar on top of it: a single tablespoon of baking soda, about 18 grams, can release more than five liters of gas when it hits an acid like vinegar, according to a chemist’s breakdown of the reaction, leaving little more than salty water and fizz behind. Use baking soda in the wash and save vinegar for the rinse.
Product Specs
| Type | Brightener, cleaner, stain remover |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Whites, colors, any fabric |
| Wash | Machine or hand wash |
| Stain | Any stain, including acidic ones |
2. Borax
Borax is a classic laundry booster that deserves a spot on your shelf. It is a naturally occurring mineral that creates an alkaline environment to battle acidity in stains.
Because of its high pH, Borax softens hard water and helps loosen dirt particles, a property poison-control guidance on borates attributes to its alkaline mineral structure. It is particularly good at whitening whites and removing soap residue left behind by other detergents.
Handle Borax With Care
Using Borax for Laundry
Add ½ cup of Borax directly into the drum or dispenser. Use a warm or hot water cycle to activate its cleaning power.
Product Specs
| Type | Cleaner, brightener, and odor remover |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Whites, colors, any fabric |
| Wash | Machine or hand wash |
| Stain | Smelly stains, including urine |
3. Powdered Oxygen Bleach
Chlorine bleach is harsh on fabrics and the environment. Oxygen bleach, however, is a safe and effective alternative for brightening loads.
Powdered oxygen bleach uses sodium percarbonate to lift stains. It works to:
- Stain removal: It tackles organic stains like dirt, grass, and food effectively.
- Disinfection: Sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide in water, giving it anti-microbial properties that sanitize your laundry without the toxicity of chlorine.
- Color safety: Unlike chlorine, it is generally safe for colors and delicate items like baby clothes.
Using Oxygen Bleach for Laundry
Add ½ cup of powdered oxygen bleach to the drum before loading your clothes. Wash with warm or hot water for the best results.
Warning
Product Specs
| Type | Disinfectant, stain remover, brightener |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Whites, colors, and delicate fabrics, including baby clothes. Don’t use it on silk or wool. |
| Wash | Washing machine |
| Stain | Organic or dirt stains |
4. Shampoo
In a pinch, grab a bottle from the shower. Shampoo contains surfactants similar to detergent, making it effective for cleaning fabrics.
However, stick to hand-washing only. Shampoo creates excessive foam that can cause a washing machine to overflow or lock up.
Choose a gentle formula, like baby shampoo. Avoid 2-in-1 conditioner combos or tinted shampoos, as these can leave oily residue or dye on your whites.
How to Use Shampoo for Laundry
Fill a sink or basin with water and mix in one teaspoon of shampoo. Agitate the water until suds form, then add your clothes. Soak heavily soiled items for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Product Specs
| Type | Cleaner |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any |
| Wash | Hand wash |
| Stain | Dirt or grime |
5. Bar Soap
That bar of soap by the sink is a solid backup plan. Laundry-specific bars like Fels-Naptha or Zote are ideal, but regular body soap works in an emergency.
Check The Ingredients
How to Use Bar Soap as Detergent
Use a cheese grater or knife to shave soap flakes into hot water. Stir until dissolved, then hand-wash your items. You can also rub the bar directly onto stains for targeted pretreatment.
Product Specs
| Type | Stain remover, deodorizer, cleaner |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any |
| Wash | Hand wash |
| Stain | General stains |
6. Body Wash and Hand Wash
Liquid body wash and hand soap are essentially detergents designed for skin. They break down oils and dirt effectively.
Keep these rules in mind:
- Hand wash only: Like shampoo, these products produce too many suds for a washing machine.
- Watch the additives: Check the label. If it contains moisturizers or essential oils, skip it. These ingredients can stain clothes or clog fabric fibers.
Using Body or Hand Wash for Laundry
Add a small teaspoon to a basin of hot water. Agitate to dissolve, then wash your clothes by hand. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Product Specs
| Type | Cleaner |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any |
| Wash | Hand wash |
| Stain | Dirt, grime; not a useful stain remover |
7. Laundry Balls
Laundry balls offer a chemical-free, reusable way to agitate dirt out of fabrics without constant refills.
Brands like Aquaball use bioceramic pellets to alter the water’s pH balance, helping to lift dirt naturally. They are excellent because they are:
- Hypoallergenic: Zero harsh chemicals means no skin irritation.
- Cost-effective: One ball can last for up to 2,000 washes.
- Eco-friendly: They reduce plastic bottle waste and chemical runoff.
How to Use Aquaball Laundry Balls
Simply toss the ball into the machine drum on top of your load. Run your cycle as normal. The mechanical action and ceramic pellets do the rest.
Product Specs
| Type | Disinfectant, brightener |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any |
| Wash | Washing machine |
| Stain | It does not remove stains |
8. Washing Soda
Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is baking soda’s stronger, more alkaline cousin. Its higher alkalinity is what lets it cut through stubborn grease and deep-set stains more effectively than baking soda.
While you can buy it, you can also make it by baking regular baking soda in the oven. It is a fantastic heavy-duty cleaner for work clothes or bedding.
How to Use Washing Soda
Use washing soda as a pre-soak for the best results. Dissolve two tablespoons in a gallon of warm water and soak stained clothes for an hour. Afterward, run them through a regular wash cycle.
Product Specs
| Type | Stain remover |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Best for cotton, preferably white. Shouldn’t be used on silk or wool. |
| Wash | Pre-soak in basin |
| Stain | Grease, blood, tea, coffee |
9. Vodka
Vodka acts as an excellent deodorizer and disinfectant when you don’t have time for a full wash cycle.
The high alcohol content kills bacteria that cause odors, while the liquid evaporates quickly without leaving a scent. It is perfect for refreshing vintage clothes or delicate costumes that cannot be submerged in water.
Using Vodka as Laundry Detergent
Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle. Turn your garment inside out and spritz the fabric lightly. Hang the item in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Product Specs
| Type | Freshener, disinfectant, odor remover |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Most fabrics, but avoid dark and bright colors, and leather |
| Wash | Spritz on dry clothes |
| Stain | Does not remove stains |
10. AspenClean Oxygen Bleach Powder
If you prefer a ready-made powder over the loose version above, AspenClean’s Oxygen Bleach Powder runs on the same active ingredient, sodium percarbonate, in a plant-derived formula.
AspenClean Oxygen Bleach Powder works the same way sodium percarbonate does above:
- Stain lifting: The percarbonate releases oxygen ions in water that break down organic stains like blood, wine, and grass.
- Color-safe brightening: Like other oxygen bleaches, it brightens dingy colors and whites without the fading risk of chlorine.
- Follow the package dosing: Scoop size and water temperature vary by brand, so use AspenClean’s own label instructions rather than the loose-powder amounts above.
Using AspenClean Oxygen Bleach Powder for Laundry
Use the scoop provided to measure the correct amount based on load size. You can add it directly to the drum or the detergent dispenser. Always check the label for specific concentration instructions.
Product Specs
| Type | Cleaner and stain remover |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any |
| Wash | Washing machine |
| Stain | Diapers, coffee, grass, blood, popsicles. Basically, any stain! |
11. Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is arguably the most versatile liquid in your home. It acts as a stain remover, brightener, deodorizer, and natural fabric softener.
The mild acetic acid breaks down minerals, soap residue, and grime. Household white vinegar is typically diluted to around 4 to 10 percent acetic acid, according to a chemist’s explainer on vinegar and baking soda. Used in moderation it is gentle on most fabrics, but frequent full-strength soaks can weaken cellulose fibers like cotton, linen, and rayon and may shift some pH-sensitive dyes, so dilute it and lean on it mostly as a rinse-cycle softener. Its benefits include:
- Residue removal: It strips away sweat buildup and leftover soap scum.
- Mildew fighter: It kills the fungus that causes that damp, musty towel smell.
- Pet hair release: By relaxing fabric fibers, it helps release pet hair and lint in the wash.
- Odor elimination: It neutralizes strong smells like smoke or cooking grease.
- Natural softening: Pouring vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser softens clothes without the waxy coating of commercial softeners.
How to Use Distilled White Vinegar
- Regular wash: Add ½ cup of vinegar to the detergent or fabric softener compartment during a standard cycle.
- Whitening soak: Boil a large pot of water, remove from heat, and add one cup of vinegar. Soak white items overnight to restore brightness.
Take Note
Product Specs
| Type | Disinfectant, cleaner, stain and odor remover, brightener |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any (only 100 percent cotton for overnight soaking) |
| Wash | Washing machine and hand wash |
| Stain | Sweat, mildew, food, drink, grass, blood, crayon, vomit, etc. |
12. Soap Nuts
Soap nuts are dried berry shells from the Sapindus mukorossi tree. They contain saponin, a 100 percent natural surfactant that foams up when agitated in water.
They have been used for centuries in India and China and are the ultimate zero-waste option.
- Reusable: You can reuse the same bag of nuts for multiple loads until they turn gray and mushy.
- Compostable: Once they are spent, simply toss them in your compost bin.
- Hypoallergenic: They are entirely chemical-free, making them safe for babies and those with eczema or allergies.
How to Use Soap Nuts for Laundry
Place 4 to 6 soap nuts in the provided small muslin bag. Toss the bag into the washer drum with your clothes. Wash with warm water to help release the saponin. Remove the bag before drying and let the nuts air dry for the next use.
Product Specs
| Type | Detergent, stain remover, disinfectant |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any fabric that can be washed warm or hot |
| Wash | Washing machine |
| Stain | Dirt, oil, grime |
13. Lemon Juice
When life gives you lemons, do your laundry. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent and disinfectant.
It is particularly useful for:
- Bleaching naturally: It brightens whites and fades stains without chlorine.
- Rust removal: The acidity dissolves rust stains better than most commercial soaps.
- Deodorizing: It leaves a fresh, clean citrus scent.
How to Use Lemon Juice for Laundry
- Spot treatment: Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto stains like rust or underarm yellowing. Scrub with a soft brush and wash.
- Whitening paste: Mix lemon juice and salt into a paste. Apply to tough stains and let it sit before washing.
- Brightening boost: Add ½ cup of strained lemon juice to your wash cycle to brighten the whole load.
Use Fresh Lemons
Product Specs
| Type | Cleaner, stain remover, brightener |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Any fabric |
| Wash | Washing machine or hand wash |
| Stain | Rust, mildew, mold, juice, food |
14. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap (traditionally made from olive oil) that is free from animal fats and synthetic ingredients. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and incredibly concentrated.
Dr. Bronner’s is a famous example, but any pure liquid Castile soap works. It is gentle on skin but tough on dirt, making it a favorite for eco-conscious households.
How to Use Castile Soap
Because it is concentrated, you only need a small amount. Use roughly ⅓ cup of liquid Castile soap for a regular load.
Pro Tip: If you have hard water, combine the Castile soap with ¼ cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle. This prevents soap scum from forming on your clothes.
FAQs
Love Your Laundry Detergent Alternatives
Next time you run out of soap, skip the panic. Whether you grab a lemon, a box of baking soda, or a bottle of Castile soap, you have plenty of effective options at your fingertips.
For most emergency loads, reach for baking soda first: it deodorizes and lifts light dirt, and it is safe in any washer. The one rule to remember is to keep high-suds items like shampoo, dish soap, and bar soap to hand-washing, since they can overflow a machine.
