13 Best Laundry Detergent Alternatives

Ran out of detergent mid-laundry day? Or maybe you are ready to ditch the harsh chemicals for a greener routine? Don’t panic. You likely have powerful cleaning agents sitting in your pantry or bathroom right now.

Many laundry detergent alternatives effectively clean clothes, remove stains, and banish odors without a trip to the store. From baking soda to vinegar, these household heroes save money and reduce plastic waste.

Here are 14 of the best effective substitutes for standard laundry detergent.

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 a domestic superhero. It isn’t just for cookies; it is a powerhouse 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.

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 ⁽²⁾. It is particularly good at whitening whites and removing soap residue left behind by other detergents.

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.

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. Its superpowers include:

• Stain removal: It tackles organic stains like dirt, grass, and food effectively.
• Disinfection: It has anti-microbial properties that sanitize your laundry without the toxicity of chlorine ⁽³⁾.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8. Washing Soda

Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is baking soda’s stronger, more alkaline cousin. It is highly effective at attacking stubborn grease and deep-set stains ⁽⁴⁾.

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.

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.

10. OXY-Prime

If you prefer a pre-formulated powder that is safer than bleach, products like OXY-Prime are a solid choice. These oxygen-based cleaners are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and versatile.

OXY-Prime provides deep cleaning power to:

• Lift stains: Breaks down organic matter like blood, wine, or grass.
• Revive fabrics: Brightens dingy colors and whites.
• Versatile cleaning: Effective at various temperatures and on most fabric types.

Using OXY-Prime 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 bottle for specific concentration instructions.

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 and grime without damaging fibers. 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

1. Regular wash: Add ½ cup of vinegar to the detergent or fabric softener compartment during a standard cycle.
2. Whitening soak: Boil a large pot of water, remove from heat, and add one cup of vinegar. Soak white items overnight to restore brightness.

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.

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

1. Spot treatment: Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto stains like rust or underarm yellowing. Scrub with a soft brush and wash.
2. Whitening paste: Mix lemon juice and salt into a paste. Apply to tough stains and let it sit before washing.
3. Brightening boost: Add ½ cup of strained lemon juice to your wash cycle to brighten the whole load.

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

Can I Use Dish Soap as Laundry Detergent?

Yes, but be careful. Dish soap is formulated to create massive amounts of foam, which can overflow a washing machine. Only use a tiny amount (less than a teaspoon) and ideally stick to hand-washing in a sink when using dish soap.

Is Vinegar Safe for Washing Machines?

Generally, yes. Vinegar is safe for use in standard and HE washers. However, frequent use over many years can degrade rubber hoses and seals in some machines. It is best used periodically or diluted.

What Is the Best Natural Alternative to Laundry Detergent?

Baking soda and vinegar are widely considered the best natural alternatives. They are inexpensive, accessible, and effectively clean and deodorize fabrics without toxic chemicals.

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.

These alternatives not only clean your clothes but also help detoxify your home and reduce environmental waste. Give one a try on your next load!