Can You Use Washing Up Liquid In The Washing Machine?

Using washing up liquid in the washing machine to clean clothes in an emergency might seem like a good idea. It’s true it would clean the clothes but it’s a definite NO.

So why are we so opposed to using washing up liquid in the washing machine? It’s because of the suds. You see, laundry detergents are designed to not produce too many suds.

Washing up liquids don’t have this feature within their design which means the room would probably be full of suds. And while this might sound like fun at a party or some other social gathering, it’s definitely not something you want in your home.

The amount of suds would be epic which would take absolutely ages to clean up. Plus the suds are likely to damage the machine in some way. The seals could become damaged, the drainage system could be affected and all manner of other components could all become damaged and all down to a small splash of washing up liquid.

It’s just not worth the risk – even if you do think it would be fun.

What Should You Use If Not Washing Up Liquid?

We would always recommend using a detergent that has been designed for use in a washing machine. These automatic washing machine detergents are designed to dissolve in the water inside your machine even at low temperatures and get your laundry clean.

Fabric Softeners

You can also use a fabric softener to prevent unnecessary damage to the clothes as they get tumbled around inside the drum of the washing machine.

Stain Removers

There are some stain removers that are specifically designed for use in an automatic washing machine. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, they are perfectly safe to use along with your regular detergent.

What Can You Use In The Washing Machine If You Have No Laundry Detergent?

If you’ve run out of laundry detergent and you need to put a wash on urgently, you will be far better off washing your clothes in just water.

There are other alternative stain removers that can be used including;

• Distilled White Vinegar
  You can pour white vinegar directly onto a stain on a white t-shirt and rub it in. Allow it to soak for 10 minutes or so and rinse thoroughly.
• Baking Soda
  For tough stains, pour white vinegar onto the stain and then add baking soda. The fizzing action will cause the stain to lift out.
• Hydrogen Peroxide
  ½ a cup of Hydrogen peroxide should be mixed into 2 cups of water. The solution should then be applied to the stain and left to soak for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing.

If you do soak your clothes in any of the above, you should always ensure they are thoroughly rinsed after use.

When it comes to using any detergents in your washing machine it is always safer to use detergents specifically designed for washing machines.

Deviating from products specifically designed for washing machines could cause serious damage to your laundry and your washing machine.

Frequently Asked Questions