What to Use in Place of Laundry Detergent When You’re Out

Introduction

I swear, laundry is out to get us. Tell me why detergent always runs out at the worst time—kids on their third outfit, husband finally washing his week-old gym clothes, and BAM—no detergent. A normal person might run to Target, but that means dressing the kids, fighting over car seats, and walking in for “just detergent” only to leave $100 poorer. So nope, not today. But before we dive into what to use in place of laundry detergent, let’s be real—these aren’t long-term replacements. They’re mom hacks for those ‘oh no, we’re out’ moments. While they’ll get the job done in a pinch, using them all the time might not be the best for your clothes in the long run.

Now, let’s talk about real, mom-tested ways to clean clothes with what you already have at home.

Baking Soda & Vinegar (A Mom’s Secret Weapon)

Any mom will tell you—baking soda and vinegar aren’t just for baking. They’ve been lifesavers for all kinds of messes. Maybe it was cleaning up a yogurt spill; maybe it was for that ‘volcano experiment’ your little scientist tried in the living room (yep, been there). Either way, they’ve already saved the day before—so why not let them work their magic in place of laundry detergent too?

You’ve used them to:

• Unclog a sink.
• Clean up mystery spills.
• Remove that weird smell from the sippy cup you thought was empty.

Well, guess what? They also work as a detergent replacement!

How? Dump ½ cup of baking soda into the washer drum and add ½ cup of white vinegar where the detergent goes.

Why? The baking soda lifts dirt while the vinegar kills odors & softens clothes.

Best for? Kid-stained clothes, musty towels, and anything that smells like a locker room.

Mom Hack: Throw in some essential oils (lavender, lemon, whatever smells like you have your life together) to make your laundry smell fresh.

Use this occasionally, not daily. Vinegar can weaken elastic and certain fabrics over time.

Dish Soap (But Let’s Not Turn the Laundry Room into a Bubble Party, Okay?)

Dish soap works—IF you don’t overdo it. Otherwise, your washer will turn into a foam explosion straight out of a sitcom.

How? Just a tiny drop (like, ½ teaspoon max) goes into the detergent slot.

Why? Dish soap cuts grease and lifts stains, just like laundry detergent.

Best for? Baby clothes, food stains, and greasy messes.

Warning: Do NOT use moisturizing dish soaps (like Dawn Ultra Moisturizing) unless you want your clothes to feel weirdly slimy.

Emergency use only. Dish soap isn’t designed for washing machines, so regular use could cause buildup.

Shampoo (For When You’re Really Desperate)

I know what you’re thinking—shampoo? Yes, Mama. If it’s safe for your kid’s hair, it’s safe for clothes.

How? Add a teaspoon of baby shampoo to the washer.

Why? Shampoo is literally made to remove oil & dirt while being gentle.

Best for? Delicates, sweaters, and hand-wash-only clothes.

Warning: No Pantene, no Herbal Essences—just plain, simple shampoo. Otherwise, your clothes will smell like a salon for weeks.

Great for a quick fix, but not a permanent swap. Some shampoos contain conditioning agents that may leave residue on fabrics.

Borax (A Classic for a Reason)

If you’ve got Borax in your laundry room, congrats, you’re ahead of the game. Grandmas used this stuff for a reason! It’s been around forever, and for good reason—it’s a powerhouse in place of laundry detergent, lifting stains, deodorizing, and softening hard water all at once.

How? Toss ½ cup of Borax directly into the washer drum.

Why? It removes stains, deodorizes clothes, and softens water.

Best for? Gym clothes, white T-shirts that look more “gray,” and anything with a toddler mystery stain.

Mom Tip: Keep a box of Borax around for those days when life is out to get you.

Safe for regular use! Unlike other substitutes, Borax is often used alongside detergent and won’t damage fabrics.

Castile Soap—Because Sometimes Simple is Best

Ever run out of detergent and start looking around, hoping something—anything—can save you? That’s how some moms first grabbed Castile soap. They originally had it for hand-washing delicates, but desperate times call for creative solutions, right? Turns out, it worked like a charm!

How? Just squeeze a little (about a tablespoon or two) into the detergent dispenser—nothing fancy.

Why? It’s gentle, chemical-free, and actually gets the job done. No weird residue, no overpowering smell—just clean clothes.

Best for? Baby clothes, sensitive skin, or when you want to keep things as natural as possible.

Bonus Hack: If you like a little scent, grab a lavender or citrus version. Your laundry will smell fresh, but not like you knocked over an air freshener aisle.So yeah, this isn’t just an emergency fix—it’s something you can totally use long-term without wrecking your clothes or washer.

Final Thoughts:

What Should You Use?

Let’s break it down, mama:

• Need a quick fix? Baking soda + vinegar.
• Got greasy, food-stained clothes? Dish soap (but just a drop!).
• Washing delicate fabrics? Shampoo.
• Want a long-term alternative? Borax or Castile soap.

Remember: These substitutes are lifesavers when you’re in a bind, but they’re not meant to replace detergent forever. For everyday use, stick to your regular detergent—your clothes (and washing machine) will thank you. But when you’re in a pinch, now you know exactly what to grab in place of laundry detergent to keep things fresh and clean!

Bonus Tip: Unexpected Cleaning Hacks!

Okay, real talk—moms get creative when it comes to cleaning. Some even swear by using carpet cleaner on mattresses! Sounds wild, right? But hey, if it can handle toddler juice spills and mystery stains on the rug, it might just freshen up a mattress too. Just make sure to spot-test first—because the last thing we need is a cleaning fail.

And while we’re on the topic of carpets… ever thought about how often they actually need replacing? Turns out, carpets have a lifespan too. Depending on foot traffic, stains, and, let’s be honest, how many “oops” moments the kids have had, it might be time for an upgrade!

What’s Your Best Laundry Hack?

Have you ever MacGyver’d a detergent substitute in a moment of desperation? Drop your best laundry hack in the comments—because let’s be real, we need all the help we can get.