9 Things to Clean with Laundry Detergent (Besides Just Clothes)

Laundry detergent is a household staple with applications beyond the laundry room. Formulated with enzymes and surfactants, laundry detergent is a versatile cleaning agent handy for other chores in a pinch, including doing the dishes and dissolving clogs.

We've rounded up nine of the best uses for laundry detergent besides just washing clothes.

Before Cleaning with Laundry Detergent

Before getting started, there is one thing to remember about these tips. They are best thought of as in-a-pinch solutions. Laundry detergent is not always the best choice for cleaning jobs because it is formulated specifically for clothing and other textiles and intended to be used in a washing machine or hand-laundering setting. However, it can come in handy at times outside the laundry room.

9 Things to Clean Using Laundry Detergent

1. Carpet and Upholstery

Did your little one get in touch with his inner Picasso all over your couch or rug? Liquid laundry detergent to the rescue! Dilute 1 tsp. liquid laundry detergent in a small bowl of water, dip a light-colored cloth in the solution, and scrub out the stains. Then, rinse the rag and go over the area well to remove the detergent residue so it doesn't oxidize and darken over time. This method works on common stains, from food and drink spills to crayons and pet messes.

2. Outdoor Furniture

All types of outdoor furniture, from plastic to wood to fabric, can be cleaned with diluted laundry detergent. Dip a rag or bristled brush in a detergent solution and use it to lift dirt, grime, pollen, mold, and mildew from outdoor chairs, tables, and umbrellas. Rinse the outdoor furniture well after cleaning and allow it to dry thoroughly in the sun.

3. Concrete and Other Outdoor Surfaces

Use concentrated liquid laundry detergent to remove oil stains from the driveway, garage, or other outdoor surfaces. Pour a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain and scrub the area with a stiff bristle brush. Allow the detergent to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse the area with a hose or power washer. Diluted liquid laundry detergent can also be used to give outdoor surfaces an all-over cleaning.

4. Children's Toys

Soak hard plastic children's toys in a solution of laundry detergent diluted in warm water to remove buildup, germs, and bacteria. Soft children's toys, like dolls or stuffed animals, can also be cleaned using the same solution; instead of soaking them, dip a soft cloth in the diluted detergent and gently scrub the toys clean.

5. Bathtubs

The ingredients in laundry detergent formulated to remove bio-based soils like sweat or dead skin also make an effective bathtub cleaner. Dilute laundry detergent in water to make a tub-cleaning agent that will break down soap scum, which is a mix of soap and bio-based elements like sebum and dead skin, quickly and effectively.

6. Clogs and Drains

Clogs and slow-moving drains can be loosened with a combination of laundry detergent and very hot water. To cure a slow-moving drain, pour ¼ cup liquid laundry detergent down the drain. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, and then carefully pour very hot water (boiling, if possible) down the drain to remove buildup and blockages. 

To eliminate a clog in the toilet, put ½ cup liquid or powder detergent in the bowl and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, carefully pour boiling water into the bowl and flush the clogged toilet to clear the clog.

7. Dishes

Run out of dish soap with a sink full of pots and pans? In a pinch, laundry detergent can substitute for dish soap. Liquid laundry detergent works best for this use; just remember that most liquid laundry detergents are more highly concentrated than dish soaps and use a sparing amount to avoid the need for excessive rinsing.

8. Hands

As with dish soap, liquid laundry detergent can substitute for hand soap if needed. Laundry detergent is especially effective at removing tough stains from hands, like motor oil or paint.

9. Stains

Technically, this one is a use for laundry detergent that involves clothes, but it's a handy tip to keep in mind. Liquid laundry detergent is an excellent stand-in for stain pretreatment products. To use liquid laundry detergent to pretreat stains, dab a small amount directly onto the stain before laundering. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the detergent to penetrate the stain, and then wash the item as usual.