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I have a handy post for you today! These are great things to use laundry detergent for besides washing clothes.

For this post, I am using my favorite laundry detergent strips. I started using these last year because they are non-toxic and so handy. There is no mess plus they don’t take up any space.

There are several types of laundry “strips”, but I think the Tru Earth works best for cleaning our clothes.

Anyways, this is the laundry detergent I am using in this post.

Things To Use Laundry Detergent For Besides Washing Clothes

You can check out a video of these cleaning tips in action here. 

How Do You Use Laundry Detergent As A Cleaner?

Whether you use powder, liquid, or the strips like I am using, laundry detergent can very versatile around the home. Laundry detergent contains a combination of powerful surfactant and certain enzymes created to clean and break down stains from food, dirt, and grime. This makes it very effective for cleaning things around your home.

I prefer using the strips for these tips because it is mess free, and all you need to do is add about half a strip into a spray bottle with water. If you are using liquid detergent, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of the solution in 2-3 cups of water.

Below are all the ways I love using laundry detergent for cleaning plus the ratio of how I mix up the strips with water for each idea. 

Clean Your Washing Machine

If you want to remove dirt and debris from your washing machine, there is nothing easier to use than laundry detergent! Mix up a solution of 3 cups water, then 1/2 of a laundry strip. Add to a spray bottle for use. Spray the area, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Not only does it clean the surface of a washing machine well, but it smells good too. I keep a spray bottle with this in my laundry room for easy cleaning!

Clean Outdoor Furniture

With concentrated detergent, you can clean outdoor surfaces very easily. For this method, I am using a basic spray mix with ½ a Tru Earth strip (the amount you use for a small load of laundry) and three cups of water. This amount of water allows for a cleaning solution to not be too sudsy. To use this, simply spray the outdoor furniture and scrub with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Follow up with a damp microfiber or cloth to remove any lasting residue. You might not even need to follow up with the damp cloth, but sometimes I do if my outdoor furniture is extra dirty. 

Clean Large Kids Toys Outside

The same solution you use outside for your furniture is also great for outdoor toys. I use this to clean swings, cars, bikes, outdoor play kitchen, and even their chairs. It cleans off the dirt and gets these items sparkling clean. Just spray and wipe with the microfiber cloth or sponge. Again, follow up with a damp microfiber if needed. 

Wash Your Tires and Rims

This trick is so cool! Due to the way laundry detergent works, it cuts through grease and grim really well. For this tip, use ½ of a laundry strip and 3 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the rim well, then scrub with a rim brush or microfiber cloth. Rinse with water after scrubbing to remove any lasting dirt. 

Remove Stains From Fabrics

One of my favorite ways to use these concentrated strips is for stains. You can do this on outdoor cushions, chairs, couches, or clothing. In a spray bottle, use ½ of a strip and top with 2 cups of warm water. Swirl the bottle around until everything is combined. Spray the solution onto a stain, gently scrub, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. This microfiber can absorb any moisture left. This is a great method for items you can’t wash in the washing machine. 

For stains on clothes you can  wash, spray this solution onto the stain. Let it sit a few minutes, then scrub. Add to a normal wash cycle after this.

Clean a Bathtub

You can also use laundry detergent strips for cleaning a bathtub! Dissolve ½ of a strip into 2 cups of water. You can use a spray bottle or bowl for this, either one will work. Spray the entire bathtub with this solution, then scrub and rinse. Or dip your scrub brush into the bowl of solution and scrub. I always rinse when I am done to remove any residue. It cleans soap scum really well!

Other Important Tips for Successfully Cleaning With Laundry Detergent

Remember to use non-toxic detergent for tips like this especially if you are cleaning kids toys. And if you are experimenting on your own, make sure you use a very small amount of detergent. Laundry detergent is concentrated, so using a small amount is best. I also recommend you always test a small area before cleaning it for the first time. This is always a good idea with any DIY cleaning solution.

What Can I Do With Leftover Laundry Detergent?

If you have old or leftover detergent you need to use, these tips are all fantastic to try and a great way to use up anything old you might have sitting around.

 

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