Most people view that bottle of blue liquid or box of powder sitting on the dryer as a one-trick pony, destined only for spin cycles and dirty socks. However, laundry detergent is essentially a concentrated concoction of surfactants and enzymes designed to break down organic soils, grease, and grime.
These chemical properties make it a formidable opponent against dirt all over the house, not just inside the washing machine. By expanding the repertoire of this common household staple, you can streamline your cleaning cabinet and tackle stubborn messes with a product you already own.
1. Clear Slow-Moving Drains
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Before reaching for harsh drain openers, try using laundry detergent. Its enzymes are great at breaking down the soap scum, hair, and grease that cause clogs. Pour 1/4 cup of liquid detergent down the drain and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
Then, slowly pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush away the loosened debris. This method is best for slow drains, not complete blockages. Use it monthly for maintenance.
2. Revitalize Upholstery and Carpet
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Stains on your sofa or rug? Don’t panic. Laundry detergent is a gentle solution for fabrics that can’t go in the washer. Since it’s designed to lift stains from fibers, it’s perfect for upholstery.
Mix a teaspoon of liquid detergent in warm water. Dip a clean, white cloth in the solution, wring it out, and blot the stain; don’t rub. Once the stain is gone, use a water-dampened cloth to remove any soap residue. Always spot-test an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness.
3. Degrease Concrete Driveways and Garages
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Oil and auto fluid stains on concrete are no match for laundry detergent. Its surfactants are designed to break down oil and grease. To tackle stubborn stains, pour powdered or liquid detergent directly onto the spot.
Add a little water to make a paste, then scrub with a stiff brush. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with a hose or pressure washer. Lightly dampen the stain before adding powdered detergent to help it stick and start working right away.
4. Deep Clean Outdoor Furniture
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Patio furniture collects pollen, bird droppings, and mildew. To clean it, mix one tablespoon of laundry detergent with a gallon of warm water. Use a sponge or soft brush to wipe down plastic, resin, or wood furniture, focusing on areas where dirt and spiders accumulate.
Rinse the furniture with a hose immediately after scrubbing to prevent soap residue from attracting more dirt.
5. Mop Greasy Tile and Vinyl Floors
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Many professional cleaners use powdered laundry detergent and hot water to strip grease from floors. The enzymes that remove food stains from clothes work just as well on kitchen spills. Dissolve one teaspoon of powdered detergent into a bucket of hot water and mop as usual. This solution is great for lifting dirt from textured tile and grout lines.
Don’t use too much detergent, or it will leave the floors sticky. If the floor feels tacky after drying, mop it again with plain water.
6. Brighten Window Blinds
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Dusting blinds can be tedious. For a deeper clean, try laundry detergent. Fill a bathtub with warm water and add 1/2 cup of liquid detergent. Submerge the blinds and let them soak for an hour. Wipe each slat gently with a sponge, then drain the tub and rinse the blinds with clean water.
Lay the blinds on a towel to dry completely before re-hanging them to prevent water spots.
A Cleaner Home is in the Laundry Aisle
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Unlocking the full potential of laundry detergent saves both money and shelf space. By understanding the chemistry of surfactants and enzymes, you can deploy this laundry room staple to handle greasy driveways, dusty blinds, and stubborn carpet stains.
For your next project, head to the garage or patio. Assess the state of your outdoor living spaces and try the concrete or furniture cleaning methods mentioned above. You might find that a simple bucket of suds transforms your home’s exterior just as well as expensive specialty cleaners.