Can I use Dawn as laundry detergent?

Answered by Tom Adger

I can give you a detailed answer about using Dawn as laundry detergent. So, here’s the deal: I wouldn’t recommend using Dawn in your washing machine as a substitute for laundry detergent. Let me explain why.

First of all, let’s talk about the difference in sudsiness between dish soap and laundry detergent. When you pour dish soap, like Dawn, into a sink full of water, it creates lots of sudsy, foamy bubbles. This is because dish soap is specifically formulated to cut through grease and remove stubborn food particles. On the other hand, laundry detergent is designed to clean clothes and remove stains, but it doesn’t produce as many suds or foam.

Now, here’s where the problem arises. If you were to pour Dawn into your washing machine, it could cause major issues. The suds and foam created by dish soap can be too much for your washer to handle. In fact, it could even lead to an overflow situation, with sudsy water spilling out of the machine. And trust me, cleaning up a soapy mess is no fun at all.

But it doesn’t stop there. Using Dawn in your washing machine can also cause problems with the pumps and drains. The excess suds can clog up these important components, leading to blockages and potentially damaging your washer. This can result in costly repairs or even the need to replace the machine altogether. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to deal with that kind of hassle.

Now, I understand that there might be situations where you’re in a pinch and don’t have any laundry detergent on hand. But even in those cases, I would recommend looking for alternative options rather than resorting to using Dawn. You could try using a small amount of gentle soap, like baby shampoo or a mild hand soap, diluted in water. These options are more suitable for laundry and won’t cause the same sudsing issues as dish soap.

While Dawn may be a great dish soap, it’s just not meant to be used as a laundry detergent. The excessive suds and foam it creates can cause your washing machine to overflow and damage the pumps and drains. It’s best to stick with a proper laundry detergent that is specifically designed for cleaning clothes. Trust me, your washing machine will thank you.