Did you know liquid laundry detergent can clean more than just your clothes?
Spills and messes always seem to happen at the worst possible time. A drink tips over on the couch, muddy footprints end up on the carpet or the kids leave mysterious marks on the walls. Suddenly you’re digging through cabinets for a cleaner you don’t have.
Before adding another product to your shopping list, check the laundry room. That bottle of laundry detergent next to the washer can do a lot more than clean clothes — and it might already be the fix hiding in plain sight.
10 unexpected things you can clean with laundry detergent
Laundry detergent is one of the most versatile cleaning products in your home, and its usefulness comes down to chemistry.
The active ingredients are surfactants — “specialized molecules designed to break up dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away with water,” according to Irina Ganopolsky of Arm & Hammer, per MarthaStewart.com. That’s why the same liquid that lifts grease from a T-shirt can also tackle grout, makeup brushes, patio furniture and a lot more.
But if you’re looking to turn your laundry detergent into a multi-purpose cleaner, then here’s how to get the most out of it.
1. Remove carpet stains
Laundry detergent can help lift fresh carpet stains without needing a specialty cleaner. Start by gently blotting the area with plain water, then blot again using a mixture of water and a spoonful of detergent.
A low-suds detergent works best since excess soap can leave residue behind. Before letting the carpet dry, go over the spot with clean water to remove leftover detergent.
You can also use it in a carpet-cleaning machine. Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids, told Southern Living that adding about 1 teaspoon of detergent to the machine and filling the rest with water can work in a pinch.
2. Scrub dirty grout
Grout is notorious for trapping dirt and discoloration, and laundry detergent can help loosen the buildup. Powdered detergent usually works best, although liquid detergent can also do the job. Mix it with water and use a toothbrush for small grout lines or a larger scrub brush for floors and wider areas.
3. Deep-clean makeup brushes
Makeup brushes often go much longer between cleanings than they should, even though they collect bacteria, dead skin, oils and makeup residue. A gentle laundry detergent can help break down the buildup. Fill a bowl with water and detergent and swirl the brushes through it like a paintbrush, or place a small amount of detergent in your palm and work the damp brush into it. Rinse thoroughly and let the brushes air dry completely before using them again.
4. Freshen outdoor patio furniture
Outdoor furniture collects pollen, dirt and grime surprisingly fast. Laundry detergent works especially well on plastic patio furniture and can also help clean cushions. If cushion covers are removable, you can often toss them directly into the washing machine. Otherwise, spot clean them with diluted detergent and water. The same mixture can even help clean concrete surfaces and driveways, though it’s better for surface grime than deep stains.
5. Mop certain floors
If you run out of floor cleaner, diluted laundry detergent can work as a substitute. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent to a gallon of water and mop tile, vinyl or linoleum floors as usual. Just avoid using it on hardwood or natural stone surfaces, which can be damaged by the cleaner or left with residue.
6. Wash grimy walls
Walls collect fingerprints, grease, dust and mystery marks over time. Mix 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent into a bucket of warm water and gently wipe the wall clean. Avoid scrubbing too aggressively to protect the paint. Once you’re finished, follow up with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue before the wall dries.
7. Spot-clean furniture stains
Laundry detergent can help with small stains on upholstered furniture. Add a few drops of mild detergent to warm water and blot the stain with a microfiber cloth rather than scrubbing it. Afterward, rinse the area with clean water to remove soap residue. This works on many fabrics but should be avoided on leather furniture.
8. Clean your car interior
Your car interior can be cleaned much like upholstered furniture. Diluted laundry detergent can help clean plastic surfaces and fabric upholstery and works well for quick spot treatments between deeper detailing sessions. Avoid using it on glass surfaces, however, and stick with dedicated glass cleaner instead.
9. Wash kids’ toys in bulk
Kids’ toys tend to collect dirt quickly, and laundry detergent can help speed up cleaning day. Fill a sink with hot water and add about a tablespoon of gentle detergent. This can help clean plastic and fabric toys in larger batches, especially if you’ve run out of dish soap or another cleaner. Be sure to rinse everything thoroughly before handing toys back over.
10. Wipe down countertops
If you’re out of multipurpose cleaner, laundry detergent can temporarily fill the gap. Add a drop of detergent to a spray bottle of water and use it to wipe down laminate, quartz and granite surfaces. Just avoid natural stone materials like marble, which can react poorly to many cleaning products.
Best practices when cleaning with laundry detergent
Laundry detergent can help in a lot of ways, but it’s not perfect.
“Not every laundry detergent is created equal, but some are remarkably versatile, especially if you know they will rinse 100%,” Taylor Sutherland, president of Charlie’s Soap, told The Spruce.
For the broadest range of uses, look for a detergent that is low-suds (HE), fragrance-free, clear in color and made with fewer chemical additives.
Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before tackling a larger surface, and avoid using detergent on delicate natural stone, hardwood, unfinished wood and glass. Those surfaces need their own dedicated cleaners — but for nearly everything else, the bottle in your laundry room is ready to work overtime.
MORE INFO: Skip the store-bought detergent with these budget-friendly DIY laundry detergent recipes
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
