Looking for healthier alternatives to regular laundry detergents for your washing machine? You are in the right place ! Forget about chemicals that pollute the environment and damage your clothes over time. We are going to reveal a whole selection of natural solutions to adopt for a more sustainable and ecological washing routine.
What can be used to replace bleach?
Don’t have laundry detergent in stock anymore and don’t have time to go buy it? You can replace your regular powder or liquid product with other common household ingredients. Here are two that are very effective in doing laundry quickly without damaging the machine.
Dishwashing detergent is an interesting solution when you run out of detergent. However, it is recommended that it be as natural or neutral as possible so as not to damage the clothes during washing. Also, you need to first check the list of ingredients it contains. If it is formulated with bleach, it is better to abstain because it can discolor clothes. Also, make sure it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. In other words, always choose a detergent without dyes or perfume, especially if your skin is sensitive (you will easily find one in the section of organic products for the home). Important Tip: Depending on the volume of clothes to be washed, you should use 1 to 3 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid in your washing machine. This is a sufficient amount to wash your clothes effectively.
Also read: The sponge trick: an unknown method to keep the washing machine as new
Just like dishwashing liquid, you can use solid soap in the washing machine. You just need to grate it and then mix it with baking soda. Introduce this mixture into the tub and start the wash cycle. Your clothes will be clean, without the slightest stain.
Opt for an ecological detergent to wash your clothes

Baking soda – Source: spm
Of course, you can also change commercial products for a natural and ecological detergent. Here is a healthy and interesting home remedy to stain, whiten and deodorize your clothes. But be careful, it is important to scrupulously respect the quantities indicated in the list of ingredients below.
- 350 g of Marseille soap
- 300 g of baking soda
- 100 ml of citric acid
- 250g sea salt
These are the steps to follow:
- First, grate the soap and allow the resulting flakes to dry overnight.
- The next day you must crush these vials. Then, mix them with baking soda and citric acid.
- Then pour the sea salt over this mixture. Make sure it’s as thin as possible so it dissolves faster in the washing machine.
N.B : You can keep the composition obtained in a container to use it with each wash. This homemade detergent is suitable even for white clothes. And, the mentioned ingredients perfectly remove the smallest stains.
Also read: Should the washing machine door be left open? The common mistake that can cost you dearly
Why is baking soda so effective for washing?
This white powder can largely replace your usual detergent. In addition to being ecological and healthy, it is recognized for its cleaning, stain-removing, bleaching and deodorant power. As a bonus, it corrects bright colors and removes the toughest stains. Just one cup of baking soda in the drum is enough to get your clothes fresh and clean. Do you have sensitive skin? Rest assured, this product does not contain any additives, so you won’t be at risk of itchy skin or rashes.
Can white vinegar replace detergent?

Pour white vinegar into the washing machine drawer – Source: spm
Absolutely ! You can easily make a natural all-purpose cleaner by mixing white vinegar with water to wash dirty clothes, remove grease stains and odors. To do this, you will need one cup of vinegar to four cups of water. Mix well and apply this solution on the most stained parts. Let the clothes soak for at least one hour, before continuing with the machine wash cycle.
Also read: The great trick to leave clothes almost dry as soon as you take them out of the washing machine