what can I use in my machine if I don't have actual laundry detergent?

Question

I am broke and i don't have any laundry detergent. Can i just use dishsoap?

Answer 1

Not unless you want the house over run with suds! Here is a easy recipe. If you don't have borax, your clothes will still get clean but not as bright!!! Also It makes your kitchen smell great when you make it!

1 bar bath soap, grated (your favorite brand, ivory is great)
3/4 cup Arm & Hammer Baking soda
1/2 cup borax
hot water


Place grated soap in a pot.
Cover with water and simmer over medium heat until all soap is melted, stirring occasionally.
Pour into 5 gallon bucket.
Add baking soda and borax.
Add enough hot water to fill the bucket.
Stir
Let sit overnight to gel.
Use 1 cup per load.
(You can pour this into old detergent containers or leave in the bucket. Please cover with a lid if leaving in the bucket to protect children and pets.).

Answer 2

yeap you can, use very tiny though.
here is what to do if you have delicates:
For special clothes that you want to last longer, hand wash them in hair conditioner. As hair is a natural fibre, so is wool, silk and cotton. Most of your good clothes are not worn so much as they are literally dirty they just need to be soaked in conditioner and rinsed.

I apply this to my own cottons, silk or woolen fabrics that require "Dry Clean Only" and it has never failed me. This method will add life to your fabrics rather like your hair.

here something else from the web:
http://www.soapnut.com/faqs.html

Answer 3

I have but use a small amount, cause it suds up way more than laundry soap.

Answer 4

I wouldn't. To use enough to actually clean anything, you will probably have a huge suds overflow.