Detergent Substitutes

• Common household items make ideal detergent substitutes. Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images

  Washing your clothes can harm the environment. Most detergents contain phosphates. These chemicals, when they eventually find their way to waterways, can create algae that harms fish. Most detergents are derived from petrochemicals. These compounds cause allergic skin reactions to many people. Using detergent substitutes, often items commonly found in most homes, protects the environment, provides a safer alternative for the skin and cleans clothes effectively.

Soap

• Soap cleans natural fabrics effectively. Add 1 1/2 cups of soap to your wash. The soap softens the water and especially cleans cottons and fabrics safely.

Vinegar

• Vinegar keeps colors looking bright. Add a cup of vinegar to your wash, along with soap, for colors. However, don't use vinegar if you are also using bleach. Mixed together, they cause harmful fumes.

Baking Soda

• Baking soda leaves clothes soft and fresh smelling. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of baking soda to your wash.

Borax

• Borax disinfects and cleans clothes that are especially dirty. Borax also softens the water, allowing the soap to clean better. Add 1/3 cup borax with soap for heavy soiled laundry. Apply borax directly on stains before washing.

Washing Soda

• Sometimes called sodium carbonate, washing soda cuts grease and removes stains. Add 1/3 cup of washing soda to 1 1/2 cups soap on laundry that has grease. Like borax, washing soda can also be applied directly to stains before washing.