Laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid are designed for specific purposes and have different formulations to accommodate the tasks they perform. While they may appear similar in some ways, there are critical differences between the two that make interchanging them not recommended. Here are the main reasons why you shouldn't switch laundry detergent with dishwashing liquid:
Cleaning agents and pH levels: Laundry detergents are formulated to remove tough stains, dirt, and oils from fabrics, and they typically contain enzymes and other specialized cleaning agents. On the other hand, dishwashing liquids are specifically designed to cut through grease and food residues found on dishes and utensils. They often have higher pH levels than laundry detergents to tackle the grease effectively. Using dishwashing liquid in your laundry can result in poor stain removal and might not clean your clothes effectively.
Suds and foaming: Dishwashing liquids are formulated to produce a lot of suds and foam, which helps to lift away food particles and grease from dishes. In contrast, excessive suds are not suitable for washing machines, especially high-efficiency (HE) machines, as they can cause oversudsing and lead to malfunction or damage. Laundry detergents are designed to produce fewer suds and work efficiently in washing machines.
Ingredients: Laundry detergents may contain chemicals that are not suitable for use on dishes or safe for ingestion. These chemicals can be harmful if they come into contact with food or are ingested accidentally. On the other hand, dishwashing liquids are formulated to be safer for use on dishes and utensils and are generally less toxic if accidentally ingested in small amounts.
Residue and rinsing: Dishwashing liquids are typically designed to rinse off completely from dishes, leaving no harmful residue behind. If used in the laundry, they may not rinse out as effectively as laundry detergents, leaving behind soap residues that can irritate the skin and potentially damage fabrics.
In summary, while there might be some overlapping ingredients and functions, laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids are specifically tailored to their respective tasks and should not be used interchangeably. It's essential to use the right product for the intended purpose to achieve the best results and ensure safety.