Using toothpaste, like Colgate, as a substitute for laundry detergent is not recommended. Toothpaste is specifically designed for oral hygiene and contains ingredients that are not suitable for washing clothes. While it may be capable of cleaning some stains or spots, it is not formulated to effectively remove dirt, oil, and grime from fabrics.
Toothpaste contains abrasives and chemicals that could damage clothing fibers or leave residues that may not wash out properly. Additionally, using toothpaste on a large scale for laundry purposes could be wasteful and costly compared to using proper laundry detergent.
If you find yourself in a situation where you don't have access to laundry detergent, there are some alternative options you can try temporarily:
Hand soap: Liquid hand soap can be used as a substitute for laundry detergent in a pinch. It's milder than toothpaste and more suitable for fabrics.
Baking soda: Baking soda can help remove odors and light stains from clothes. Add a small amount (around 1/4 to 1/2 cup) to your laundry load along with water.
Vinegar: White vinegar can act as a fabric softener and help remove some stains. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Borax: If you have borax (sodium borate), you can use it as a laundry booster. It helps to enhance the cleaning power of your detergent, but it's not a replacement for detergent itself.
Remember, these alternatives are temporary solutions and may not be as effective as proper laundry detergent. If possible, try to get detergent as soon as you can for better results and to take proper care of your clothes.