Every now and again you’ll come across a “household hack” that suggests using dish soap in your washing machine. Some hints say it’s the perfect way to clean your washer.
Others tout less-expensive concentrated dish liquid as a great way to clean your clothes. While these hacks might seem convincing in social media pictures and videos, experts say it is NEVER a good idea to put dish detergent in your washing machine.
Why? Let’s talk bubbles. Dish liquid is designed to have a lot of foaming action. (It’s also a bad idea to use it in a dishwasher.) When you combine that sudsing action with the rotation of a washer, you’re going to get a bubble explosion. Even if the bubbles don’t come foaming out of your washer and fill the laundry room like a scene from a sitcom, they can still leave a residue that can cause issues with your drain and hoses.
Instead of a vibrantly clean washer, you could end up with one covered in soap scum.
Just because dish liquid does a great job cleaning dishes, doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for spotless clothing. Laundry detergent contains surfactants that make it easier for water to spread evenly over fabric. Clothes get completely saturated with water, making it easier to wash out the dirt. On the other hand, dish liquid is likely to leave a scummy residue on your clothes.
Don’t use shampoo, liquid hand soap or body wash in a washer either. Stick with laundry detergent for your washer.
If your washer just isn’t working right, call Appliance Center Service to schedule or a service call at 419-893-3374. If it’s time to upgrade to a new washer, our sales professionals will be happy to help you choose just the right model from Ohio’s largest selection of in-stock furniture, mattresses, and appliances. Stop into our superstores or click here to shop washers online right now.