This is a question that has been asked by many people and the answer is a bit complicated.
While it is true that Dawn dish soap has a lot of cleaning power it is not necessarily recommended for use with laundry.
Here we will explore the nuances of using Dawn for laundry and the potential consequences of doing so.
What is Dawn Dish Soap?
Before delving into the specifics of using Dawn for laundry it is important to understand what the soap is and what it is used for.
Dawn dish soap is a liquid cleaning agent made with surfactants which help to break up and remove tough grease and dirt.
It is often used to hand-clean dishes glasses silverware and other kitchen items as well as to clean other surfaces like counters and sinks.
What Makes it Unsafe for Laundry?
The main issue with using Dawn dish soap as a laundry detergent is that the surfactants used in the soap can cause damage to some fabrics.
These ingredients can break down the fibers in delicate fabrics such as silk lace and spandex causing them to become thin and brittle.
Furthermore Dawn has a higher pH level than conventional laundry detergents.
This can also cause fabrics to break down and become discolored.
It can also create a film on your clothes that can make them feel sticky and uncomfortable.
The Pros of Using Dawn as a Laundry Detergent
Dawn dish soap is designed to tackle tough grease and food residue so it makes sense that it can tackle tough laundry stains too.
Plus it is usually less expensive than regular laundry detergents so it’s a great budget-friendly option.
The Cons of Using Dawn as a Laundry Detergent
Using Dawn as a laundry detergent may not be the best idea for several reasons.
First of all Dawn is designed to break down oil and grease and regular laundry detergents are designed to break down dirt and grime.
This means that Dawn may not be able to penetrate and remove the dirt and grime that is embedded in your clothes.
Another issue is that using Dawn as laundry detergent may cause your clothes to become stiff and dingy.
This is due to the fact that Dawn contains an ingredient called surfactant that can cause clothes to become stiff and dingy when used in large amounts.
Finally using Dawn as a laundry detergent may increase your risk of skin irritation.
This is because Dawn contains an ingredient called ammonia which can be an irritant to sensitive skin.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you are looking for a safe alternative to Dawn for laundry there are a few options available.
For instance you can use a mild fragrance-free liquid detergent.
These detergents are usually gentler on fabrics and can be used with all types of clothing.
You can also try using a wool-safe detergent specifically designed for wool and other delicate fabrics.
These detergents are specifically formulated to be gentle on fabrics while still providing effective cleaning.
Conclusion
While Dawn dish soap can be effective for cleaning surfaces it is not recommended to use it as a laundry detergent.
The surfactants present in the soap can damage delicate fabrics while the higher pH level can cause discoloration and a sticky residue.
If you are looking for a safe alternative try a mild fragrance-free liquid detergent or a wool-safe detergent specifically designed for wool and other delicate fabrics.