Can You Use Oxiclean As Laundry Detergent

So, you've found yourself staring at that bright orange bottle of OxiClean, wondering if it's just a stain fighter or a full-blown laundry detergent. Let's dive in, shall we?

What's the Deal with OxiClean?

First things first, OxiClean isn't your grandma's laundry detergent. It's a stain remover, a heavy-hitter in the war against grass stains, tomato sauce, and whatever else your kids track into the house. Its secret weapon? Hydrogen peroxide, which gives it that extra oomph to tackle tough stains.

But here's the thing, it's not a detergent. Detergents are designed to clean the whole load, not just the stains. They've got surfactants that lift dirt and grease, builders that soften water, and sometimes even fabric softeners thrown in for good measure. OxiClean? It's all about the stains.

Can You Use OxiClean as a Detergent?

Alright, let's get down to business. Can you use OxiClean as a detergent? Technically, yes. But should you? That's a different story.

Here's the deal: OxiClean can help clean your clothes, but it's not designed to do the job alone. It's like having a really good cleaner for your kitchen counters, but not having any soap or dishwasher detergent. You might get some cleaning done, but you're missing out on a lot of the action.

OxiClean Detergent, $1.99 at Walgreens :: Southern Savers

Why It Might Work

OxiClean's hydrogen peroxide can help break down stains and dirt, and it can even help brighten your colors. Plus, it's great for pre-treating stains. So, if you're in a pinch and you've run out of detergent, it could get the job done in a pinch.

Why It Might Not

OxiClean doesn't have the surfactants that detergents do, so it might not lift all the dirt and grease from your clothes. It also doesn't have the builders that help soften water, so it might not clean as well in hard water. And forget about using it in a high-efficiency washer - it could leave residue and cause all sorts of problems.

Oh, and one more thing - it's not cheap. Using OxiClean as a detergent could end up costing you a pretty penny.

Oxi Clean Laundry Detergent How To Use at Robbin Wood blog

But What About Those Commercials?

You know the ones - the before-and-afters that make it look like OxiClean can clean anything. Well, here's the thing. Those commercials are using OxiClean with detergent. They're not trying to pass off OxiClean as a detergent, they're just showing off what it can do when used with one.

So, What's the Verdict?

Can you use OxiClean as a detergent? Sure, but it's not the best idea. It's like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture - it'll get the job done, but it's not the right tool for the job.

Stick with a good detergent for your everyday laundry, and bust out the OxiClean for those tough stains. Your clothes (and your wallet) will thank you.