Cascade is a popular dishwasher detergent made by Procter & Gamble. With its grease-fighting power and sudsy formula, some people wonder if Cascade can also be effective as a laundry detergent.
Evaluating Cascade as a Laundry Detergent
Cascade is formulated specifically for use in automatic dishwashers. Its ingredients and concentration are optimized to cut through stuck-on food residue and grease on dishes. Using Cascade for laundry is not recommended by the manufacturer. However, some people claim you can safely use small amounts of Cascade in your washing machine.
The main considerations around using Cascade for laundry include:
Effectiveness at Removing Stains
Cascade is designed to break down food grease and oils. Laundry often contains body soils and stains rather than food residues. While Cascade may help remove some body soils, it may not be as effective at lifting out set-in stains compared to purpose-made laundry detergents. Laundry detergents contain stain-fighting ingredients targeted at common fabric stains.
Formula Concentration
Dishwasher detergent is highly concentrated to work in short wash cycles. Using too much Cascade in your washing machine could lead to oversudsing issues. Care would need to be taken to use very small amounts – starting with 1-2 tablespoons per load. Even then, excess suds may be problematic.
Fabric Safety
Cascade is designed for use on dishware that can withstand strong chemicals and high temperatures. Some fabrics may not react well to Cascade’s formula. Prolonged use could lead to fading or damage to delicate items. As a precaution, Cascade is riskier for laundry compared to detergents made for fabrics.
Cost Effectiveness
On a per-load basis, Cascade costs considerably more than standard laundry detergents. The small bottle sizes and premium pricing make Cascade an expensive choice for doing multiple loads per week. While effective for periodic laundry stains, Cascade is likely not economical for everyday washing needs.
Convenience and Availability
Laundry detergent is widely available at grocery stores and mass retailers in large containers sized specifically for home washing needs. Cascade is primarily stocked at stores in small quantities targeted towards dishwashing. Sourcing large enough volumes of Cascade for regular laundry could be an inconvenience.
What the Experts Say
Consumer cleaning experts often advise against using dishwasher detergents like Cascade for laundry. While it may work in a pinch if your normal laundry detergent is unavailable, extended use is not recommended. The risks outweigh any small benefits for stain removal. Stick to detergents designed for fabric washing for best results.
The Bottom Line
Based on concentrate levels, stain-fighting ability, cost, fabric safety, and convenience factors – using Cascade as an everyday laundry detergent is not advised. For occasional laundry stains on durable items, a small amount of Cascade gel could lift some stubborn grease spots when used sparingly. But for your regular washing needs, standard laundry detergent is still the go-to choice.
References
Women’s Health – Can You Use Dishwasher Detergent for Laundry?
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a19905007/dishwasher-detergent-for-laundry/
Good Housekeeping – Is It Safe to Use Dish Detergent on Laundry?
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a32773/dish-detergent-for-laundry/
Tips Bulletin – Can You Use Cascade Dish Detergent for Laundry? https://tipsbulletin.com/cascade-dish-detergent-for-laundry/
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.