First, stop. Do not pour dish soap directly into the drum like a maniac. You will regret it. Instead, use a tiny amount.
Think of a teaspoon. That’s it. Yes, a teaspoon for a whole load. More is not better. More is a bubble apocalypse.
For extra safety, add the dish soap to the detergent drawer along with a little water. Or put it in a downy ball. This helps it mix evenly and not explode.
If you have a high-efficiency (HE) machine, beware. These machines use very little water. Even a teaspoon can create a tidal wave suds. You might want to skip this method entirely for HE machines.
But for a standard top-loader? Go for it. Just watch the first few minutes. The moment you see bubbles climbing, pause the cycle. Add a splash of white vinegar. Vinegar kills suds like a superhero.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
Did you know that Dawn dish soap is the official cleaner for wildlife after oil spills? Yes, actually. They use it to clean ducks and otters. So if your shirt is a little greasy, it’s in good company.
Also, dish soap is older than laundry detergent. People washed clothes with soap shavings for centuries. Your great-great-grandma was basically using homemade dish soap. You are a living historian.
Can You Wash Clothes With Dish Soap?
Another weird truth: dish soap can strip fabric dye faster than bleach. So if you have a red shirt, use dish soap very carefully. You might end up with a pink shirt. Or worse, a white shirt that used to be red.
