How to Use Dishwasher Detergent for Whites

Use up to 1 cup of dishwasher detergent to clean a full load of "heavy-duty" light- to medium-soiled whites in the washer. These include sheets and towels, but not clothing, which is typically too delicate for this process.. The amount will be determined by the size and type of the washer, how soiled or stained the laundry is, and whether the water is hard or soft. Because hard water contains minerals, it usually takes a little more detergent to get the job done. Err on the side of using less, as dishwasher detergent gets quite sudsy.

Run the whites through a normal washing machine cycle without the addition of laundry detergent. Add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove stains and impurities and whiten the load.

Remove tough stains. Prepare the load of whites in the washing machine per Step 1 , except use a full cup of dishwasher detergent. Allow the washer to fill with water and agitate a few minutes. Shut the washer off. Allow the whites to soak overnight.

Turn the washing machine back on to finish its cycles.