Using Dawn dishwashing liquid as a laundry detergent substitute for washing clothes is not recommended, and doing so can have several potential consequences:
Harsh on Fabrics: Dishwashing liquids are formulated to cut through grease and remove stubborn stains from dishes. They contain strong cleaning agents and enzymes designed for cleaning dishes, not clothing. Using them on clothes can be too harsh and may damage delicate fabrics, causing them to wear out faster.
Excessive Suds: Dishwashing liquids can produce a lot of suds when used in a washing machine. High levels of suds can lead to issues such as oversudsing, which can prevent the washing machine from properly rinsing the clothes. It may also lead to water leakage or damage to the machine's components.
Incomplete Cleaning: Dishwashing liquids may not effectively remove stains or clean clothes as well as regular laundry detergents. They may not have the same ingredients or enzymes specifically designed to break down and remove different types of stains commonly found on clothes.
Residue Buildup: Dishwashing liquids are not designed to rinse out as thoroughly as laundry detergents. Using them on clothes can leave behind residues on the fabric, leading to skin irritation and discomfort when wearing the clothes.
Color Fading: Some dishwashing liquids may contain bleach or other strong chemicals that can cause color fading or discoloration on colored or delicate fabrics.
Fabric Softener Incompatibility: If your clothes require fabric softeners, using dishwashing liquid may not be compatible with the softener you intend to use, leading to potential issues with fabric softening and static cling control.
In summary, while using Dawn dishwashing liquid as a one-time emergency measure to clean a stain on clothes might be acceptable, it is not a suitable replacement for regular laundry detergent. For proper and safe cleaning of your clothes, it's best to use a laundry detergent specifically designed for washing clothes. These detergents are formulated to be gentle on fabrics, remove stains effectively, and rinse out thoroughly to ensure the longevity and quality of your garments.