Technically, shampoo can be used as a laundry detergent in a pinch, but it's not the ideal or recommended option. Shampoo and laundry detergent serve different purposes and have different formulations.
Shampoo is specifically designed for cleansing hair and typically contains ingredients that help remove oil, dirt, and product buildup from your hair. While it may contain some surfactants (cleaning agents), these are formulated for hair, not for effectively removing stains and dirt from fabric.
On the other hand, laundry detergent is designed to break down and remove a wide range of stains and dirt from different types of fabrics. It contains specific enzymes, surfactants, and other cleaning agents that are optimized for laundry purposes.
Using shampoo as a laundry detergent may not be as effective in removing tough stains and dirt from clothes, and it might leave a residue on the fabric. Additionally, shampoo may not contain the necessary ingredients to handle various fabric types, colors, and washing machine conditions.
If you find yourself without laundry detergent and need an emergency solution, you could use a small amount of mild hand soap or dish soap diluted in water. However, for best results and to take proper care of your clothes, it's always better to use a designated laundry detergent that is suitable for your specific laundry needs.