7 ‘Unexpected’ Things You Can Clean with Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is a powerful cleaning agent. But did you know that it can do much more than just clean your clothes? The stuff can be multifunctional in your household. For example, you can use both the liquid and powder version for your drain, oven or car. We have listed seven things that you can clean with laundry detergent.
1. Unclogging the drain
Is your drain clogged up? Don’t call a plumber just yet; try this trick first. Pour about 60 millilitres of laundry detergent into the sink and then (slowly) pour a litre of boiling water down the drain. The hot water and the liquid detergent work together to flush out the blockage. That saves you another visit from the plumber.
2. Making all-purpose cleaner
It is also perfectly fine to use laundry detergent to make all-purpose cleaner. To do this, mix 80 millilitres of bleach, 4.5 litres of water and a teaspoon of laundry detergent together. It works surprisingly well on walls, in the bathroom and on almost any other surface in the house.
3. Removing stains
When you think about it, it makes sense that the same stain-fighting properties that help clean your clothes, also work on upholstery and carpet. Apply powder detergent to a stain and rub it gently with a wet cloth to work the detergent into the stain. Wait five minutes, then wipe off the excess powder and repeat until the stain is gone.
4. Washing the car
Laundry detergent is ideal for cleaning the outside of the car. It removes dirt with ease. Makes sure to dilute the detergent fist. Just one tablespoon of laundry detergent per bucket of water should be enough. A solution that is too concentrated could damage the paintwork of your car, which is something we want to avoid! Of course, you can also use laundry detergent for the interior of the car, as described above.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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