The Surprising Uses of Combining White Sugar and Laundry Detergent

White sugar and laundry detergent are two common household ingredients that almost every family keeps on hand. While each is useful in its own way, combining them can create a surprisingly effective mixture with multiple practical applications around the house.

Did you know what happens when you mix white sugar with laundry detergent?

Here’s how to prepare the mixture:

Start by adding two tablespoons of white sugar into a small bowl. Next, add two tablespoons of laundry detergent, followed by a small amount of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly until both the sugar and detergent dissolve completely. Once blended, you will have a simple, homemade solution that can serve many purposes.

Benefits of This Mixture

1. Repels and traps mosquitoes

The combination of sugar and laundry detergent can work extremely well for keeping mosquitoes away. The sweet scent of the sugar attracts mosquitoes, but once they come into contact with the solution, the detergent disrupts their ability to fly and eliminates them. This method becomes particularly useful during hot weather when mosquito populations increase. You can place the mixture in small containers around areas where mosquitoes frequently appear to help reduce their presence.

2. Removes stains from fabrics

If your towels or washcloths have become yellowed or stained over time, this mixture can help. Simply apply a small amount of sugar and detergent directly onto the fabric and gently rub it in. The mild abrasiveness of the sugar, combined with the cleaning power of the detergent, helps lift stains more effectively. After a quick rinse, the yellow patches often fade or disappear entirely.

3. Helps repel cockroaches

Cockroaches are unhygienic pests that can spread bacteria and diseases. This mixture can act as a simple deterrent. Leave small bowls of the solution in areas where cockroaches commonly hide—under sinks, behind cabinets, or in dark corners. You can also pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it directly into crevices. The combination helps drive them away and keeps the area cleaner.

4. Eliminates unpleasant drain odors

Drain odors can be uncomfortable and negatively affect the atmosphere of your home. After using the mixture for cleaning towels or repelling insects, you can pour the remaining solution down the drain. It helps deodorize the pipe, reduce bacteria buildup, and even prevent insects from crawling up through the drainage system. This makes it a simple, multipurpose solution for household maintenance.