Did you know your everyday laundry detergent could secretly be a gardening hero? Tide might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of garden tools, but it can do way more than clean clothes.
If you’re looking for simple, low-cost ways to care for your plants or keep pests out, you’ll want to try these Tide tricks. From deterring deer to fighting weeds, these ideas are super practical and easy to follow.
You might be surprised at how versatile household items can be outdoors. Just like cinnamon, Coca-Cola, or even lemon juice, Tide has some unexpected uses you’ll love.
#1 Repel Weeds Naturally
Source: Houseaffection
Weeds are sneaky and stubborn, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to fight them. A mix of Tide, vinegar, and salt can dry them out quickly and keep new ones from popping up.
Just stir together 1/2 cup of salt, 2 cups of Tide powder, 2 cups of vinegar, and 1 liter of water. Pour the mixture straight on weeds growing in cracks or garden paths. Avoid spraying near plants you want to keep, as this mix is strong.
#2 Keep Deer from Visiting
Source: Almanac
Deer may look cute, but they can munch through your garden like it’s a salad bar. Luckily, Tide’s strong scent makes your garden less inviting to them. Mix Tide powder with a bit of water and leave it in open containers near your plants.
You can also soak rags in the solution and hang them around your garden’s edge. Change the mix every few days to keep the scent strong.
#3 Say Goodbye to Ants and Bugs
Source: Terminix
Ants and roaches don’t belong in your garden beds or patio corners. You can tackle them with a homemade bug spray using 2 cups of Tide powder in 1 liter of water.
Shake or stir well, then spray it on insect trails and hiding spots. Try to reapply after rain or watering for best results. It’s a simple fix that saves you from reaching for chemical sprays.
#4 Get Rid of Slugs and Snails
Source: Reallylist
Slugs and snails are silent plant-killers, but Tide can help you stop them fast. After picking them off your plants, drop them into a bucket with 2–3 cups of Tide mixed in a liter of water.
The solution breaks down their slimy barrier and gets rid of them. You can also pour a bit of this mixture around plant bases to discourage future visits. Just be careful not to splash it on leaves.
#5 Make Garden Tools and Pots Shine
Source: Omysa
Dirty tools can spread diseases between your plants, so it’s worth keeping them clean. Mix 2–3 tablespoons of Tide in a gallon of warm water and give your tools a good scrub.
Use a brush to reach tight spots and rinse them with clean water afterward. This not only keeps them looking neat but also helps them last longer. You can do the same with old pots before reusing them.
#6 Control Mold on Leaves
Source: Thespruce
Got fuzzy patches or powdery spots on your plants? A mild Tide spray might help. Combine 1/2 teaspoon of liquid Tide, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a gallon of water to make a gentle antifungal spray.
Always test it on one leaf before spraying the whole plant. Use it early in the morning or late in the day to prevent sun damage.
#7 Help Your Lawn Look Greener
Source: Urbanorganicyield
If your grass looks dull or tired, a little Tide might perk it up. The detergent contains phosphates, which can give grass a quick boost in color and growth.
Mix a teaspoon of liquid Tide into 5 gallons of lukewarm water and water your lawn with it. Use it sparingly, once a month is plenty. You’ll start to see a fresher, more vibrant green in no time.
