Quick Answer

Everything wash is a scented laundry detergent designed for fabric care, while hand soap is formulated for skin cleansing. You can use an everything wash as a hand soap in a pinch, but it will be less gentle on skin and may leave a different texture. For regular hand washing, stick with dedicated hand soap.

What Is an Everything Wash?

An everything wash is a multi-purpose laundry detergent that combines cleaning power with a lasting fragrance. Unlike standard hand soap, it's formulated to remove stains and odors from fabrics while infusing them with a specific scent. Products like Rain Check Everything Wash and Midnight Grind Everything Wash are designed for everyday laundry needs and come in 16 oz and 32 oz bottles. Their formulas are optimized for machine or hand washing clothes, not for repeated skin contact.

Hand Soap vs. Everything Wash: Key Differences

Hand soap uses milder surfactants that are gentle on skin and rinse off quickly. Everything wash contains stronger cleaning agents meant to break down dirt and oils in fabric fibers. Using an everything wash as a hand soap may leave your hands feeling slightly dry or sticky because the formula isn't designed to be rinsed off skin completely. The fragrance profile is also different: everything washes often have a more intense, long-lasting scent that clings to fabric, whereas hand soap scents are meant to be fleeting.

Can You Use Everything Wash as Hand Soap?

Technically yes, but it's not ideal. If you run out of hand soap, a small pump of Rain Check Everything Wash or Midnight Grind Everything Wash will clean your hands. The rain-inspired clean scent or the coffee-like espresso aroma can be a pleasant change. However, these products are not tested for skin sensitivity or frequent use. For daily hand washing, a dedicated scented hand wash is a better choice for skin comfort and quick rinsing.

Trade-offs at a Glance

  • Cleaning Purpose: Everything wash is built for fabric stains and odors; hand soap targets skin dirt and germs. Use each for its intended job for best results.
  • Scent Intensity: Everything washes have a stronger, more lasting fragrance that clings to fabric. Hand soap scents rinse off quickly. Choose everything wash if you want scent that lingers on clothes.
  • Skin Feel: Everything wash can leave skin dry or slightly sticky. Hand soap is formulated to leave skin feeling clean and moisturized. Stick with hand soap for regular hand washing to avoid irritation.

Product Facts

  • Rain Check Everything Wash: Rain Check Everything Wash is a laundry detergent with a clean, crisp scent that evokes the calm after a storm. Offered in 16 oz and 32 oz bottles. If you use this as a hand soap, you'll get a fresh, rain-inspired fragrance on your hands, but the formula is optimized for fabric cleaning, not repeated skin contact.
  • Midnight Grind Everything Wash: Midnight Grind Everything Wash is a laundry detergent with a rich, smooth scent that runs on the buzz of espresso. Available in 16 oz and 32 oz sizes. Its bold coffee-like aroma makes it a fun novelty hand wash, but the stronger cleaning agents may feel less gentle than hand soap for daily use.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

  • Anyone who wants a multi-purpose laundry detergent with a lasting, pleasant scent for their clothes.
  • Shoppers looking for an occasional scented hand wash alternative when traveling or out of hand soap.

Not for

  • People with sensitive skin who need a gentle, daily hand soap.
  • Those who prefer a quick-rinse, non-sticky hand washing experience.