Can You Buy Laundry Stuff With EBT?

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income households purchase nutritious food. This primary focus means that while an EBT card can buy groceries, it cannot be used to buy laundry stuff or other non-food household items.

Quick Summary

Federal SNAP rules restrict EBT cards to food items only, making household goods like laundry detergent and soap ineligible for purchase. This guide explores the official restrictions, the reason behind the policy, and provides practical alternatives for obtaining necessary non-food household supplies.

Key Points

No Laundry Supplies with EBT: Federal SNAP regulations explicitly prohibit using EBT benefits for laundry detergent, soap, or other non-food household items.
Food-Only Purchases: EBT is designated for food items and food-producing plants, as the program's purpose is to address food insecurity.
Alternative Funding for Non-Food Items: Households can use cash assistance from programs like TANF or their own cash income to purchase household supplies.
Community Support: Local food banks, charities, and community action agencies often provide or can direct you toward resources for obtaining free or low-cost hygiene and cleaning products.
DIY Solutions: Some SNAP-eligible food items like baking soda and white vinegar can be used as effective and low-cost laundry alternatives.
In-store Purchase Separation: When buying both food and non-food items, the EBT card will only be charged for the eligible food items, with a separate payment needed for the rest.
Check Product Labels: Items with a "Nutrition Facts" label are typically eligible, whereas items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not.

EBT and SNAP Restrictions Explained

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the system used by states to issue SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps. The core purpose of the SNAP program is to supplement the food budgets of low-income families and individuals. This goal is why the program has very specific guidelines about what is and isn't considered an eligible purchase. Laundry supplies fall firmly into the 'non-food' category, along with other cleaning products, paper goods, and personal hygiene items.

The separation between food and non-food purchases has a long history, dating back to the program's origins. While the rules may seem inconvenient, especially for those with limited budgets, the policy ensures that the program's federal funding is directed toward its intended purpose: reducing hunger. This strict focus means that essential non-food items must be purchased using other financial resources, such as cash assistance from programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or standard cash from employment.

Why Laundry Supplies Are Not Eligible

The Food and Nutrition Act: The federal law governing SNAP benefits explicitly defines eligible items as food or food-producing plants and seeds. Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are classified as cleaning supplies, not food, making them ineligible.
Program Intent: SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is authorized by the farm bill. This origin emphasizes its focus on agricultural products and providing a nutritional diet, not covering every household expense.
Resource Management: The program operates on the premise that covering a household's food costs frees up other income to be used for non-food necessities like toiletries, rent, and utilities.

Comparison of EBT-Eligible and Ineligible Items


Item Category	EBT-Eligible?	Examples	Why?
Staple Foods	Yes	Fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, cereal, dairy	Meets program's core goal of providing nutrition
Snack Foods	Yes	Chips, crackers, cookies, non-hot deli items	Considered food with a "Nutrition Facts" label
Beverages	Yes	Bottled water, soda, juice, iced coffee (cold)	Generally considered food if it has a "Nutrition Facts" label
Seeds/Plants	Yes	Seeds and plants that produce food for the household	Aligns with the program's agricultural roots
Alcohol/Tobacco	No	Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, cigars	Federal law explicitly prohibits these purchases
Hot/Prepared Food	No	Rotisserie chicken, restaurant meals (with exceptions like RMP)	Generally excluded, with state-specific exceptions for the disabled and unhoused
Household Supplies	No	Laundry detergent, soap, cleaning sprays, sponges	Classifed as non-food items
Hygiene Items	No	Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, cosmetics, diapers	Classified as personal care, non-food items

Alternatives for Acquiring Laundry Supplies

Since EBT cannot cover laundry products, individuals must explore alternative resources and strategies. Fortunately, several options exist to help ease the financial burden of these essential household goods.

Local and National Assistance Programs

Food Pantries and Charity Organizations: Many local food banks and pantries recognize the need for hygiene and household products and stock them when possible. Organizations like Provision Promise focus specifically on supplying hygiene essentials to those in need. You can contact local charities to see if they offer a dedicated laundry program or hygiene kit.
TANF Cash Assistance: For families enrolled in both SNAP and TANF, the cash portion of TANF benefits can be used for any household necessities, including laundry detergent. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state.
Community Action Agencies: These organizations often provide a range of services, including emergency assistance for household necessities. They may offer referrals or direct aid for families struggling to afford basic cleaning supplies.

Budgeting and DIY Strategies

DIY Laundry Alternatives: For those on a tight budget, some common household staples can serve as alternatives. Baking soda can be used to deodorize and soften clothes, while white vinegar can be added to the rinse cycle. Both are SNAP-eligible food items, allowing EBT funds to cover them. Caution should be used with delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
Couponing and Rewards Programs: Strategic shopping can help stretch cash funds for non-food items. Many stores offer rewards programs or have manufacturer's coupons available that can significantly lower the cost of laundry detergent. Apps like Ibotta can also provide cashback on non-EBT purchases.

Conclusion

The short and simple answer is no, you cannot buy laundry stuff with EBT. The rules of the federal SNAP program are explicit, designating benefits solely for food items. This distinction, while sometimes frustrating, is designed to focus aid on food security. However, this does not leave families without options. By exploring alternative solutions such as local food pantries, using TANF cash benefits, or employing smart budgeting tactics and DIY alternatives, households can still manage to acquire the essential non-food products they need. Understanding the program's limitations and seeking out other resources is the most effective way to navigate this challenge.

For more information on SNAP regulations, you can visit the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Frequently Asked Questions

EBT is for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is a federal program designed exclusively to provide assistance for food purchases. Household supplies are categorized as non-food items and are therefore ineligible.

Yes, you can use your EBT card to buy baking soda and white vinegar. Since these products are sold as food items with a "Nutrition Facts" label, they are considered eligible even if you plan to use them for cleaning or as a laundry alternative.

If you receive cash assistance benefits through a program like TANF, those benefits can be used to purchase non-food items, including laundry supplies. The EBT card can carry both food and cash benefits, but they are used separately at checkout.

You can pay for all items in one transaction. The point-of-sale system will automatically apply your SNAP benefits to eligible food items first. You will then need to pay the remaining balance for non-food items with a different payment method, such as a debit card or cash.

Many food pantries and community charities, recognizing the need for these products, do distribute hygiene and cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent. It is best to contact local organizations to inquire about availability.

Yes, several natural and low-cost food-based items can be used in laundry. These include baking soda for deodorizing and softening, and white vinegar for the rinse cycle. Some items like castile soap might also be available for purchase at certain retailers using EBT funds if they are food-grade.

For official information on SNAP eligibility, it is best to consult the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website or reliable resources like BenefitsCheckup, which provide lists of eligible and ineligible items.