In the U.S., SNAP is the largest government program that helps families afford groceries. But when it comes to household essentials, many still wonder, Can you buy laundry detergent with EBT? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Can You Buy Laundry Detergent with EBT?
In short, you cannot buy laundry detergent with EBT card/SNAP benefits.
Under the SNAP rules, benefits can only be used to purchase food and beverages intended for human consumption.
Laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and similar household goods are considered non-food items and are not eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits.
What you generally cannot buy with EBT/SNAP benefits includes:
- Laundry detergent, dish soap, and other cleaning supplies
- Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
- Personal hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, cosmetics)
- Vitamins and medicines
- Pet food
If you need household essentials, find local programs or community organizations that may offer support. Charitable groups occasionally provide free household supplies to those in need.
In addition, if your EBT card includes cash assistance benefits (from programs like TANF), those funds can be used to purchase non-food items like laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies.
>>> Read more: What is EBT cash? What you can use it for
2. Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT
Here are some things you can actually buy with your EBT card (they might surprise you):
Seeds and food-producing plants:
This includes live edible plants like basil and parsley, as well as seeds for vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and pumpkins. Even grow kits that clearly produce edible foods are covered under SNAP.
Please note that decorative plants, gardening tools, and plant pots without food plants are not eligible for purchase with EBT.
Energy drinks:
Many energy drinks are actually EBT-eligible. The key is to check the label. If the product has a “Nutrition Facts” label, it’s classified as a food item and can be purchased with EBT.
Gift baskets:
You can also purchase many gift baskets with EBT payment, but the food items in the basket must make up more than 50% of its total value. If the basket contains alcohol, tobacco, or mostly non-food items, it’s not eligible.
Ice:
Yes, you can buy ice with your EBT card. Both ice cubes and block ice.
Hunting and fishing gear (Alaska only):
In certain remote areas of Alaska, SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards to buy specific hunting and fishing equipment. However, recreational or sports equipment does not qualify. Only the gear used to obtain food for the household is eligible.
To learn more, check out:
- What can you buy with EBT?
- Things you can buy with EBT on Amazon
- Surprising things you can buy with EBT at Walmart
3. What You Cannot Buy with EBT
Broadly speaking, you cannot use your SNAP benefits to purchase non-food items or food that is hot at the point of sale:
Non-food/household items:
- Soaps, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies.
- Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins).
- Personal hygiene items (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, cosmetics)
- Diapers, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
- Pet food
- Household supplies (utensils, pots, pans)
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements (Items with a “Supplement Facts” label are not eligible.)
Alcohol & tobacco: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco.
Hot foods: You generally can’t use SNAP benefits to buy foods that are hot and ready to eat at the register, unless your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program and you meet that program’s specific eligibility requirements.
4. Practical Tips for Using EBT Efficiently
Keep separate shopping lists:
Create two shopping lists: one for SNAP-eligible food items and another for non-eligible household goods.
Identify EBT-eligible products:
It’s not too difficult. You don’t need to remember everything you can buy with an EBT card. The checkout system will apply your EBT benefits to eligible items, and you can simply pay for the remaining non-eligible products using another payment method.
When shopping online at Walmart or Amazon, it’s even easier. Products that are EBT-eligible are clearly marked with an “EBT-eligible” label, so you can instantly see which items can be purchased with your SNAP benefits before checking out.
Combine SNAP with other assistance programs:
In addition, it’s great to explore other resources to cover more of your household needs.
For example, WIC covers additional nutritional items like baby formula, milk, and cereals.
State or community assistance programs may also provide vouchers or discounts on essential expenses like utilities, transportation, or hygiene products, particularly for individuals and families receiving SNAP benefits.
>>> A list of what you can get for free with the EBT card
Besides, local food banks or charitable programs often provide free household essentials such as cleaning products and paper goods, items that SNAP does not cover.
Plan meals and stock up on eligible items:
Before shopping, plan out meals for the week and make a list of the ingredients you’ll need. Prioritize staple foods like rice, pasta, vegetables, and proteins that can be used in multiple dishes.
When sales or discounts are available on EBT-eligible products, stock up on non-perishable items to save money.
Stay updated about SNAP rules and changes:
SNAP rules can vary slightly by state and may change over time. Be aware of any new eligible items or program changes, like can you buy candy with food stamps anymore? Which states may plan to restrict soda and candy purchases?
Keep up to date by visiting your state’s SNAP website or checking the USDA’s official resources.
5. Alternative Ways to Get Family Essentials for Free or Low Cost
There are plenty of effective ways to save money if you’re on a very limited budget:
Explore charitable organizations
According to the estimates on WASH-related disease burdens, approximately 1.4 million people die each year due to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices.
Specialty non-profit organizations, such as The Hygiene Bank or Laundry Love, provide free personal care products and laundry services, including washing clothes, bedding, and linens, for low-income or no-income individuals and families.
Local food banks or community centers often receive donations or grants that allow them to distribute household items to families in need. Along with food, they may offer essentials like laundry detergent, soap, and even diapers.
Search online for terms like “hygiene pantry” or “diaper bank” in your area. Try contacting or visiting your local community outreach program to ask which non-food items they currently provide.
Charitable organizations are often the immediate source of non-food essentials.
Get help from other government assistance programs
These government programs can provide direct cash or non-food benefits:
- TANF provides monthly cash assistance that can be used for non-food essentials, utilities, rent, and more.
- WIC offers specific nutritional foods, formula, and health support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
- The Lifeline program helps reduce phone and internet costs for low-income households. Moreover, eligible Lifeline consumers can get a free or low-cost device, including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches, from participating providers.
- LIHEAP assists with heating and cooling bills.
Find couponing
If you prefer to shop for brand-name household products, couponing can be a powerful way to cut costs. Many stores also double coupon values on specific days or offer digital coupons through their apps.
You can find printable or digital coupons on brand websites, in local newspapers, or through coupon apps like Ibotta or Coupons.com.
Other useful saving tips
- Consider generic or store brands: Store-brand products for items like cleaning supplies and toilet paper are often produced in the same factories as name-brand items but sold for significantly less.
- Use refill stations: Some stores now offer refill options for detergents, soaps, and cleaning products, reducing both cost and packaging waste.
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing larger sizes or joining a warehouse club can save money, especially on frequently used items.
Conclusion
Now, you know already that SNAP covers most grocery items, but it doesn’t include cleaning or household supplies, even essentials like laundry soap. But don’t worry too much; there are still plenty of other supports for families with limited budgets.