8 Uses for Dish Soap Beyond Washing Dishes - Home & Texture
Home Dish Soap Uses

8 Uses for Dish Soap That Have Nothing to Do With Washing Dishes

November 11, 2023 at 11:11 AM PST

Do you ever wonder if dish soap is secretly destined for a more glamorous life beyond the kitchen sink? It turns out that this humble cleaning agent is much more enigmatic than we thought and can do so much more than just tackle dirty dishes. It’s truly a versatile superstar hiding in plain sight in your kitchen. Check out these other surprising uses for dish soap.

1. Bubble Bath Extravaganza

It’s your designated self-care spa day, and you’re treating yourself to a generous pour of your favorite wine and ready to decompress in a relaxing bubble bath. To your dismay, you realize you’re fresh out of bath bombs and salts. Panic not! Just a few drops of dish soap in your warm bathwater can create a frothy sea of bubbles that rivals any spa experience.

2. The Great Grease Buster

Have you ever had a cooking mishap that resulted in a grease stain on your favorite shirt? Dish soap isn’t just for dishes; it’s a formidable foe against grease stains. Whether it’s on your clothes, carpets, or upholstery, a little dish soap mixed with water can help break down and remove even the most stubborn of grease stains. Just remember to rinse thoroughly and pat, don’t rub, to avoid any damage. Who knew that this product could save your wardrobe and your dignity?

Woman hugging dog
Photo Credit: Samson Katt

3. Pet-Friendly Flea Bath

If your pet occasionally finds themselves with uninvited guests, AKA, fleas, you can make a gentle pet-friendly flea bath by mixing a few drops with warm water. Gently lather up your pet, focusing on the areas where fleas tend to congregate—usually the neck, back, and tail. Rinse well, and your pet will thank you for the itch relief.

4. Garden Pest Control

Dish soap isn’t just a superhero indoors; it’s a green-thumbed savior outdoors too. Create a DIY insect-repellent spray by mixing a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. This concoction can help deter pests from feasting on your beloved plants without resorting to harmful chemicals. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep your garden flourishing and your green thumb intact.

5. Bubbling Science Experiments

Got kids or just a curious mind? Dish soap can be the star of your home science experiments. Create a mesmerizing lava lamp by filling a bottle with water, adding a few drops of dish soap, and dropping in an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Voilà, a homemade lava lamp that’s sure to amaze and entertain. It’s like having a science museum right in your kitchen, minus the museum admission fee.

6. DIY Pest Trap

If fruit flies or gnats are invading your kitchen, don’t bust out the chemicals just yet. A small bowl with a mixture of sugar, dish soap, and water can become a deadly trap for these pesky critters. They’ll be drawn to the scent, get stuck in the soapy solution, and that’s one less nuisance buzzing around your fruits and veggies.

Makeup brushes
Photo Credit: Ray Piedra

7. Squeaky Clean Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are notorious for harboring bacteria and old makeup residue. Give them a spa day by mixing a drop of dish soap with warm water in a cup or bowl. Swirl your brushes in the mixture, rinse, and let them air dry. Your skin will thank you for the fresh, clean brushes, and your makeup application will be smoother than ever. Who knew that this unassuming kitchen staple could be a makeup artist’s best friend?

8. Ice Slip Prevention

Winter can be a wonderland, but it’s also a slippery slope when it comes to icy sidewalks and driveways. A clever trick is to mix a bit of dish soap with water and rubbing alcohol and pour it over these icy surfaces. The soap lowers the freezing point of the water, making it less likely to freeze and creating a safer pathway. It’s like giving your walkway an invisible safety net, and you’ll be strutting through winter with confidence.




FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM

#homeandtexture

Find us on social for more home inspiration where culture, personal style, and sophisticated shopping intersect to help you create a home where you love to live.