If you’re like most people, you probably have a bottle of dish soap sitting by your sink.
But did you know that dish soap can be used for more than just cleaning dishes?
In this article, I have 10 things you can clean better than supposed dedicated cleaning solutions with just dish soap.
First up, did you know that dish soap can be used to clean your makeup brushes? Simply mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, swirl your brushes in the mixture, and rinse thoroughly. Your brushes will be clean and ready to use in no time.
Another surprising use for dish soap is cleaning your car. While there are many car-cleaning products on the market, dish soap is an affordable and effective alternative. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, and use it to wash your car’s exterior. It will remove dirt and grime without damaging your car’s paint job.
Read on for more ideas!
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In your kitchen
Here are three essential areas of your kitchen that you can clean better with just dish soap:
Greasy stovetops
If you’re like me, you love to cook, but hate cleaning up the greasy mess left behind on your stovetop.
Fortunately, dish soap can help make this task a lot easier.
Simply mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down your stovetop. The dish soap will cut through the grease and leave your stovetop looking shiny and clean. If you get in the habit of cleaning up messes immediately, then dish soap is all you need!
Countertops & cutting boards
Your kitchen countertops and cutting boards can harbor all sorts of bacteria and germs, especially if you’ve been preparing raw meat.
To clean these surfaces effectively, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe them down.
If you have stubborn stains or stuck-on food, you can also sprinkle a little baking soda on the surface before scrubbing with the dish soap solution.
Cookware & bakeware
For pots and pans, fill them with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, then let them soak for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush.
For baking sheets and casserole dishes, sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the surface, then add a few drops of dish soap and enough warm water to create a paste. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush.
For your laundry
Stains
If you have a stain on your clothes, don’t panic. Once I knew about this, I stopped using anything for my laundry stains.
Simply apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain and rub it in gently with your fingers. Let it sit for a few minutes, then launder as normal.
For tough stains like grease or oil, mix a little dish soap with baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing the garment.
Shoes
Dish soap can also be used to clean your shoes.
Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution. Scrub the shoes gently, paying extra attention to any stains or scuffs. Rinse the shoes with cold water and let them air dry.
For white sneakers that have turned yellow, mix equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
Use a toothbrush to apply the mixture to the shoes, then let them sit in the sun for a few hours. Rinse the shoes with cold water and let them air dry.
For your bathroom
When it comes to deep cleaning your bathroom, dish soap is usually all you need to get it sparkling clean.
Shower doors & tiles
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, and use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any grime or soap scum. For stubborn stains, you can also try mixing dish soap with baking soda to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub away with a sponge or brush.
For hard water stains, make up a spray bottle of some dish soap and distilled white vinegar. The vinegar will break down the mineral deposits.
Toilet bowls
Believe it or not, dish soap can also be used to clean your toilet bowl.
Simply pour a small amount of dish soap into the bowl, and use a toilet brush to scrub away any stains or buildup. The soap will help break down any grime or bacteria, leaving your toilet bowl fresh and clean.
Outside
Grills & outdoor furniture
If you’re planning on hosting a backyard barbecue, you’ll want to make sure your grill and outdoor furniture are clean and ready for your guests.
Dish soap can be an effective cleaner for these items.
Start by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush into the solution and use it to scrub down your grill grates and outdoor furniture. Rinse everything off with a hose and let it dry in the sun.
Car exteriors
Dish soap can also be used to clean your car.
Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dip a sponge into the solution and use it to scrub down your car, paying particular attention to any areas with dirt or grime buildup.
Rinse off the soap with a hose and dry your car with a soft towel. Avoid using dish soap on your car’s interior, as it can be too harsh for delicate surfaces.
Other things you can clean brilliantly with dish soap
Jewelry
If you want to make your jewelry shine like new, try using dish soap.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl, and then soak your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes.
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub your jewelry, and then rinse it off with warm water. Your jewelry will look clean and shiny in no time!
Pet supplies
Dish soap is also great for cleaning your pet’s supplies. Whether it’s their food and water bowls or their toys, dish soap can help get rid of any dirt or bacteria that may be lurking.
Just mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, and then use a sponge or cloth to clean your pet’s supplies. Rinse everything off with warm water, and then let it dry completely before using it again.
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