14 surprising uses for dishwashing liquid around the house

We all use dishwashing liquid, but that’s not all it can do – in fact, it has a multitude of uses that range from personal convenience to bathroom cleaning!

It’s not a harsh chemical despite what it seems, and is a great cleaning solution that can replace a number of different products. Here are some of our favourite ways that you can use dishwashing liquid to make life easier.

1. Stainless steel cleaner

Don’t bother buying stainless steel cleaner – all you need is water and dish liquid to clean your appliances. Simply wipe with the grain then polish off with a microfibre cloth. Easy!

2. Clean soap scum

Pour dishwashing liquid on soap scum and let it sit overnight. In the morning, simply wipe off.

3. Fix a squeaky door

Do you have a squeaky door? You can use dishwashing liquid to lubricate the hinges. Just apply straight on and open normally.

4. Get rid of grease stains

If you have grease or oil stains on your clothing, don’t despair – rub the spot with dish liquid and let it sit overnight before washing as normal.

5. Wash your delicates

If you want a non-harsh delicate washer, use a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in a sink of warm water and hand wash.

6. Make nail polish last

Natural oils stick to your fingernails, making it hard for your nail polish to stick. To extend the life of your manicure, mix a drop of dish liquid in a bowl of warm/hot water and let your hands soak for about five minutes before you apply your polish.

7. Lighten hair

Has your hair dye gone darker than you thought? Or do you want to draw out some of your colour? Wash your hair with dish soap like you would shampoo – it will help draw out colour.

8. Prevent glasses from fogging

Rub a drop of dish soap on the lenses of your prescription glasses or sunglasses, then wipe clean without rinsing. The film will prevent fog from appearing.

9. Jewellery cleaner

Mix a drop or two of dish liquid into a bowl of soda water and drop your jewellery into the bowl. After five minutes, swish the jewellery around, then pull them out. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse clean.

10. DIY ice pack

Fill a freezer bag with dishwashing liquid and freeze it to create your own ice pack. It stays frozen longer than water and can be re-frozen.

11. Kill weeds

Stop pouring chemicals on your lawn and use a homemade mixture instead. Mix a teaspoon of dish liquid with a cup of salt and a litre of white vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply directly to those weeds.

12. Remove oil stains from concrete

Do you have oil or petrol on your concrete driveway? Put a thick coating of bicarb soda on the stain, then cover in dish liquid soap. Let it soak for a few hours, then scrub with a sturdy brush.

13. Say goodbye to ants and cockroaches

There’s no need for toxic chemicals to get rid of ants and roaches – simply pour a teaspoon of dish liquid into a spray bottle and fill it the rest of the way with water, then shake to mix. Spray one the bugs whenever you see them.

14. Unclog your toilet

Pour a cup of dish liquid in the toilet, let it sit for 10 minutes, then pour a bucket of hot water into the bowl and flush.