Hello, joyful homemaker!
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with homemade dish soap, and I’m hooked! Sure, it’s easy to grab a bottle off the store shelf, but there’s something truly special about crafting your own. Most store-bought dish soaps are packed with harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin, but a homemade version is often much gentler, safer, and just as effective.
This homemade dish soap is simple to make, cuts through grease and grime like a charm, eco-friendly, and—best of all—it's made with love. I’ve completely fallen for it, and honestly, I don’t see myself ever going back to store-bought soap again.
If you love getting creative and enjoy trying out DIY recipes, this is a project you’ll absolutely enjoy. And don’t worry—I’ve got the perfect recipe to get you started. Let’s dive in and make something amazing together!
How to Make Natural Homemade Dish Soap
So, here’s the scoop on this dish soap recipe. This soap is only for washing dishes by hand and not for using in a fancy dishwasher. Like, seriously, don’t go pouring this stuff into your dishwasher and expect magic to happen.
This is old-school, elbow grease-required dishwashing. So if you’re the type who loves to roll up your sleeves and get those hands dirty ( hopefully, not too dirty since your washing dishes), then this soap is for you.
Also, this homemade version I’m about to lay down is not your average store-bought stuff. One big difference you’ll notice right away is the lack of bubbles. You know those big, fluffy bubbles you get with store-bought dish soap? Well, forget about them. They may look impressive, but when it comes to getting those dishes squeaky clean, they don’t actually make the soap better. In fact, those bubbles are full of harsh chemicals that you definitely don’t want to be washing your plates with.
This version is packed full of natural, powerful ingredients that will cut through grease and grime. None of that chemical-laden stuff you find in stores here. Just good old-fashioned cleaning power that will leave your dishes sparkling.
Natural Homemade Dish Soap Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Castile soap (unscented or scented, like Dr. Bronner’s)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional, for extra moisturizing and suds)
- 10–20 drops of essential oils (e.g., lemon, tea tree, or lavender for scent and antibacterial properties)
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 teaspoon washing soda (optional, for thickening and extra cleaning power)
Directions
Step 1: Heat the Water
Warm the distilled water in a pot or microwave until hot (not boiling).
Step 2: Dissolve the Washing Soda
Stir in the washing soda until completely dissolved.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
- In a bowl or directly into a soap dispenser, combine the Castile soap, vinegar, glycerin, and essential oils.
- Slowly add the warm water mixture while stirring gently to avoid too many bubbles.
Step 4: Let It Cool
Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it into a bottle (if mixed in a bowl).
It's as simple as that! Now, you have your very own dish soap.
How to Use Your Homemade Dish Soap
As I mentioned earlier, this soap is designed specifically for hand-washing dishes. But here’s a helpful tip: instead of filling up the sink and soaking your dishes, just dab a bit of the soap onto a wet sponge and start scrubbing. This method not only saves water but also gives you better control over how much soap you’re using—no waste, just clean dishes.
What’s even better? This homemade soap can double as a moisturizing hand wash! Pretty cool, right? Just add a skin-loving ingredient like vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel, and you’ve got yourself a two-in-one product. It cleans your dishes and keeps your hands soft, smooth, and hydrated—no more dry, cracked skin from harsh dish soaps.
So, if you're on the hunt for an all-natural, multi-purpose soap that really delivers, give this recipe a shot. Once you try it, you might never go back to your store-bought brand!
Final Thoughts
Creating your own homemade dish soap is not only a cost-effective and eco-conscious choice, but it also empowers you to take control of what goes into your home and onto your hands. With just a few simple, natural ingredients, you can whip up a powerful grease-fighting solution that’s tough on grime yet gentle on your skin—and the environment.
As you make this transition to more natural cleaning, let it serve as a reminder that a joyful, intentional home doesn’t require complexity—it starts with simple choices made from the heart.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." – Theodore Roosevelt
Let this simple homemade dish soap be your first step toward a more joyful, purposeful way of living—one clean dish at a time.
