Ever find yourself tossing another empty plastic dish soap bottle into the recycling bin, wondering if it will actually be recycled? Unfortunately, most plastic ends up in landfills, and many store-bought dish soaps contain chemicals that aren’t great for your skin or the environment.
The good news? Making your own zero-waste dish soap is super easy and much better for both your home and the planet! It means:
✅ No more plastic waste – Say goodbye to cluttered plastic bottles.
✅ Safer ingredients – No sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.
✅ Cost savings – DIY soap is way cheaper than store-bought brands.
✅ Eco-friendly cleaning – Gentle on the planet, tough on grease.
Let’s dive into some simple and effective DIY dish soap recipes!
1. Easy Liquid Dish Soap (For those who love a classic liquid soap!)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup Castile soap (unscented or naturally scented)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (fights grease)
- 1 teaspoon washing soda (boosts cleaning power, optional)
- 10-15 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil (natural antibacterial goodness)
- 1 cup warm distilled water
How to Make It:
1. Pour warm distilled water into a reusable glass soap dispenser.
2. Add castile soap and mix gently.
3. Stir in baking soda and washing soda until dissolved.
4. Drop in essential oils for a fresh scent and antibacterial properties.
5. Shake before use and enjoy your plastic-free, chemical-free dish soap!
🌿 Bonus Tip: Pair it with a compostable sponge or bamboo dish brush for an even greener clean!
2. DIY Solid Dish Soap Bar (Perfect for those who love a long-lasting, mess-free bar!)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup coconut oil (great lather and grease-fighting power)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (gentle on hands)
- 1/2 cup lye (sodium hydroxide) (essential for soap formation!)
- 1 1/2 cups distilled water
- 20 drops grapefruit or lavender essential oil (optional but smells amazing!)
How to Make It:
1. In a well-ventilated area, carefully mix lye into distilled water (never the other way around!). Let it cool.
2. Melt coconut oil and olive oil in a heatproof bowl.
3. Slowly add the cooled lye mixture into the oils, stirring continuously.
4. Blend with an immersion blender until thickened.
5. Pour into a silicone mold and let harden for 24-48 hours.
6. Cut into bars and let cure for 4-6 weeks before using. (Yes, it takes patience, but it’s worth it!)
✨ How to Use: Wet a dish brush or sponge, rub it over the bar, and scrub away!
3. DIY Citrus Dish Soap Powder (For a powerful, grease-busting clean!)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup washing soda (softens water and cuts through grease)
- 1/2 cup baking soda (gentle cleaner)
- 1/2 cup grated castile soap bar (for extra foaming power!)
- 1 tablespoon citric acid (boosts cleaning & fights hard water stains)
- 10 drops orange or lime essential oil (smells fresh and kills germs!)
How to Make It:
1. Mix all ingredients in an airtight glass jar.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Sprinkle a little onto a wet sponge or directly into greasy pans.
Why It Works:
✨ Washing soda fights grease.
✨ Citric acid removes hard water buildup.
✨ Essential oils add natural antibacterial power.
Other Zero-Waste Dishwashing Tips
Switching to DIY dish soap is just one way to make your kitchen more sustainable. Here are a few more zero-waste cleaning hacks:
🌎 Ditch plastic soap dispensers – Use a refillable glass or stainless steel dispenser.
🌿 Say no to disposable sponges – Try a bamboo dish brush or compostable sponge.
🛠 Air dry dishes – Skip wasteful paper towels and plastic drying mats.
🍽 Use a non-toxic cutting board – A TitanCut Titanium Cutting Board is a sustainable alternative to plastic ones.
🥤 Switch to reusable straws – Try Stainless Steel Color Metal Straws for a stylish, eco-friendly sip.
Making your own zero-waste dish soap isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reducing waste, cutting out toxins, and making a real difference for our planet. Whether you prefer a liquid, bar, or powdered dish soap, these easy recipes will help you keep your kitchen sparkling clean without harming the environment.
Ready to build a zero-waste kitchen? Check out our collection of non-toxic kitchen essentials and start making small changes that add up to a big impact!