When it comes to household chores, dish soap can be a versatile and budget-friendly solution. This multipurpose cleaner is not just limited to the kitchen, but can also tackle various tasks around the house. Whether you’re out of your go-to cleaning product or looking for an affordable alternative, these uses for Dawn dish soap will come in handy.
The best part? Your regular dish soap can get the job done! Whatever works for your budget will work for each of these chores.
As my personal preference, I opt for a gentle yet effective soap that won’t break the bank.
Remember to rinse thoroughly after using the soap, especially when cleaning delicate surfaces or items. Additionally, take standard precautions when working with stronger ingredients and consider wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Watch: 21 Genius Dawn Dish Soap Hacks
Clean Outdoor Furniture
When it comes to lawn furniture, grime can quickly accumulate on rigid materials like metal or plastic. To restore its original appearance, combine equal parts of Dawn dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Dip a soft sponge into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and gently scrub away dirt and debris from each piece. Once you’ve cleaned every surface, rinse everything with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
Allow the furniture to air dry completely before stacking or storing it for colder months to prevent moisture buildup.
Get Clean and Sparkly Windows
When tackling outdoor cleaning, don’t forget about the windows. Mix a bucket of water with a few drops of dish soap and soak your sponge before wringing it out. This combination is perfect for leaving streak-free panes without any residue, thanks to Dawn’s gentle formula. Once you’ve applied the soapy solution, use a squeegee starting from the top and working down, wiping the blade clean with a towel between strokes to minimize streaking.
The extended sponge and squeegee set I’m fond of makes this process surprisingly effortless.
Clean Your Carpets
When dealing with stubborn stains on your floor, don’t reach for expensive carpet cleaners just yet. Instead, try this affordable and effective solution: combine 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and 1 ounce of soap in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure it’s fully incorporated, then spritz it onto the stained area. Use a rag to work the solution into the stain, allowing it to penetrate deep into the carpet fibers.
Once you’ve treated the entire area, grab another damp rag and wipe away any remaining debris or discoloration. This DIY approach may not be as flashy as some commercial products, but it’s a cost-effective way to get your carpets looking like new again.
Repel Insects
As I tidy up during weather changes, it’s not uncommon for unexpected guests to appear! To address these unwelcome visitors, I prepare a special solution in a spray bottle by combining one part hydrogen peroxide, one part Dawn dish soap, and one part mouthwash. I usually start with a tablespoonful of the mixture but adjust as needed.
Once the concoction is ready, I spritz it onto the affected areas, allowing it to sit for five to ten minutes before wiping away any remaining insects and their residue.
Clean Your Hair Brush
To keep your hairbrushes and combs in top condition, it’s essential to regularly clean them from the buildup of products and natural oils. A simple yet effective way to do this is by combining hot water, borax, and dish soap in your bathroom sink. Start by filling the sink with the mixture, then add any brushes or combs that need a good cleaning. Let them sit for a while before gently scrubbing off any residue and drying them thoroughly with a towel.
Unclog Your Toilet
When dealing with toilet woes, try incorporating a unique solution to alleviate the issue. Combine equal parts hot water and soap, then pour the mixture down the drain. This unconventional blend can effectively counteract clogs and dislodge blockages, allowing for smoother flushing. If additional assistance is required, consider employing your trusty plunger for added leverage.
Sparkle Up Those Eyeglasses
Is your eyewear in desperate need of a thorough cleaning? The good news is that it’s quite simple to give them some much-needed TLC. Simply mix one part rubbing alcohol, one part water, and a single drop of dish soap in a small spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to combine. Next, spritz the solution onto your glasses’ frames using the spray bottle. Then, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, grime, or smudges that may have accumulated.
This easy process will leave your glasses looking like new again.
De-grease Your Tools
To extend the lifespan of our tools, we’ve developed a simple yet effective trick to perform each season. Start by mixing warm water with soap in a bucket, then submerge any device that requires some TLC. Allow it to soak for a few minutes or as long as needed, depending on the level of grime present. Once done, simply wipe down your utensils and they’ll be good as new.
Make Your Own Bubbles
Looking to create some affordable fun with your loved ones? We’ve got just the solution! With only three simple ingredients – six cups of water, one cup of dish soap, and a quarter cup of corn syrup – you can whip up a batch of homemade bubbles that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Best part? This DIY bubble recipe won’t break the bank!
Improve Your Manicure
Before indulging in the next nail-painting session, consider starting with a finger soak that benefits both the nail beds and the subsequent paint application. The combination of warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl serves as an effective cleaning agent for the fingernails while simultaneously softening cuticles. Remember to thoroughly dry your hands afterwards to ensure a flawless painting experience.
Sparkle Up Your Car
When the warmer months roll around, I’m a big fan of giving my car a good wash at home. To achieve this, I mix one gallon of water with just a tablespoon of soap. Starting from the top, I use a sponge or rag to clean every surface before rinsing everything off with a hose. If you’re someone who likes to wax their car, keep in mind that the soap may strip it off, so be sure to reapply after washing if you do choose to wax.
For more tips on how to get your ride looking its best without breaking a sweat, check out these lazy car cleaning hacks!
Clean Those Floors and Walls
When it’s time to tackle those floors or walls, I recommend combining soap, borax, and ammonia to create a potent cleaning solution. Mix one teaspoon of soap, one cup of borax, and one teaspoon of ammonia into two gallons of water for an effective cleaning agent. For flat surfaces like countertops and floors, I swear by my trusty mop. Meanwhile, a good rag is perfect for tackling any tricky areas or tight spaces around the home.
Sparkle Up Your Jewelry
When it comes to cleaning jewelry, it’s crucial to be gentle and precise. To avoid damaging any delicate pieces, start by checking the ingredients of your soap. Opt for a mild, non-abrasive formula that won’t scratch or dull the surface. Next, mix one part ammonia with seven parts water, adding just a small amount of dish soap as needed. Submerge your jewelry in this solution and let it sit for a few moments before carefully removing each piece with gloves on.
Use a soft cloth or other cleaning tool to gently scrub away any dirt or grime, taking care not to apply too much pressure.
Protect Your Indoor Plants from Insects
For homeowners struggling with unwanted insect visitors near their prized houseplants, there’s a simple yet effective solution. By adding just one drop of Dawn dish soap to a spray bottle filled with water, you can create a natural deterrent that keeps those pesky insects from bothering your plants again.
Remove Food Stains from Clothing
When dealing with stubborn stains, have you or someone in your life developed a preoccupation with removing them from clothing? One effective solution involves mixing a small amount of dish soap with white vinegar and hot water. To tackle a fresh stain, combine a few teaspoons of the soap with two quarts of warm water that’s been infused with equal parts white vinegar. This simple concoction can help break down and lift the offending substance from your garment, making it easier to clean.
Get Clean After Painting
When tackling painting projects, whether refreshing a room’s decor or indulging in a creative hobby, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t encounter paint stains. When dealing with these pesky marks, start by applying a generous amount of soap to the affected areas. Allow the mixture to dry completely before rinsing off with water – this should make it easy to remove any remaining residue.
Fix Squeaky Doors
To silence a squeaky door, surprisingly, all you need is a small amount of soap. Simply apply it directly to the source of the noise and watch as the problem disappears. But that’s not all – this hack also provides an added benefit: cleaning hard-to-reach areas. By addressing two issues at once, using soap on a squeaky door becomes an efficient and effective solution.
Make Your Own Environmentally Friendly Weed Killer
Say goodbye to pesky weeds with this simple yet effective homemade remedy. To concoct your own weed-killing spray, combine equal parts of soap, Epsom salt, and white vinegar in a spray bottle. When the time comes to tackle those unwanted invaders, simply spritz the solution onto the affected areas. For optimal results, aim for a clear day with no dew or moisture lingering on the weeds. This approach allows the formula to penetrate the plant’s surface without being hindered by excess moisture.
Remove Soap Scum
Eliminate soap scum buildup quickly and efficiently by blending dish soap with white vinegar. Allow the solution to sit for a brief period before wiping down the surface and rinsing away any remaining residue. I find it particularly enjoyable to use this set of uniform bottles, which come in various sizes and are easy to clean due to their dishwasher-safe design.
Clean Your Cabinets and Cupboards
As part of the regular kitchen cleaning routine, cabinets often get overlooked despite their importance. To ensure a thorough clean and maintain their original appearance, I’ve made it a point to incorporate cabinet cleaning into my weekly tasks. The payoff is well worth the extra effort, whether it’s a deep clean or a quick wipe-down. When degreasing, add five drops of Dawn to your sponge and gently wipe down all cabinets.
It’s essential to scrub with care, as intense scrubbing can cause damage or strip away their natural finish. This hack should be added to any list of must-know spring cleaning tips!
Clean Stainless Steel
When it comes to maintaining stainless steel’s sleek appearance, one of its most notable drawbacks is its tendency to display every minor imperfection. To combat this, employ a gentle yet effective cleaning approach by combining a damp sponge or rag with just a few drops of dish soap. The solution should be thoroughly incorporated into the cleaning tool before you begin scrubbing away at the affected areas with a moderate level of vigor.
Once the stains have been successfully removed, use a second damp cloth to wipe down the surface and eliminate any lingering residue as well as residual fingerprints or spills.
