There are a variety of dish soaps on the market, and while the formulations vary, they all have the same primary purpose. Alexandra Wojenski, sustainable cleaning expert and Grove Guide at Grove Collaborative, shares, “Powder, foam, bar, and liquid dish soap have different formulas but all function similarly which is to clean and remove grease from dishes.” To find the best dish soaps, we researched multiple dish soaps while considering factors like type, size, scent, effectiveness, versatility, and more. We selected Dawn Dish Soap as the best overall dish soap because of its affordability, reliability, and effectiveness against grease. Here are the best dish soaps.
35% less post-consumer waste in bottlesAffordable Easy to find
It comes in one original scent, and the original formulation hasn’t changed much over the years. The concentrated formula is thicker than other dish soaps while effectively cleaning your dishes with less product. While Dawn has expanded the product line to include spray cleaners, free and clear options, and more, the original dish soap is our top choice for the best dish soap because it’s affordable, easy to find, and effective. Additionally, the dish soap brand is dedicated to sustainability and wildlife with its “Dawn for Good” initiative. Their products are free of phosphates, phthalates, and triclosan, and their original soap is used to gently and effectively clean birds and other wildlife after major oil spills. Price at time of publish: $6 Type: Liquid | Size: 19.4, 28, 38, 56, and 75 ounces | Scent: Original scent
Orange scent and color Not particularly attractive on the countertop
The formula is said to be safe and gentle on hands, so much so that it will eliminate bacteria on hands and can be used as a hand soap in addition to dish soap. Phosphate-free, Ajax is hard to miss with the bright orange liquid filling the bottle. It has an orange scent that is derived from 100% “real citrus extract.” If you have a sensitive nose, the smell may be overpowering, but it works well to cut grease and leave dishes clean. For some kitchens, the bright orange look and oversized logo on the bottle may not be a welcome addition to the sink or countertop. If you don’t like the look of it in the bottle, simply decant the liquid into a more attractive dish soap dispenser. Price at time of publish: $3 Type: Liquid | Size: 28, 52, or 90 ounces | Scent: Orange
Antibacterial formula removes germsBottle is made from 100% recycled plasticReadily availableMade from 100%biodegradable materials
Antibacterial dish soap is not necessaryOrange citrus scent may be too strong for some
Do note that most experts agree that antibacterial dish soap is not necessary for cleaning your dishes and kitchen items. Cleaning with standard dish soap and warm soapy water will remove bacteria from your dishes. While you enjoy your peace of mind, you may be paying a bit more for the antibacterial agents. Price at time of publish: $4 Type: Liquid | Size: 20 and 46 ounces | Scent: Orange
Kit includes refillCleans caked-on messLong trigger spray bottle
ExpensiveDoesn’t replace regular dish soap
To use it, spray the wash onto your kitchen items, wipe them down with a sponge, and rinse off. For hard-to-budge stuck-on messes or greasy baking sheets, you can spray the wash, leave the cleaner on for a few minutes, and then scrub off. Because of the extended trigger spray, one pull of the trigger will emit enough product to cover a whole pan, sheet tray, or another big item. We love this as an option for greasy or stubborn messes. It’s not cost-efficient or necessary to use this soap on everyday items that aren’t messy. We like that this starter kit comes with a second refill bottle, so you’ll already have one on hand when you use all of the original bottle. Price at time of publish: $9 Type: Spray | Size: 16-ounce bottle with a 16-ounce refill | Scent: Fresh scent
Refill bottles are harder to find
The dye-free formula is inexpensive, effective, and available at grocery stores and major retailers. The soap is 100% biodegradable and the bottle is also made from 100% recycled plastic. Seventh Generation also sells 50-ounce refill bottles of dish soap, so if you like the formula, you can stock up and save. If you do prefer a scented soap, Seventh Generation also makes dish soaps that are naturally scented with options like clementine, lavender, and lemongrass. Some users share that in colder temperatures, the soap turns a cloudy or white color. This is just a reaction to lower temperatures and won’t impact the formula or its effectiveness. To bring it back to a liquid state, the bottle of soap just needs to warm back to room temperature, or at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Price at time of publish: $4 Type: Liquid | Size: 19 or 50 ounces | Scent: Scent-free
Nature-inspired scentsEach scent has a full product lineAesthetically pleasing bottle
More expensive than traditional dish soaps
Made from plant-derived ingredients, the formulation is gentle on skin. One downside is since it’s concentrated, the formula is thicker and more viscous than others. When there’s less than half a bottle left, it takes a little time to pour the soap out of the bottle. There’s no pump and the bottle can’t be stored upside down because of the shape of the lid. The Gilded Balsam Birch scent is lovely for the winter holidays–it smells of balsam wood, cardamom, and eucalyptus. If you find a fragrance you like, Caldrea makes items within each fragrance line including room spray, countertop spray, candles, hand soap, and more. High-quality dish soap also makes a lovely hostess gift; soap is useful and a splurge you might not always spend on yourself. Price at time of publish: $10 Type: Liquid | Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Gilded balsam birch, lavender cedar leaf, sea salt neroli, juniper laurel mint, basil blue sage, ginger pomelo, pear blossom agave, rosewater driftwood, tangelo palm frond
Three step processCuts grease, hard water residue, and caked-on messDye-free
Only one scent is available
This spray cleaner is made to be used instead of liquid soap. Simply scrape any food off your dishes, fully squeeze the trigger and spray directly onto the dishes, wipe off your mess with a sponge, and then rinse to remove soap. For heavily soiled dishes or pans, allow the sudsy spray to sit for a minute or two and then wipe off. While it’s made of vinegar, users say there’s no overpowering vinegar scent, and the lemon scent is subtle but present. If you don’t like lemon, you may want to opt for another dish soap since the spray is only available in one scent. If you do purchase this bottle, when you’re done, keep the reusable sprayer. The brand sells refill bottles that come without the sprayer. Once you save the sprayer, just screw it onto the refill bottle. Price at time of publish: $6 Type: Spray | Size: 16 ounce | Scent: Lemon scent
Packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminumMade with 100% natural fragranceEight scents available
Dish soap dispenser not included
All of their formulas are free of dyes or parabens. The aluminum container is easily recyclable, and the brand also sells a soap dispenser separately that you can pour the dish soap into. A refillable soap is a good opportunity to purchase an attractive dish soap dispenser but does require an added purchase. From Wojenski’s point of view, refillable soaps are a wise option, “The soap in refills is the same quality that comes in the bottle originally, and it creates less waste.” Because of its recyclability, focus on the environment, and effectiveness, this is the best dish soap if you’re looking for a refillable option. Price at time of publish: $5 Type: Liquid | Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Year-round: Apple and pear blossom, free and clear, lavender blossom and thyme, lemon and eucalyptus, orange and rosemary; Limited edition: crisp balsam fir, frosted sugar plum, mulled apple, and spiced pumpkin
Only available in one scentCan only be purchased online
With all of this in mind, there’s no skimping on power with this choice. The soap is effective, produces bubbles, and works well at tackling dishes and hard-to-remove residue. The minimalist style of the bottle and clear formula is attractive enough to leave on your counter without worrying about decanting. This pick is only available in one scent, which reviewers praise as mild and lovely. If you’re not a fan of mandarin basil, you may want to choose a different option. One drawback, this soap is not readily available and must be purchased online, so there’s no opportunity to smell the scent in-store before purchase. Type: Liquid | Size: 16 ounces | Scent: Mandarin basil
Useful for household cleaning
Formulation has a distinct smell and feelRubber gloves are suggested for anyone with sensitive skin Powder should be stored upright
Besides cleaning all those kitchen items, it’s a useful cleaner for oven doors, soap-scummed bathrooms, and outdoor grills or equipment. While there is no scent listed, the formula does contain oxalic acid, so keep it away from your eyes. You may also want to wear rubber gloves when you use Barkeepers Friend. This formula is a great option for super stuck-on messes, super greasy pots or pans, or any situation where you think traditional dish soap just isn’t going to clean the mess. While it is a little more time-consuming, Barkeepers Friend is an effective product to keep on hand for big messes. It’s not necessary to use it for everyday dishwashing, but for the moments you need something stronger, this is a helpful choice to have in the kitchen. Price at time of publish: $7 Type: Powder | Size: 21 ounces | Scent: No scent listed
Environmentally friendlyOne soap block can last for months
Soap dish and scrubbing brush not included
To use the solid soap, you’ll need to get a soap dish or caddy and a scrubbing brush (neither are included). You’ll also want to find a place to keep these items on your counter. Simply wet and scrub the brush into the block soap and then use the brush to clean your dishes. It has a shelf life of 5 years, and the bar of soap is equivalent to three bottles of liquid soap. Billed as a multi-purpose product, the block soap can also effectively remove sticky labels, remove stains from clothing, or spot-clean a carpet. When doing this type of cleaning for the first time, always test in an inconspicuous spot first. The dish and brush require an additional investment, but in the long run, you could save money because you won’t be buying multiple bottles of liquid soap. If you’re okay with some upfront costs and the loss of some counter space, this soap block is an innovative and effective soap alternative. Price at time of publish: $10 Type: Solid | Size: 6 ounces | Scent: Unscented
What To Know About Dish Soap Before Shopping
Effectiveness
The goal of dish soap is to properly clean your dishes, glasses, pots, pans, and other kitchen items. While sudsy bubbles may look like the symbol of cleanliness, they’re not necessary and don’t always indicate that a product is working well. To test if your soap is effective, just check that your items are clean after washing and no soapy residue is left behind.
Scents and Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin or a strong sense of smell, you’ll want to consider the formulation and scent of your dish soap just as much as its effectiveness. Certain smells bother people while others love overly-scented soap. If you know you have sensitive skin, try a plant-based or free and clear soap product. Wearing rubber gloves while washing dishes is also a way to keep sensitive skin away from soap and warm water.
Cost
A less expensive formula may be just as effective as a more expensive formula. While there is a range of costs for dish soaps on the market, none of the options on this list are exorbitantly expensive, so if a more costly option is within your budget and makes washing dishes more pleasurable, treat yourself!
Your Questions, Answered
Can you put dish soap in the dishwasher?
Short answer, no. “Dish soap and dishwasher detergent cannot be used interchangeably,” Wojenski says. “Detergents are formulated to produce low suds, which is necessary for a dishwasher. Running the dishwasher with regular dish soap will lead to a mess of overflowing suds leaking out.”
Can you wash your car with dish soap?
Although dish soap can be used to clean a variety of different items, it shouldn’t be used to wash your car. “It can be tempting to grab the readily available and grease-cutting dish soap to wash your car, but this is not recommended,” Wojenski says. “The grease-cutting surfactants in dish soap can be too abrasive and strip the protective top coat or wax on cars.”
Who We Are
This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer who has written for a wide variety of publications. In looking at dish soap, she aimed for brands that offered a variety of formulations, affordable prices, and effective cleaning. She also interviewed Alexandra Wojenski, sustainable cleaning expert and Grove Guide at Grove Collaborative, for insight on how to pick and use dish soap. Maya cooks a lot for her family of five but doesn’t love doing the dishes. Isn’t it fair that the person who cooks doesn’t need to wash the dishes?
