Ready to reduce waste while keeping your dishes sparkling? Learn how to make zero-waste dish soap in this guide featuring three easy, tried and true DIY recipes.
Conventional dish soaps are loaded with chemicals like synthetic fragrances, SLS, and preservatives, all of which harm aquatic life and your health. Even “green” brands found on store shelves often use harmful ingredients. More on that below.
True zero-waste soaps, on the other hand, ditch plastic packaging and toxic chemicals, using natural ingredients like castile, coconut oil, baking soda, salt, and essential oils, to name a few.
In just a few steps, you can whip up your own eco-friendly soap that’s safe for your family and the planet.
Ready to make the switch? Let’s get into those recipes! You can jump straight to them here.
The Problem with Conventional Dish Soap: Ingredients to Avoid (& Why)
Traditional dish soaps have two main issues that make them unsustainable. The first (and most obvious) is plastic packaging, which presents recycling challenges and causes environmental pollution.
Another often overlooked aspect, however, is the polluting ingredients that make dish soap, soap.
Aside from ditching plastic, it’s vital to avoid the following ingredients when seeking truly sustainable dish soaps.
Cleaning Ingredients to Avoid:
- Synthetic fragrances: Non-specific ingredients containing over 3000 unique (and undisclosed) chemicals. The EWG grades this category a D as the chemicals do not biodegrade. And they’re “Highly Toxic to Aquatic Life” when washed down the drain. It also produces skin allergies.
- Preservatives: Methylisothiazolinone is a common preservative used in dish soap to prevent mold. It scores a D in the EWG rating system, as it’s “Very Toxic to Aquatic Life.” It can also cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
- Surfactants: Often made from petroleum or palm oil, surfactants help create rich lathers and cut grease. After these chemicals rush down the drain, they can reduce water’s oxygen content and break down the protective mucus layer that coats fish. This severely harms aquatic animals.
- Palm oil: Due to the issues around using petroleum (a non-renewable resource) for surfactants, many companies use “better” plant-based palm oil. However, palm oil production accounts for massive deforestation. It destroys the habitat of already endangered species like the Orangutan and pygmy elephant, according to wwf.org.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A common surfactant made from palm oil used to create rich lathers and cut grease. It scores a C by the EWG for “Aquatic Toxicity to Fish.”
- Phosphates: Used to strip food and grease from dishes. Phosphates can cause harmful algal bloom after it’s washed down the drain. This algae radically lowers oxygen levels in natural waters, killing organisms.
- Triclosan: This is an antibacterial agent used in soaps to reduce bacteria. It scores a big fat F in the EWG system, considered “Very Toxic to Aquatic Life with Long Lasting Effects.”
Common Soap Brands Containing These Chemicals
The chemicals above are present in most dish soaps, even in some surprising brands.
For example, “green” soaps like Seventh Generation and Method use SLS. Method Lemon Mint, for example, scores an F in the EWG for a slew of troubling chemicals.
Also, many Dawn products earn a D rating for containing petroleum-based surfactants, synthetic dyes and fragrances, and other chemicals. In fact, even Dawn Pure Essentials, a supposedly “natural” dish soap, scores a D.
Palmolive is another brand that uses palm oil surfactants.
Understanding these chemicals is vital as it can help you shop more consciously. Whether you mix up your own soap using the recipes below or buy a plastic-free dish soap option, you’ll know what to look out for and avoid.
Plus, you have a better understanding of the recipes below…
What is Sustainable Dish Soap? Criteria & Essential Ingredients
Zero-Waste Soap Criteria:
In short, zero-waste dish soap uses plastic-free packaging and biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients.
Unlike conventional dish soaps that come in plastic bottles and contain harmful chemicals, zero-waste options use sustainable materials like bars or refillable glass containers.
They use eco-friendly and non-toxic ingredients that break down naturally, avoiding pollution. They also avoid synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, and are entirely non-toxic to your family and wildlife.
The following ingredients meet these criteria, cleaning effectively without harsh chemicals found in conventional dish soaps.
All-Natural Cleaning Ingredients:
- Castile soap: A plant-based soap made from olive or coconut oil, Castile soap cuts through grease effectively. It’s biodegradable and eco-friendly, leaving no harmful residues. Free of toxic chemicals like parabens and sulfates, it’s non-toxic and gentle on both skin and dishes, making it a popular natural choice.
- Washing soda: Washing soda is a naturally occurring alkaline compound that softens water and removes tough grease. It’s biodegradable and non-toxic, safe for aquatic life, and doesn’t leave harmful residues. It boosts other ingredients’ effectiveness, too!
- Essential oils: Plant-based oils like tea tree or lemon break down grease and add antibacterial properties. Essential oils are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic, providing a natural fragrance without synthetic perfumes. They naturally disinfect, making them ideal for sanitizing dishes without harsh chemicals.
- Salt: Salt works as a mild abrasive, helping scrub off food residue. It softens water, enhancing cleaning effectiveness. Biodegradable and abundant, salt is eco-friendly and safe for dishes and the environment, containing no harmful additives or toxins.
- Baking soda: A mildly alkaline compound, baking soda gently lifts grease and grime while neutralizing odors. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, making it a safe option for cleaning dishes without scratching or polluting the environment.
- Citric acid: Naturally found in citrus fruits, citric acid removes hard water stains and soap scum. It’s biodegradable, plant-based, and eco-friendly, effectively cutting through grease. Citric acid is non-toxic, offering a natural way to clean dishes without harsh chemicals.
- Coconut oil: When turned into soap, coconut oil creates a rich lather that cleans grease effectively. It’s a renewable, biodegradable resource and a non-toxic alternative to synthetic cleaners. Coconut oil is safe for the environment and gentle on the skin, making it ideal for eco-friendly dish soap.
How to Make DIY Zero-Waste Dish Soap: 3 Easy (& Effective) Recipes
Here are three of the most effective DIY dish soap recipes I’ve tested.
The following variations suit different preferences for solid vs. liquid soap and use a combination of eco-friendly, non-toxic ingredients like castile soap, coconut oil, and essential oils.
Of these three options, at least one should address your needs and available ingredients.
Recipe 1: Solid Dish Soap Bar with Coconut Oil Boost
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Coconut oil
- ½ cup Washing soda
- ¼ cup Baking soda
- 10-15 drops of Lemon essential oil (or any citrus scent for grease-cutting properties)
- 1 tablespoon Citric acid
- ¼ cup Water
Instructions:
- Melt the Coconut Oil: In a double boiler or saucepan, gently melt the coconut oil over low heat.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, and citric acid.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the coconut oil fully melts, slowly add in the dry mixture while stirring continuously. Gradually add water to form a paste-like consistency.
- Add Essential Oils: Stir in the lemon essential oil for a fresh, grease-cutting scent.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into silicone soap molds or any other reusable containers.
- Set and Store: Let the soap bars harden for 24 hours. Once set, store them in a dry place near your sink, like a dish or tin.
To Use:
Use a wet dish brush or sponge to rub on the solid soap bar. Store in a soap dish to keep it dry between uses.
Recipe 2: Liquid Castile Soap-Based Dish Soap
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Castile soap (unscented or scented)
- 1 tablespoon Baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Washing soda
- 2 teaspoons Salt (optional for thickening)
- 2 cups Water
- 10-15 drops Tea tree essential oil (optional for antibacterial properties)
Instructions:
- Boil the Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Dissolve the Powders: Stir in the washing soda, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until fully dissolved.
- Add Castile Soap: Let the water cool slightly, then gently pour in the castile soap. Stir slowly to combine, but avoid creating too many bubbles.
- Add Essential Oils: Mix in the tea tree essential oil, which provides antibacterial benefits and a fresh scent.
- Transfer to Container: Pour the mixture into a glass jar or reusable aluminum pump bottle.
To Use:
Shake the bottle before use. Squirt a small amount of liquid soap onto a sponge or directly into the dishwater.
Recipe 3: Natural Citrus Solid Soap with Baking Soda Boost
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Coconut oil
- ½ cup Castile soap (liquid)
- ¼ cup Baking soda
- 2 tablespoons Citric acid
- 10 drops Orange essential oil (or any citrus oil)
- ¼ cup Water
Instructions:
- Melt Coconut Oil: Melt the coconut oil on low heat in a small saucepan.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Mix the baking soda and citric acid in a bowl.
- Blend the Mixture: Slowly stir in the liquid castile soap into the melted coconut oil, followed by the water.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking soda and citric acid mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly to ensure no lumps.
- Add Essential Oils: Drop in the orange essential oil, known for its grease-cutting properties.
- Mold the Soap: Pour the mixture into a silicone mold and allow it to set for 24-48 hours.
To Use:
Use a wet dish brush or sponge to rub on the solid soap bar. Store in a soap dish to keep it dry between uses.
Tips & Accessories for Using & Storing Plastic-Free Dish Soaps
Tips for Using Dish Soap Bars vs. Liquid Soap
- Bars: Rub a wet sponge or brush directly on the bar to create a lather. It’s best to use a soap bag as natural soaps do not contain SLS, meaning they tend to not lather that much. Soap bags increase lather and enhance the scrub for easier cleaning. Bar soap is ideal for quickly scrubbing a single dish or pot.
- Liquid: Use a small pump bottle to dispense just a few drops at a time, perfect for soaking or washing multiple dishes or pots and pans.
Storing Dish Soap Bars for Maximum Longevity
ALWAYS keep bars dry between uses by placing them on a soap dish with drainage.
Soap dishes dry the bar after use, preventing sogginess and extending lifespan. They also help prevent *mold (*remember, zero-waste soaps have no preservatives).
- I love this soap dish from Plantish Future, as it’s made from moisture-resistant and biodegradable bamboo. It features a top drying rack that rests over a bottom water catch, drying your bar and preventing messy countertops.
Soap bags can help, too, by prolonging your soap’s usable lifespan. How? I’ve washed many small pieces of bar soap down the drain; soap bags prevent that by keeping the bar secure as it shrinks.
- I recommend natural options over plastic-mesh versions, like these sisal fiber soap bags.
Side note: Sometimes, I gently pat my soap bars with a towel after use to rid excessive water before it starts eating the soap away.
Plastic-Free Storage Options for Liquid Soap
Use refillable glass jars (from pasta sauce, for example), stainless steel dispensers, or ceramic containers to store liquid soap. Reusing jars or containers from around the house is an easy and free solution for keeping your kitchen plastic-free.
- You can also reuse an empty plastic dish soap bottle, but make sure to recycle it eventually.
Other Plastic-Free Tools for Safer & More Sustainable Cleaning
Dish soap isn’t the only zero-waste swap to consider—what about your cleaning gear?
Most dish sponges and brushes are made from polyester or polyurethane, both petroleum-based plastics. Their production releases harmful pollutants like nitrous oxide, which is 200 times worse than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Sponges only last a few weeks, meaning dozens are discarded per family each year.
They aren’t recyclable or biodegradable, so they sit in landfills for thousands of years. Plus, their plastic packaging harms wildlife through ingestion and suffocation.
According to Scientific Reports, standard dish sponges also breed more bacteria than your toilet.
So, consider the following sustainable, non-toxic options with naturally antibacterial properties instead:
Loofah Dish Sponges: These come straight from the loofah plant (basically a squash), making them 100% biodegradable. Loofah, in particular, is my favorite sponge option due to its unique texture. I find it aggressive enough to scrub dishes clean while soft enough for deep cleaning my hands without discomfort. Juturna is my favorite, as it’s made in the USA and ships in plastic-free, biodegradable packaging.
Hemp Dish Cloths: Hemp isn’t only biodegradable and sustainable, but it’s more absorbent than cotton and naturally antibacterial. That’s why these US-made, hemp-blended dish rags are my favorite. I find they hold more suds and help clean and dry dishes more effectively. They’re also more comfortable to use than standard cotton or synthetic dish rags and repel odors better.
Coconut Fiber Dish Brushes: I use these brushes to scrub my Lodge cast iron pan after messy meals. They’re 100% plastic-free, with sustainable bamboo handles and firm coconut fiber bristles, making the brush entirely biodegradable – unlike those plastic bristle options. Coconut fiber bristles also have naturally antibacterial properties, meaning they won’t stink as often!
Recap & Conclusion
Why Conventional Dish Soaps Are Bad:
- Plastic Packaging: Adds to environmental pollution and recycling challenges.
- Toxic Ingredients: Harmful chemicals like synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and SLS contribute to water pollution, damage aquatic life, and pose health risks.
- Palm Oil: Causes deforestation and threatens endangered species.
- Harsh Chemicals: Ingredients like phosphates, triclosan, and surfactants damage ecosystems, affecting fish and wildlife.
Criteria for Truly Zero-Waste Dish Soap:
- Plastic-Free Packaging: Bars or refillable containers minimize waste.
- Biodegradable, Non-Toxic Ingredients: Includes castile soap, baking soda, washing soda, salt, and essential oils.
- Natural Cleaning Power: Effectively cuts grease without harmful additives.
Switching to DIY plastic-free dish soap protects your health and helps save the planet from plastic waste and chemical pollution.
Ready to try it out? Dive into the recipes above!
Happy Washin!
P.S. Now that you’ve eliminated wasteful dish soap from your home, have you thought about your dinnerware?
What’s the point in choosing ethical soaps when your dinnerware contributes to massive environmental harm?
Check out our eco-friendly dinnerware guide to explore brands and marketplaces offering the most ethical dinnerware out there.
Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!
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