Can I be totally honest for a second? I have bought my fair share of natural dish soaps over the years, and I like them and knowing that I'm using a greener alternative.
But here's the thing...I really love that certain blue dish soap because it's amazing at getting my dishes clean and fighting the grease. So I always have a bottle of both kinds under the kitchen sink. I pull out the blue one for a really greasy job, but I really don't like to feel like I have to use it.
I never thought that I could make my own that would tackle the grease like a store-bought one. Well, that's changed! I think I've finally found the solution, and I'm saying goodbye to the blue dish soap and grease residue forever.
When making homemade dish soap, which is incredibly easy, you get to be in control of what goes into it—and it’s fun! No toxic chemicals or artificial colors.
There are tons of recipes online using the same basic set of ingredients—Castile soap (liquid + grated bar), washing soda (really strong baking soda), glycerin, and essential oils. Others contain citric acid or vinegar, and some use borax.
I did my research and read hundreds of comments from people who had made and either loved or hated their homemade dish soap. Then I tested until I found one that worked—so get ready to leave the grease and residue behind!
Homemade Lavender Dish Soap
Castile
I've been using Castile soap for just about everything lately, so it made sense for me to start with that and see how it went. The common complaint about homemade dish soap is that it doesn't get the dishes totally clean—there's a residue left behind. And I found that to be true.
Super washing soda
I recently came across a recipe that looked very promising and well-tested. After I made a few minor tweaks, it turned out to be the best one yet.
It did not have any acidic ingredients, which would un-saponify the Castile soap. Instead, it uses super washing soda, one of my favorite things to use for natural cleaners. Total grease-fighting action!
Lavender
We are the biggest fans of lavender at our house, so that's the scent I chose. You could certainly use another variety of Castile soap and different essential oils: citrus, herb (peppermint), floral, tea tree, orange, lemon, or another refreshing scent.
Soap flakes
Soap flakes or grated natural soap give the dish soap a sudsing agent and a bit of body. I used soap flakes, but grated Castile soap and other natural vegetable soaps will work as well.
It might change how the dish soap sets up and how thick or thin it is. That's where you have to play around a little bit (remember, that's the fun part!).
Water
I wanted a soap that was more the viscosity of liquid hand soap. So for a thinner one, add more water or use a little less washing soda.
Besides a little time on the stove to melt the soap flakes and dissolve the washing soda, it's basically one of those recipes that you mix up and use. It does need to cool and set up for a few hours (or even 24 hours), but I have found it works fine when used almost immediately after it cools.
It does go from clear to opaque when it sets up. The picture above is when the liquid is still fairly hot.
Have you tried homemade dish soaps? Did they work?
DIY Lavender Dish Soap FAQs
Does homemade dish soap leave a film on dishes?
This recipe left my dishes squeaky clean, but this may depend on the hardness of your water, too. If you notice a film on the dishes, you can use a vinegar rinse. Just add a few teaspoons of white vinegar in soapy water to rinse your dishes.
What can I do if my DIY dish soap turns out too thick or too thin?
If the soap is too thick, add a little more water. Different factors can affect the thickness of the soap, like the water you use (filtered vs. tap) and the brand of soap flakes or grated soap.
If you want a thicker version, pour the soap back into the pan and warm it up again. Add a little more washing soda.
What other essential oils can I use to scent this dish soap instead of lavender?
If you don't have any lavender essential oil, you can substitute for some lemon or other citrus, something herbal like peppermint, a floral oil, or even tea tree. I love that this recipe is so customizable because I like to switch up the scent profile when I make a new batch, depending on my mood and the season.
Up Next: Homemade Lavender Liquid Hand Soap
Grease-Fighting Lavender Dish Soap
Materials
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup all-natural soap flakes or grated soap
- ¼ cup Castile soap
- 2 teaspoons super washing soda
- 1 teaspoon non-GMO vegetable glycerin
- 30–40 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add the soap flakes and stir to dissolve.
- Add the Castile soap, washing soda, glycerin, and essential oil.
- Stir well, making sure everything is dissolved.
- Carefully pour into a bottle with a spout or pump.
- Allow to set for about 24 hours before using.
Anne Illerbrun says
....and here I thought I needed to take the glycerin out of my soap, silly since it's water soluble. I had that idea that detergent was what I needed to get the scum off my dishes and I was going to make me some. Instead, I learned how to turn baking soda into washing soda. Thanks for the soap talk gals.
Dore says
Awesome
Sandy says
I tried the Dish Soap recipe and it is terrible! It leaves grease all over the dishes. Very poor recipe indeed!
lawrence says
This thing is awesome. it literally is the ultimate solution to a convenient and budgeted solution for my super active outdoors job (Im a pool repairer). As soon as i get home from work, all i look forward to is the smell of this comforting soap.. thanks a lot for this!
Kathleen Irwin says
Thanks so much for the idea of this. It works perfectly. I’m so excited and actually didnt mind doing the dishes bc I it was working so good. You just made this chic a very happy girl.
Soap Master says
The washing soda can soften the water, but really, soap cannot un-saponify. It is chemically impossible. I make liquid soap, and use citric acid to balance the ph and neutralize the lye, after it is diluted. Seeing as how citric acid is a stronger acid than vinegar, I am positive of this. The only thing I can think of is that this myth is perpetuated by someone who makes liquid soap with a 'super fat.' If there is too much oil in the liquid soap, it is floating around in the soap. When you add vinegar, the oil separates from the soap and floats to the top. That is why Dr. Bronner's leaves a film on everything-it is grease/oil/hard water and soap scum. It is really bad soap for cleaning, but probably great for hands. What you CAN do, is make a liquid soap paste yourself with a LYE EXCESS ( or buy some off Etsy.. there are some great soap makers there, just be sure to email them and ask if they make their soap with lye excess). Coconut oil soap is the bomb for dishwashing. You can thicken the mixture when you dilute it a little bit with some dissolved table salt. Then, check the PH and add diluted citric acid and water to neutralize the lye, and try to get it down to a neutral PH level. Then, if you are using hard water to wash your dishes, add a teaspoon of citric acid to the dishwater to soften it, then add some straight coconut oil soap to cut the grease and grime on your dishes, without the crud left behind, and without the washing soda (which is not really that great for the dishes, especially glass.) Your dishes should be sparkly. A lot of work, but so is your method. Also, your soap power is incredibly decreased, as your soap is holding on to all the unsapponified oils already in your soap, on top of the fact that palm oil, olive oil, and a few other filler oils in Dr. Bronners are known for their gentleness instead of their cleaning power. Coconut oil in soap is far better at de-greasing. I'm probably going to make this stuff and just sell it.
Cyncha says
I really appreciate this information. I have yet to find a home made dish soap (including this one) that I'm happy with. I'm really trying to reduce plastic and this has been one of the biggest issues so far (and this recipe contains liquid castile, which is an issue). I am willing to do what isn't quick and easy in order to accompish this. I just wish I could find some good references on the internet. But your comments are a good start and have me hopeful! Thanks!!!
ev says
thanks
Nandita says
You have said " I used soap flakes, but grated castile soap or other natural vegetable soaps will work as well." And then, your recipe calls for 1/4 cup all natural soap flakes or grated soap AND 1/4 cup castile soap. Therefore, can I use just natural soap flakes instead? How much more natural soap to replace the 1/4 cup castile soap?
Ashley Varran says
Where did you get that container? I got one from Amazon but it broke ?
Marie H says
Tried this. Followed the directions exactly. It left a film on the dishes. I'm not willing to rinse with really hot water as that is too rough on my skin. Seems like this recipe is not a keeper. The washing soda is rough. I feel like it is burning so I could not add more to the watery mixture. I am on the hunt for a good recipe. I saw the revised recipe. It is the same, except washing soda optional and it has rosemary. It looks pretty, but I need dishes without residue. May just go back to the natural store bought dish soaps. Disappointed.
Monica says
It was not good because the procedure of making is wrong. Separate the water in 2. One part for disolving the soap flakes and one for disolving the washing soda. Than add the liquid castille soap to the melted soap so you have all your soaps in the same pot. Add the disolved washing soda and you will notice how the soap thikens. Finnaly add the glycerin and ess. oil . And if it comes second day too thick is a no,no to add more water because you taking away from its pottency. Simply add one or 2 tabelspoon of alchool be it vodka or rubbing alchool. It works very well in this formula.
sheila says
"I’m not willing to rinse with really hot water as that is too rough on my skin. " If you don't care to use really hot water no soap in the world will give you clean dishes.
Lynn says
I have to disagree with that. Really hot water is not necessary for rinsing dishes...... I manage to get clean dishes every time I do them and I don't use really hot water. Your comment makes me shake my head in amazement.
Sarah says
She meant 'washing' the dishes with hot water. I wouldn't believe they are clean and disinfected enough either if she doesn't use hot water to at least WASH the dishes in. Wouldn't eat at her house.
Janine says
I am collecting my ingredients and plan on making this soon. I found lavender castille bar soap. Do you think that will be ok since I'm using lavender essential oil?
Milou says
Hi! I've tried this recipe a number of times and always love it! However it's always too thick!!! I used to use natural soap bars and grate them, but now I made it with natural soap flakes that I ordered, so that I could follow the recipe exactly as it was. But still very thick. When you say "add water" is that after the fact? So re-heat it and add water? Thanks for the feedback!
Sarah says
Somebody said NO to water as potency is reduced. They said vodka or alcohol is ok. Not sure I like that idea, myself.
Alcohols are very drying to the skin.
Cammie says
I tried this recipe but found the glasses and cutlery in particular coming out with stains/residue--either water or the washing soda perhaps? They did not look clean. What could be the problem?
Dawn says
If your having a hard time finding the washing soda, you can make your own. It's only baking soda that has been baked. You can google how to make washing soda, from baking soda.
Lmc says
Wow! Cool tip! I did find washing soda, but didn't think about what it is!! Thank you
Pam Wheelock says
I love this soap, but I can't seem to get the super washing soda to dissolve so I have to shake before each use. Is this normal? Also, I use a citrus essential oil to help cut the grease.
Sabrina says
Hi! I made your soap and it looked great initially but for some reason separated once it set up. I don't know if it's bc I used a different natural grated soap bar that had shea rather than castile or if I should just try reheating it. Suggestions? Thanks so much!
Juju says
what is super washing soda? Thanks for posting.
Rebeca Guglielmo says
It's Baking Soda but more powerful! It has a molecule difference. You can find it at Walmart for about $4 for a good amount. (next to the baking soda). It works GREAT!!
Crystal says
NO!!! Baking soda is sodium BIcarbonate, (2 carbons)which is food safe and edible. Washing soda is sodium carbonate (1 carbon)- not edible!! You can make washing soda from baking soda by heating it to remove the extra carbon. But they are definitely NOT the same thing, at all.
It's like the difference between water (h2o- 1 hydrogen) and peroxide (h2o2 - 2 hydrogens). You can drink water, bathe in it, etc. peroxide is toxic, and in strong concentrations will eat the flesh from your bones (what you get at the store has been diluted a lot).
Mary says
Sodium bicarbonate has only one carbon. Sodium carbonate has only one carbon. Sodium bicarbonate has 1 hydrogen and 1 sodium. Sodium carbonate has no hydrogens and 2 sodiums. Sodium carbonate is more toxic than sodium bicarbonate because it is a stronger base. Both can be neutralized by adding an acid like vinegar and both will produce carbon dioxide and water.
Gloria Alcorn says
What is the best way to use the soap -- on a damp sponge and then rinse in a sink full of hot water? I have noticed my hands feel greasy after doing the dishes but have not noticed a greasy feel or film on the dishes.
Jeannie says
i followed this recipe.... To the 'T'.... To have it turn out so lumpy I could not get out of the container.i micro' for a few seconds...and was able to waste another few minutes squeezing it out of the bottle. I added more water to try to get it to a good texture.... Once back in the bottle... Turned to cement again!! What gives?? Time wasted, money wasted.
The once I was able to use it.... Absolutely no suds, and it certainly did not take of the grease.
Audrey says
Mine did the same thing.... solid as a rock. Microwaved it and added another 2 cups of water... washed my dishes fine... but again the next morning a solid bar of soap in a bottle.... I think I'll try it with little to no washing soda, and less bar soap. I prefer measurements of things like "grated bar soap" to be in ounces... 1/4 cup? loose? packed? solid? I'l have to get another bottle, the one I am using has melted since every morning I have to melt the soap.. but I think it's worth playing with.....
Sarah says
I had the same problem! I was able to solve it by adding a LOT of hot water to the original recipe. It was definitely worth playing with- I LOVE this soap now that I got the right texture!
Donna says
I used bar castile instead of liquid - didn't even know it came in liquid. Could this be the reason my soap doesn't suds, leaves a film, is so thick and frothy in the bottle I have to take the lid off to get some out???? I would like some suds that lasts longer than dipping the first plate in! I must have screwed up somewhere.
Froukje says
Is this soap safe enough if you have to dump the water out outside? Where I live we have no plumbing and am looking fo natural alternatives to wash my dishes with. Thankyou!
Jan says
Yes, all of the ingredients are biodegradable.
Elgielene says
I just tried this yesterday evening, and I absolutely love it. In fact,
I'm adding it as one of my how-to videos on my website. I think my
readers and viewers will love it, too. Of course, I'll be adding links
to your website.
All the best,
Elgielene
Lisa says
I followed this recipe and didn't substitute anything, but no suds whatsoever! Do you have any suggestions to fix the problem? I've made all my cleaning supplies for a couple of years now, except dish detergent. It always does the same - no suds and nasty film.
LB says
me too...no suds, greasy film on dishes and in the sink, what gives?
Bonnie says
My experience, as well. I used filtered water to make the solution, but my sink of dishes was with hard tap water. I use no cooking oils or animal products, so my dishes are never very greasy. The dish water with solution was murky and filmy - no suds or froth - so I rinsed in vinegar bath.
Hadieh Kilani says
Hi. Can I use 1/2 cup of grated Castile soap instead of Castile and other soap?
Jessica says
I know that citrus EOs break down plastic over time
Karyne says
Where do you get your glass bottles with pumps?
Ashley says
I have a quick question does the essential oil get absorbed into plastic containers? Im new to the essential oils and I had the understanding not to use essential oils with or on plastic materials. So ive been petrified to try dish soap because I dont want to ruin my tuba wear. My husband bought me Dr. bronner hemp peppermint castile soap do you think this will cause a problem?
Lindsey Johnson says
Hi Ashley, I haven't heard that, but I do know that the scent from the oils does linger in the plastic, so it must get absorbed. Could you use a glass bottle or jar instead?
myra barnes says
I have dishwasher cieaner but like to wash my {slightly} dishes before loading the dishwasher.Would a small amount of shampoo and water work temporary?
Ashley says
I made this recipe last night and unsure of what other kind of natural soap or soap flakes to use, I used a combination of bar Castile and Fels Naptha. Doesn't seem to work at all, my dishes were greasy and filmy. What are your thoughts on that? Was it the Fels Naptha? Should that not be used in dish soap? What other natural soaps would you recommend?
Lindsey Johnson says
Hmm. I've never used FelsNaptha for dishsoap - just for laundry. I prefer the liquid or bar castile soap to other types of soap flakes. It could be the softness/hardness of your water. If you decide to try it again, you could use more water to dilute it a bit. I'm so sorry it gave you trouble! I'm using this recipe more now (mostly because it's easier to make!) and I haven't had any trouble with it leaving a film. (You can even skip the herb-infusing part and just use water.) The other one would sometimes leave a little bit of a film if I didn't rinse my dishes in really hot water, but after I did, they were squeaky clean.
mzzboo says
I grated some Zote soap and I did not add any oil(everyone seem to complain about greasy). I also used liquid Castile soap by Bronners. If you have a lumpy problem try whipping it with a mixer(want hurt you are making dish soap). Makes it creamy and smooth, feels good and it sets up better. you don't needs suds to wash dishes. I have purchased Dawn and it did not stay sudsy.
Blueberry Pie says
I hope someone else can pipe in with another soap alternative. I just checked Zote's website. It contains optical brighteners. Not sure I want that on my fork!
Lindsey, your site is beautiful.
Lindsey Johnson says
You can use grated castile soap or another natural soap instead of the Zotes.
Erin says
Are you familiar with young living essential oil blend and cleaning line of "thieves" ? I'll be adding it to the soap when I try it. To kill bacteria. Thank you for posting this recipe! If you have some time I can send anyone that is interested info on Young Living. It is amazing for homemade products and you know what you are getting vs store bought EO. Take care!
lisa says
You'r recipe is so helpful!!
Brandi Epperly says
Does this rise off clean? I've used another recipe for homemade dish soap and it left this gross film on all of my dishes. Even when I rinsed it with the hottest water my tap would allow.
Lindsey Johnson says
It does for me - super squeaky clean. I think it depends on the hardness of the water too. If that's an issue, you can do a vinegar rinse, which is an extra step, I know. But I have heard/read people say that can help if there's a film. I use white vinegar as a rinse agent in my dishwasher for that reason. (I also make my own dishwasher detergent.) Hope that helps!
Brenda says
how do you do a vinegar rinse in your dishwasher? I have hard water & I think that would helpful.
Traci says
I have had a nasty film on my dishes in the dishwasher from store bought dishwasher soap! I decided to clean my dishwasher with vinegar (1st time ever). I dumped white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher (probably a cup or two) and then put some in the soap dispenser (it all ran out anyway!) Ran dishwasher on Heavy setting and it came out amazingly clean! No residue left at all. Oh, I have a trap/filter in the bottom of my dishwasher (Whirlpool) and I removed it and cleaned that with vinegar also. It was clogged with greasy goo! Now to answer your question about where to put the vinegar to use as a rinse. I have read that you just add it to the same place you would put jet dry in your dishwasher, use white vinegar instead of Jet Dry. I have not tried this yet as my dishwasher still has the Jet Dry (not impressed with it either) in it. I am almost out of store bought dishwasher soap so making my own once it's gone.
Patty says
Oops, I thought I replied to Deb :)
Patty says
Wow, 1 1/2 hours gone as you peaked my interest with that question and I had to research!!. The farther I got into it with the Byron White accusations, I just couldn't stop!! I think he is using this tactic to make his 'grape alcohol' seem so original. Or whatever :) The glycerin is harmless. I could even say the grape alcohol is worse as gee, it's alcohol!! JK. Please don't believe everything on the net, ESPECIALLY when it's from a (conning?)salesman.
Bonnie says
Thanks for sharing this recipe as I've been looking for DIY dish liquid that cuts grease. My question is what type of soap flakes did you use? I've never used them before so I'm not familiar with them at all. I'd love to pick some up and make this recipe. Thank you!
Lindsey Johnson says
I used Zotes which I don't *love* so much. They have fragrance added, but they are so easy! You could grate a bar of natural soap and that will work too.
Lindsey Johnson says
Hmm. I hadn't heard that before. I use non-GMO 100% vegetable glycerin almost every day for my skin. I buy mine at Whole Foods.
Kaolee says
Thanks for sharing! I'm definitely going to try this recipe! I just made laundry detergent last night and was trying to figure out some other stuff that I could make next!
Andrea says
Where did you get the cool dispenser?
Lindsey Johnson says
I bought it online from Rail 19. I am in love with everything in their shop!