Introduction – What Is Natural Dish Soap
One of the adjacencies to energy efficiency and carbon reduction is a general awareness of conserving the environment. That trickles into our everyday lives including the cleaning agents we use. Many people are looking for an alternative to the harsh chemicals in traditional soaps, and natural dish soap is a great option.
In this post, we will discuss the benefits of using natural dish soap and provide some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Introduction To Natural Dish Soap
You might not think that there would be much difference between the dish soap you use at home and the stuff that restaurants use. However, there is a big difference between the two, and it all has to do with the ingredients. Commercial dish soap is filled with harsh chemicals that can damage your skin and respiratory system.
In contrast, natural dish soap is made with gentle ingredients that are safe for both you and the environment. One of the key ingredients in natural dish soap is glycerin. Glycerin is a plant-based substance that helps to emulsify grease and dirt. It also helps to prevent your dishes from drying out and getting damaged.
Another important ingredient is essential oils. Essential oils are known for their antibacterial properties, and they also leave behind a pleasant scent. When combined, these ingredients create a powerful dish soap that is safe for both you and the environment.
Top 5 Benefits Of Using Natural Dish Soap
There are many benefits of using natural dish soap, and more and more people are making the switch to this eco-friendly alternative. Here are five reasons why natural dish soap is a great choice:
1. It’s better for the environment. Natural dish soap is made from biodegradable plant-based ingredients, so it doesn’t pollute the water supply like conventional dish soap.
2. It’s gentle on your skin. Since natural dish soap is from natural ingredients, it’s less likely to cause irritation or dryness than conventional dish soap.
3. It’s effective at cleaning dishes. Despite being gentle on your skin, natural dish soap is just as effective at cleaning dishes as conventional dish soap.
4. It’s economical. Because this is concentrated, a little goes a long way. This means that you’ll save money in the long run by using natural dish soap.
5. It’s easy to find. You can find them at most grocery stores or online retailers.
Top 5 Best Natural Dish Soap
Here are the top 5 best natural dish soap or organic dish soap you can use:
1. Sonett Dishwashing Liquid
Made with plant-based ingredients, it cuts through grease and grime without leaving behind any harmful chemicals. It is also biodegradable and safe for use on all types of dishware, including glasses, pots, and pans. Plus, its concentrated formula means that you only need a small amount to get your dishes clean – which makes it more economical than other dishwashing liquids on the market.
2. Molly’s Suds Dish Soap
Made with natural ingredients, Molly’s Suds is biodegradable and gentle on the hands. It is also powerful enough to tackle even the toughest grease and grime. In addition, Molly’s Suds dish soap is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, making it safe for use around children and pets.
3. Eco Me Dish Soap
Everything about this product is great: it works well, it smells great, and it’s made of primarily natural chemicals. There are no sulfates (SLES, SLS, SCS) or other harsh chemicals or additives in this soap.
4. Better Life Dish Soap
Biodegradable and green-based components are used to make this soap, which is effective and safe. This dish soap is also devoid of sulfates, parabens, petroleum solvents, synthetic fragrances, alcohols, and colors.
It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. Plus, the fresh citrus scent will leave your dishes smelling amazing.
5. Attitude Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Liquid
This plant-based soap is made with natural ingredients that are effective at cutting through grease, yet mild enough for use on baby bottles and dishes. Plus, it’s free of fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals, so you can feel good about using it around your family.
Differences Between Solid Dish Soap And Dishwashing Liquid
When it comes to doing the dishes, you may be wondering what kind of soap to use. Solid dish soap and dishwashing liquid are both effective at cleaning dishes, but there are some key differences between the two. Here are some of the most notable differences:
1. Texture: Solid dish soap is typically in the form of a bar, while dishwashing liquid is, as the name suggests, liquid. This can make solid dish soap easier to control when scrubbing dishes.
2. Suds: Dishwashing liquid usually produces more suds than solid dish soap, which can help get dishes extra clean. However, too many suds can make it harder to rinse dishes properly.
3. Concentration: Solid dish soap is often more concentrated than dishwashing liquid, meaning that you may need to use less of it to get the same cleaning power.
4. Cost: Solid dish soap is typically cheaper than dishwashing liquid per ounce.
5. Environmentally friendly dish soap: Solid dish soap is more environmentally friendly than dishwashing liquid because it doesn’t require packaging and can be stored without taking up space in landfills.
Can You Make A Homemade Dish Soap?
You may be surprised to learn that you can make your dish soap at home with just a few ingredients. We present two types, one based on glycerin and the other on Castile soap.
#1. Recipe for Glycerin “Melt and Pour” Soap
Ingredients:
- 1 pound glycerin melt and pour soap base
- 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil(s)
- Soap colorant (optional)
- Soap mold
Instructions:
- Cut the glycerin soap base into chunks and place them into a double boiler.
- Melt the soap base over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is fully melted.
- Once melted, remove the soap base from the heat and quickly add your chosen essential oil(s) and colorant if desired. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into your soap mold.
- Allow the soap to cool and harden completely. This can take several hours at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing the mold in the refrigerator.
- Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold. It is now ready to use!
#2. Recipe for Castile Soap
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 oz. lye
- 4.5 oz. distilled water
- 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) (optional)
Instructions:
- Before you start, make sure you are wearing protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, as lye can cause burns.
- Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) in a well-ventilated area or outside. Stir until the lye is fully dissolved. The mixture will heat up rapidly, let it cool.
- In a large pot, warm the olive oil until it’s about the same temperature as the lye solution (around 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Once both solutions are about the same temperature, slowly add the lye solution to the olive oil, stirring constantly.
- Continue to stir the mixture. After a while, it will begin to thicken – this is called “trace”. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
- If you’re adding essential oils for fragrance, add them now, and stir well.
- Pour the soap mixture into a mold and cover with a lid or some plastic wrap.
- Allow the soap to sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours. After this, it can be removed from the mold and cut into bars.
- Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks before using. This allows the water to evaporate, making the bars harder and longer-lasting.
Remember, when working with lye, always follow safety precautions. Lye is a caustic substance and can cause serious burns if it comes into contact with skin. Always add lye to water (not water to lye), and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area or outside.
Conclusion – What Is Natural Dish Soap
All in all, natural dish soap is a great choice for those looking for an alternative to conventional dish soap. It is from ingredients that are gentle on the skin and won’t cause any irritation. In addition, it is effective at cleaning dishes and doesn’t leave any nasty chemicals behind. So, if you’re looking for a safe and environmentally friendly option, natural dish soap is worth considering.
