I’m going to be completely honest with you: I love my Dawn Dish Liquid. I’ve used it for decades, and nothing — absolutely nothing — cuts grease or cleans dishes the way Dawn does. There’s a reason they use it on wildlife during oil spills. It works.
But a lot of families want a cleaner, more natural option for everyday use. And some people just like making things themselves. So while there is no homemade dish soap that works exactly like Dawn (because Dawn is a laboratory-formulated detergent), we can make something that:
- cleans dishes extremely well
- cuts grease surprisingly effectively
- smells amazing
- is gentle on hands
- is affordable and easy to make
If you prefer Dawn, keep using Dawn. If you want a homemade dish soap that gets the job done and smells fresh and clean, this recipe will absolutely work for you.
What’s Actually in Dawn?
Dawn contains a blend of strong surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), alcohol ethoxylates, amine oxides, preservatives, fragrance, and dyes. It is not chemical-free, and it isn’t marketed as natural.
But it is considered safe for household use and is gentle enough to clean animals rescued from oil spills. Dawn is powerful because it’s engineered to be powerful, and homemade soap cannot fully replicate that.
Homemade Dish Soap That Works
This recipe is one of the few that actually cuts grease well and rinses clean without leaving residue.
Ingredients
- 1 cup liquid Castile soap (unscented works best)
- 1 tablespoon washing soda (NOT baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional for thickness and soft hands)
- 10–20 drops essential oil (lemon, orange, grapefruit, rosemary, peppermint)
- 1 cup very hot water
Instructions
- Heat the water until very warm.
- Add the washing soda and stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour in the Castile soap and stir gently to avoid foaming.
- Add glycerin if desired.
- Add your essential oils for scent and extra grease-cutting power.
- Pour into a squeeze bottle and shake gently before use.
This homemade dish soap won’t suds as much as Dawn — because Castile soap doesn’t create the same thick bubbles — but the cleaning power is real. The washing soda boosts the grease-cutting ability so you’re not stuck scrubbing and re-washing.
Best Essential Oil Blends for Dish Soap
- Lemon + Orange: classic, fresh, major grease-cutting power
- Grapefruit + Rosemary: bright, clean, herbal
- Peppermint + Lemon: sharp, cooling, extremely fresh
- Pine + Lemon: clean cabin kitchen vibes
The Honest Bottom Line
Dawn is always going to be the heavyweight champion of dish detergents. But for those who want a homemade option that smells incredible, cleans well, and leaves dishes sparkling — this recipe is a solid, practical choice you can use every single day.
Safety Note: I am NOT a medical professional. Please research ingredients, check for allergies, and confirm pet safety. Use gently and at your discretion.
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