For the longest time, I thought dish soap was just for, well, washing dishes. But once I started using it for other things around the house, I realized it’s actually one of the most useful cleaning products I own. It’s gentle yet powerful, cuts through grease, and works in so many unexpected ways. Now, I always keep an extra bottle under my sink—not just for scrubbing plates, but for tackling everything from laundry stains to pest control.
If you’ve only been using dish soap in your kitchen, it’s time to start getting creative! Here are 10 surprising ways to use dish soap beyond washing dishes.
1. Remove Greasy Stains from Clothes
Grease stains used to be my worst nightmare—especially when I’d drop food on my favorite shirt while cooking. I tried different stain removers, but nothing worked as well as plain old dish soap. Since it’s designed to break down oil on dishes, it does the same for fabrics, making it a lifesaver for those stubborn stains.
- Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub with a toothbrush.
- Rinse with warm water and toss it in the wash as usual.
I’ve saved countless outfits this way, and I always keep a little bottle of dish soap in my laundry room just for this purpose.
2. Trap and Kill Pesky Fruit Flies
There’s nothing more frustrating than a kitchen full of fruit flies, and it always seems like they show up overnight. I used to chase them around, but then I discovered a simple trap using dish soap, and it changed everything. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, so the flies can’t escape.
- Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap.
- Set it near your fruit bowl or wherever the flies are gathering.
- The flies will be drawn to the vinegar, get trapped, and sink.
It works like magic, and now, if I see even one fruit fly, I set up a dish soap trap before it turns into an infestation.
3. Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes
I never realized how much bacteria can build up on makeup brushes until I saw how much product comes off when I wash them. Instead of spending money on fancy brush cleaners, I now use dish soap—it removes all the built-up makeup and oils while being gentle on the bristles.
- Fill a cup with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Swirl your brushes in the solution until the makeup starts dissolving.
- Rinse with clean water and lay them flat to dry overnight.
Not only do my brushes last longer, but I also feel much better knowing I’m not applying old, dirty makeup to my face.
4. Make a DIY Ice Pack That Won’t Leak
I used to throw a bag of ice in a towel whenever I needed an ice pack, but it would always melt into a puddle. Then I learned that dish soap stays cold longer and remains flexible, making it perfect for a DIY ice pack.
- Fill a ziplock bag halfway with dish soap.
- Seal it and freeze for a few hours.
- Use it for sore muscles, bumps, or injuries.
Since the soap doesn’t freeze completely solid, the pack stays soft and molds to wherever you need it, making it way more comfortable than a block of ice.
5. Get Rid of Ants Without Harsh Chemicals
I don’t like using toxic sprays in my home, especially with kids and pets around. That’s why I love using dish soap to keep ants away—it’s a simple, natural solution that works fast. The soap disrupts their scent trails, making it impossible for them to find their way back.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly on ants or along their trails.
- Wipe down surfaces to remove the scent and prevent them from returning.
This trick saved me during a summer ant invasion, and now I use it as a first line of defense before trying anything stronger.
6. Clean Greasy Tools and Outdoor Furniture
After a long day of gardening or working in the garage, I used to struggle with getting my tools and furniture clean. Dish soap cuts through grease and grime like nothing else, making post-project cleanup so much easier.
- Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bucket.
- Use a sponge or brush to scrub greasy tools, patio furniture, or even your grill.
- Rinse with a hose for a fresh, clean finish.
It works wonders on plastic, metal, and even wood surfaces, leaving everything looking good as new.
7. Wash Your Car Without Damaging the Finish
I used to think I needed special car soap, but I later found out that dish soap works just as well—as long as you don’t overdo it. It’s strong enough to cut through dirt and grime, but gentle enough to avoid stripping the wax if you use it properly.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of water.
- Use a soft sponge to wash your car, then rinse with a hose.
- Dry with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.
It’s a great budget-friendly alternative to expensive car washes, and I love how easy it is to use.
8. Keep Glasses and Mirrors Crystal Clear
I used to struggle with streaky mirrors no matter what cleaner I used. Then I tried dish soap, and it left them looking flawless without any weird residue.
- Add a drop of dish soap to a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface.
- Buff with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine.
- Works on mirrors, eyeglasses, and even shower doors.
It’s such a simple trick, but now I use it all the time to keep glass surfaces spotless.
9. Make a Natural Weed Killer for Your Driveway
I stopped using store-bought weed killers after realizing how full of chemicals they are. Dish soap helps create a safe, natural alternative that works just as well.
- Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply directly to weeds.
- Within a day or two, the weeds will dry up and die.
Just be careful where you spray—it’s strong enough to kill plants, so I only use it on driveways and sidewalks.
10. Silence a Squeaky Door in Seconds
Nothing is more irritating than a squeaky door hinge, especially when I’m trying to sneak into a sleeping child’s room. If I don’t have WD-40 on hand, dish soap is a surprisingly good substitute.
- Add a drop of dish soap to the hinge and move the door back and forth.
- Wipe away any excess to prevent drips.
- The squeaking instantly stops!
It’s not a permanent fix, but in a pinch, it works wonders until I can grab some proper lubricant.