If you’re anything like us, you probably go through a lot of dishes, especially after a busy family meal or a weekend of baking with the kids. And while cleaning up isn’t usually the fun part, it’s a great opportunity to make a small eco-friendly change that really adds up.
Enter the dish soap bar: a low-waste alternative to traditional liquid soap that’s quickly becoming a favorite in eco-conscious homes (Yes, you can absolutely wash your dishes with a bar of soap!). Today’s bars are tough on grease, gentle on skin, and kind to the planet.
Let’s dive into the top five reasons families are making the switch, and why a dish soap bar might just be your new favorite kitchen companion.
5 Reasons To Ditch The Plastic and Try A Dish Soap Bar Today
Most conventional liquid dish soaps come in plastic bottles. And while some are recyclable, many end up in landfills or our oceans. According to the EPA, only about 9% of plastic waste gets recycled in the U.S. each year.
1. A Dish Soap Bar Is Plastic-Free By Design
By switching to a dish soap bar, you can immediately cut out single-use plastic packaging. Our favorite zero-waste dish bars, like the No Tox Life Dish Washing Block, come with no plastic at all, just grease-fighting power in a neat, minimalist block.
2. They Last Longer Than You Think
You might be surprised how long a single dish soap bar can last. Unlike liquid soaps that often get over-poured, a bar gives you more control over how much product you use.
Dish soap bars are formulated to last for months, replacing up to three bottles of liquid soap depending on your dishwashing habits. That means fewer trips to the store and less money spent over time.
3. They’re Safe For Senstive Skin and Little Helpers
Many families are cautious about what goes onto their dishes, especially with kids in the mix. The good news? Most dish soap bars are made with fewer ingredients and none of the harsh synthetic chemicals found in many liquid soaps.
Options like the Meliora Organic Castile Dish Soap are crafted from simple, gentle ingredients that are kind to both your hands and the planet.
So when your little ones want to help out with the dishes, you can let them dive in without worrying about exposure to synthetic fragrances or irritants.
4. They Really Work
We get it: switching products can be scary, especially if you’re dealing with post-dinner lasagna pans. But dish soap bars are surprisingly tough on grease.
The Everything Home Bar, for example, is specially formulated to tackle the toughest messes, from stuck-on food to greasy pots and pans.
Still unsure? Our blog post, The Ultimate Guide to Solid Soap for Dishes, goes deep into how these bars are made and why they work so well.
And don't just take it from us...
No Tox Life Dish Soap Bar
"I love this dish soap! It's so easy to use and I have already had it for like 3 months and barley even made a dent in it!" - Aby, Verified Buyer
3-in-1 Coconut Cleaning Bar
"We love this dish soap bar! It lathers easily, cleans great, and doesn’t leave any kind of residue. Absolutely no need to go back to plastic containers and liquid soaps after trying this. Definitely will buy again." - Jen Tietze, Verified Buyer
Meliora Castile Dish Soap
"I was skeptical about this product before i bought it, but i have been using this dish soap for a few weeks and absolutely love it! It cleans well and seems like it will last a long time." - Hunter, Verified Buyer
5. It's a Small Switch With a Big Impact
Making the switch to a dish soap bar may feel like a small act, but over time, it adds up. If every American household replaced just one plastic bottle of dish soap with a solid bar, we could prevent millions of plastic containers from being produced each year.
Plus, solid bars typically require less energy to manufacture and ship compared to liquids. According to Greenpeace, reducing plastic production is one of the most effective ways we can lower our carbon footprint.
In short, it’s a win for your home, your wallet, and the planet.
Best Dish Soap Bars for a Cleaner Kitchen and a Greener Planet
If you’re ready to make the switch, here are some of the best dish soap bars available on EarthHero. Whether you’re looking for something gentle, powerful, or beginner-friendly, there’s a bar for every household:
Best for Tough Stains: No Tox Life Dish Washing Block
Designed to handle even the messiest pans, this bar doesn’t shy away from a challenge. It cuts grease, lasts for months, and has a loyal following for good reason.
Best Refillable Option: Suds & Eco. Refillable Dish Soap
This highly concentrated and long lasting bar comes in a refillable tin, ideal for when the pile of dishes never seems to stop growing!
Best Castile-Based Bar: Meliora Organic Castile Dish Soap
Pure and powerful, this castile soap bar is gentle on sensitive skin and biodegradable, too.
Best Multitasker: 3-in-1 Coconut Cleaning Bar
This all-purpose powerhouse is perfect for newcomers. Whether you're scrubbing pots, or wiping down counters, this bar is up for the job. It’s a household favorite for good reason.
Best Bundle: ZWS Essentials Dish Soap Bundle
Want to get started with everything you need? This bundle includes two reusable sponges and the No Tox Life dish soap bar.
For even more eco-friendly dish options, take a peek at our guide to the Best Eco-Friendly Dish Soaps.
Dish Soap Bar Vs. Liquid Dish Soap
So how does a dish soap bar really compare to liquid soap? Here's a quick breakdown:
Liquid Dish Soap:
- Typically packaged in plastic bottles
- Easy to overuse, leading to faster product waste
- May include synthetic fragrances or dyes
- Requires more energy to ship due to water content
- Often less concentrated than solid alternatives
Dish Soap Bar:
- Plastic-free and often zero-waste
- Long-lasting and easy to control portion size
- Simple, skin-friendly ingredients
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Lower environmental impact from production to disposal
While both types of soap can get your dishes clean, dish soap bars come out on top when it comes to sustainability, efficiency, and ingredient transparency. They're a powerful little swap that makes a real difference over time.
Ready To Make The Switch?
Switching to a dish soap bar is a simple, effective way to make your home more sustainable. It’s better for the planet, better for your skin, and (bonus!) makes your dishwashing station look way tidier.
Whether you’re new to low-waste living or already have a few swaps under your belt, a dish soap bar is the clear winner.
