Shampoo and conditioner bars are probably on your radar by now, but what about solid soap for dishes?
Ditching plastic bottles and watered-down formulas goes beyond the bathroom. Solid dish soaps are emerging as a plastic-free alternative to liquid dish detergents. They’re made from natural ingredients, last longer, and leave little waste - that’s a win for your health, wallet, and the planet!
Now, you might be thinking that sounds too good to be true…do they actually work?
At Earth Hero, we’re huge fans of solid dish soap, and in this post we’ll give you the 101 on how to make the most of them so they’ll work on even the toughest of stains. We’ll share some options to choose from, and if you’re still not sure, some more sustainable liquid options to try instead.
Right, it’s time to tackle our (eye roll) favorite chore…
Why Switch To Solid Dish Soap?
If you’re used to liquid dish detergent a solid bar seems strange, but trust us, there are so many reasons to make the switch.
Here are just a few:
Plastic-Free
Humans produce one million plastic bottles every year. Solid dish soaps are just one way to reduce toxic plastic waste, as they come in recyclable packaging and dissolve to eventually leave no waste.
Natural Ingredients
Many liquid detergents contain ingredients that might be harmful to human health, for example, artificial fragrances, phosphates, and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Made by conscious brands, most solid soaps contain natural and non-toxic ingredients.
Concentrated Formulas
You know what makes liquid detergents liquid? Water! Solid bars cut that out, so you’re only paying for active ingredients that work to remove stains.
Longer Lasting
Because of their concentrated formula, solid dish bars last way longer than their liquid counterparts. They can last as long as 3 bottles!
Lathers Up And Cuts Grease
You won’t sacrifice cleaning power when you switch to bars. They’ll lather up in the water like regular dish soap, and cut through grease and grime.
Multifunctional
One cool thing about solid dish soaps is that they can be Cleaning Chameleons and adapt to different needs - wiping surfaces, washing hands, and spot-cleaning stains.
Soon you’ll be a bar-convert!
How To Use Soap For Dishes
Want to give bars a go but aren’t sure how?
It’s best to check the instructions that come with the specific bar you choose, that said, here’s how it generally works:
- Scrape food residue from your plates and give them a quick rinse.
- Wet your desired dish sponge or brush.
- Scrub the sponge/ brush on a block to lather up.
- Start scrubbing your dishes until they’re squeaky clean.
- Rinse well.
- Allow your dish soap bar to dry out completely on a soap shelf or soap rest so that it’ll last longer.
Scrape the plates. Scrub the bar. Scrub the dishes. Rinse and dry. It’s as easy as that!
And since the natural ingredients don’t dry out your hands like normal liquid detergents, you shouldn’t need to wear plastic clothes either.
What Dish Soap Should I Use?
At EarthHero, have lots of options to help you choose the best soap for your dishes. They’ve all passed our quality checks and are loved by customers, so you can trust they work. Decide what’s best for you based on your budget, ingredients, brand values, storage, and additional uses.
Meliora Castile Dish Soap $9.99
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Organic ingredients
- Member of 1% for the Planet, and pledges to donate at least 2% of all sales towards nonprofits like the Women's Voices for the Earth
No Tox Life Dish Washing Block $10.99
- Free of plastic, harsh detergents, toxic preservatives
- 100% Recyclable Packaging
- Made with sustainable soap bark and coconut-based cleansing agents.
3-in-1 Coconut Cleaning Bar $29 for 3 bars
- Can be used as dish soap, hand soap, and stain remover.
- 1 bar comes in recyclable packaging with product info, 2 bars come package-free
- Organic ingredients
Refillable Organic Dish Soap $14.99
- Highly concentrated and long-lasting
- Stored in a refillable metal tin for ease of use, or choose without tin.
Not ready to switch to a solid soap? Try these sustainable dish soaps instead:
Fillaree LLC Refillable Dish Soap $38
- Natural ingredients
- Refill includes a 'forever spout' and a reusable, recyclable storage box
The Home Farm Liquid Dish Soap $30
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- 100% recyclable materials
Take your pick!
How To Remove Tough Stains With Dish Soap
We’ve all had times when we’ve delayed doing the dishes and let leftover food get stuck, but don’t panic, you can soak your dishes with solid bars too.
First, try letting the dishes soap in piping hot water for 30 minutes or so, before using your dish bar as normal. You might want to try a tougher scrubber like these:
- Zero Waste Dish Brush Kit $40.99
- Dish Brush and Ceramic Dish Set $14.99
- Biodegradable Coconut Scourers $7.99
Not done the trick? The next step is to grate a little bit of the bar into your dish and give it a swill so it dissolves quickly. After another 30 minutes, scrub your dishes again. That should do it!
The Final Verdict: Does Soap For Dishes Work?
We’ve told you the reasons to make a switch, the options available, and how to remove the toughest stains…the only thing left to do is try for yourself!
Solid soap for dishes have highly concentrated formulas, meaning they only contain natural ingredients that work and last longer. With no plastic bottles, they’re a money-and-space-saving way to cut back on plastic waste.
Choose from the options we’ve shared, or if you’re not so sure, swap your usual liquid detergents for a more sustainable alternative - either way, you’re on your way to a cleaner and greener kitchen!
