All-purpose dishwashing liquid: alternative ways you can use this product at home

Every home has a bottle of dishwashing liquid laying around, but perhaps it would be handy to always have a supply of it to hand. And even more so if this "extra supply" was cheap and eco-friendly.

Additionally, dishwashing liquid - either commercially produced or DIYed - can be used for multiple household cleaning chores, not just the dishes.

Dishwashing liquid for the laundry

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Dishwashing liquid is a great degreaser. Given this property, this liquid can be used to remove stubborn stains on laundry.

Some greasy or oily stains on fabrics can be removed if you dissolve about a spoonful of dishwashing liquid in half a liter of warm water and then use a clean cloth or sponge to dab the stain gently, until it disappears. Once done, put the garment in a regular wash.

Clean garden furniture

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When plastic or fiberglass garden furniture get dirty, you can clean it with just a little dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle of warm (not hot) water. Shake well, spray and rub down with a cloth or sponge. If you used very little soap, you can leave the furniture to air dry. But if there is soap reside remaining, rinse off immediately. Your garden furniture will be spic and span again in no time.

Polish jewelry

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If you're sure your jewelry is made of a high-quality metal, you can use dishwashing liquid to clean your pieces. Over time, all jewelry gets tarnished. To clean your jewelry, put a small drop of dishwashing liquid into a small bowl of hot water, mix well and leave the jewelery to soak in this for 5 or 10 minutes. Rinse off and then dry the pieces well with a soft, lint-free cloth. Finish off by polishing with a jewelry cloth. Note, however, that enamels and non-metallic elements in jewelry can be damaged by this cleaning process, so consult an expert first.

DIY cold compresses

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How many times have you needed a cold compress for an injury? Cold gel compresses are very handy for this purpose as they are malleable and adapt to one's body-part shape.

If you don't have gel compresses at home, you can easily make some using dishwashing liquid. Fill ziplock bag with 30 ml of isopropyl alcohol and dishwashing liquid, up to 3/4 of the available space in the bag. Shake to mix, seal and put the bag in the freezer!

Other uses for dishwashing liquid

There are many other ways to use dishwashing liquid, including:

• To clean the external surfaces of household appliances: instead of a usual spray detergent, simply dissolve a little detergent in a spray bottle of hot water, mix and spray on the cloths you will use for wiping down the appliances (ovens, fridges, microwaves, washing machines and more)!
• Floors: fill a bucket with hot water, add 3 or 4 drops of dishwashing liquid and you can degrease your floors. You will need to rinse off thoroughly afterward (and this remedy should not be used on wooden floors).
• Hair brushes and combs: these implements need to be cleaned and sanitized too on a regular basis. You can do this by dissolving a little dishwashing liquid in a basin of hot water. Soak the combs and brushes in this mixture for 10-15 minutes, scrub the bristles/tines and rinse off.

Take note:

• Always remember to dilute dishwashing liquid before using it;
• If you are worried about damage being caused to an item, test on a small, hidden area first;
• Avoid using on surfaces that are not waterproofed or wherever it is best not to use aggressive chemicals;
• Always check the formulation of your dishwashing detergent - there may be chemicals included which make it unsuitable for use on specific surfaces and materials.