Easy DIY Homemade Dish Soap with Baking Soda

Homemade dish soap with baking soda? Yes, you read that right! It’s easier than you think to ditch the store-bought soap and make your own dish soap.

Tired of scrubbing dishes with harsh chemicals that leave your hands feeling dry and irritated? Or maybe you’re looking for a more natural, budget-friendly way to keep your kitchen sparkling clean? Imagine a dish soap that’s gentle on your skin, safe for your family, and kind to the planet. Homemade dish soap with baking soda checks all those boxes and more.

After years of battling dry, cracked skin from using commercial dish soaps, I decided to take matters into my own hands (literally!). That’s when I discovered the magic of homemade dish soap with baking soda. Not only does it leave your dishes squeaky clean, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make.

Read on to discover how to create your homemade dish soap, and the surprising benefits. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to switch to this healthier cleaning routine.

The Hidden Dangers In Your Dish Soap

Have you ever flipped over a bottle of conventional dish soap and squinted at the ingredient list? It’s like reading a foreign language, full of ingredients like “sodium lauryl sulfate,” “fragrance,” and “methylisothiazolinone.”

These unpronounceable ingredients aren’t just hard to spell; they can also be harmful to your health and the environment. Many commercial dish soaps contain these:

Harsh surfactants: These are the cleaning agents that cut through grease, but they can also strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving your hands dry, irritated, and even cracked.

Synthetic fragrances: That “fresh scent” might smell nice, but it often comes from a cocktail of synthetic chemicals that can trigger allergies, headaches, and respiratory problems. Plus, “fragrance” is often a catch-all term that hides a lot of undisclosed ingredients.

Preservatives and dyes: These are added to extend the shelf life and make the product look more appealing, but they can also be skin irritants and potential carcinogens.

Antibacterial agents: While these might seem like a good idea, they can actually disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your home and contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

So, why take the risk when you can easily make your own homemade dish soap with simple, natural ingredients? It’s not only a healthier choice for you and your family, but it’s also a more sustainable option.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Dish Soap

This homemade dish soap with baking soda recipe has a ton of benefits and is also really effective!

Here’s why:

Cleaning Power: The combination of castile soap and baking soda creates a powerful cleaning duo. Castile soap cuts through grease and grime, while baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to lift away stuck-on food particles. The addition of salt (optional) further enhances the grease-cutting abilities.

Tough on Grease: Don’t let the natural ingredients fool you – this dish soap is tough on grease and grime. The combination of castile soap and baking soda effectively cuts through even the most stubborn food residue, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.

Gentleness: Unlike harsh commercial dish soaps, this homemade version is gentle on your hands. Castile soap is known for its moisturizing properties, and baking soda is a natural deodorizer that won’t irritate your skin.

Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what’s in your dish soap gives you peace of mind. You can feel confident that you’re not exposing your family or the environment to harmful chemicals.pen_spark

Versatility: This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences. You can adjust the scent with different essential oils, add vinegar for extra cleaning power, or even make it scrubby by adding coarse salt or sugar.

Overall, this homemade dish soap with baking soda recipe is a reliable, effective, and safe alternative to store-bought options.

Ingredients for Homemade Dish Soap with Baking Soda

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup liquid unscented castile soap
• 1/2 cup warm distilled or filtered water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 15-20 drops of essential oil (Lemon, grapefruit, orange, and lavender are good choices.)
• 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Funnel (optional)
• Reusable soap dispenser

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the simple steps to create your homemade dish soap with baking soda.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love the free printable recipe cards for 30 more DIY cleaning recipes.

Homemade Dish Soap with Baking Soda Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part – making your own dish soap! It’s incredibly easy and takes just a few minutes.

Here’s how to create your handmade dish soap:

1. Combine the baking soda and 1/4 cup of warm water in a small bowl. Stir until a smooth paste forms.

2. Combine the castile soap, remaining water, salt, and vinegar in a larger mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. You’ll notice the mixture starting to thicken.

3. Gradually add the baking soda paste to the soap mixture, whisking or stirring continuously until well incorporated. The mixture will continue to thicken as you add the paste.

4. Add your desired essential oils, starting with 15 drops and adding more to the desired strength. You can use a single oil or create a blend.

5. Using a funnel if needed, carefully pour the dish soap into a reusable soap dispenser. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency. Give it a gentle shake to combine before each use.

That’s it! You’ve just made your own homemade dish soap with baking soda in 5 simple steps. Easy, right? Now, let’s explore some tips to make the most of your dish soap.

Tips for Using Your Homemade Dish Soap

Your homemade dish soap is ready to clean those dirty dishes! But before you start cleaning, here are a few tips to get the most out of your DIY dish soap:

A Little Goes a Long Way: You’ll be surprised at how concentrated this dish soap is. Start with a small amount on your sponge or brush, and add more if needed. A little truly goes a long way!

Tackling Tougher Messes: For stuck-on food or greasy pots and pans, let them soak in hot water with a squirt of your dish soap for a few minutes before scrubbing. This will help loosen the grime and make cleaning easier. If you need extra scrubbing power, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda directly onto the surface for added abrasion.

Storing Your Handmade Soap: Keep your homemade dish soap in a sealed container or soap dispenser. It should last for several months, but if you notice any separation, just give it a good shake before using.

Cleaning Delicate Items: If you’re washing delicate items like crystal or fine china, dilute the dish soap with water before using. This will help prevent any potential scratching or damage.

Enjoy the Process: Making and using your own homemade dish soap is a rewarding experience. Embrace the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your cleaning products and take pride in your contribution to a healthier home and planet.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to put your homemade dish soap to the test! You’ll be amazed at how effectively it cleans your dishes while being gentle on your hands and the environment.

FAQs About Homemade Dish Soap with Baking Soda

Is homemade dish soap safe for my dishes?

Absolutely! This recipe uses only natural, food-grade ingredients that are safe for your dishes, including delicate items. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, helping to remove stuck-on food without scratching surfaces.

Can I use bar soap instead of liquid castile soap?

While you technically could grate a bar of castile soap and dissolve it in water, it’s generally easier and more convenient to use liquid castile soap for this recipe. Liquid soap blends more easily with the other ingredients and creates a smoother consistency.

Can I use this dish soap in my dishwasher?

This recipe is specifically formulated for hand-washing dishes. For dishwasher use, it’s recommended to use a detergent specifically designed for automatic dishwashers.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see how easy and fun it is to make something good for you and your home. Plus, your dishes will be sparkling clean.

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