Dawn dish soap is a household staple known for cutting through grease and grime on dishes, but did you know that it has a variety of other surprising uses? This versatile cleaner can make everyday tasks easier—and even save you money. Here are some clever Dawn dish soap hacks beyond the kitchen sink.
As a stain remover
Dawn dish soap isn’t just great for cutting through grease on dishes; it’s also a powerful yet gentle stain remover. For everything from greasy food spills to makeup smudges to ink stains, a few drops of Dawn can do the trick. Simply apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for about five minutes, and then wash as usual. For tougher stains, gently scrub with a soft brush before laundering.
As pest control
Dawn can be a helpful natural pest control tool. For ants, mix a few drops of Dawn with water in a spray bottle, and spritz along your home’s entry points to disrupt their scent trails, which can create a temporary barrier. To manage garden pests such as aphids and spider mites, mix one tablespoon of Dawn with a quart of water, and spray directly on affected plants. Be sure to test it on a small area first since some plants may be sensitive to soap solutions, and avoid applying it during hot, sunny conditions to prevent leaf damage.
To clean jewelry
Dawn dish soap can clean gold, diamond, and most silver jewelry. Add a couple drops of Dawn to a bowl of warm water, and let your jewelry soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove dirt and grime. Rinse with clean water, and pat-dry with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using this method on porous gemstones such as pearls and opals, which require more delicate care.
As a house cleaner
Dawn’s grease-cutting power makes it a versatile cleaner for your home.
For tile, vinyl, or laminate floors
Add a teaspoon of Dawn to a bucket of warm water, and mop as usual. Avoid using too much soap to prevent residue buildup.
For countertops, cabinets, sinks, toilets, and other surfaces
Mix one tablespoon of Dawn with one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water in a spray bottle. (Avoid vinegar on natural stone surfaces such as granite or marble.)
For windows and mirrors
Combine a small drop of Dawn with one-quarter cup of distilled white vinegar and two cups of water. Use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to wipe away streaks.
To unclog toilets
If you don’t have a plunger, Dawn dish soap might help unclog your toilet. Pour one-half cup of Dawn into the bowl, and then slowly pour three to six cups of very hot (but not boiling) water. Let it sit for several minutes to help loosen the blockage, and then try flushing. If the clog persists, repeat the process or use a plunger for added effectiveness.
For greasy hair
If your hair feels greasy or weighed down by product buildup, you can use Dawn dish soap on your hair as an occasional clarifier. Mix a small drop with your regular shampoo, lather, and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to restore moisture, as Dawn can be drying if used too often.
To clean outdoors
Dawn isn’t just for indoor cleaning; it’s a powerful tool for tackling outdoor messes, too. Use it to freshen up patio furniture, scrub grill grates (rinse thoroughly before cooking), and clean exterior siding covered in dirt. Need to wash your car? While Dawn can cut through grease on cars, it may strip protective wax, so it’s best used only for deep cleaning rather than routine washes. Just mix a few drops with a bucket of warm water, and rinse thoroughly for best results.
Dawn dish soap is a cleaning powerhouse, helping you get many jobs done gently, effectively, and affordably.