Did you know that some of the harsh chemicals in dish soap can contaminate the wastewater in your kitchen, resulting in severe pollution in waterways? Not to mention, it can also cause skin irritation, gut issues, and other potential health problems. That’s why, in this post, we will explore ten non-toxic dish soap substitutes.
Although you may be getting clean dishes from the dishwasher or from washing them by hand, the opposite may be true of the environment and your body.
So, if you want a healthier life and environment, try these non-toxic dish soap substitutes that will not compromise your overall health and cleaning quality.
Non-Toxic Dish Soap Alternative 1 – White Vinegar
Is there anything this acidic solution can’t do? White vinegar works in the dishwasher not only for cleaning dishes but the inside of the dishwasher. Or you can use it as a dish soap by mixing it with water in a spray bottle.
Using it without diluting it with water is not advisable, as its acidity may wreak havoc on some dishes. Spray the mixture directly onto the dishes. Now, scrub the dishes and rinse with water.
To learn how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar, read our article – Cleaning Dishwasher with Vinegar. Will it Work?
Non-Toxic Dish Soap Alternative 2 – Baking Soda and Hot Water
Baking soda is a popular ingredient in all-natural dish soap recipes. This ingredient is mild and abrasive, making it a perfect cleaning agent for removing food particles and germs on the dishes.
To use, mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Use the resulting paste to scrub dishes.
Have you got pots and pans with burnt-on food? Baking soda has your back!
Clean your pots and pans by sprinkling baking soda on the burnt area, add water, and boil. Simmer them for around 5 to 10 minutes and wipe clean.
Want to learn different ways to clean your dishes with baking soda? Read our post – Can Baking Soda Clean Dishes?
Non-Toxic Dish Soap Alternative 3 – Hot or Boiling Water
If dish soap or any of the usual household products are unavailable, you can use hot water to clean dishes.
Hot or boiling water eliminates dirt, odor, bacteria, and grime. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when washing dishes with hot water.
Boiling water is also great for sanitizing baby bottles. Just pour boiling water over them and let them sit.
Non-Toxic Dish Cleanser Alternative 4 – Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an efficient alternative to dish soap in the dishwasher. Like baking soda, it is a powerful ingredient for homemade, non-toxic dish soap recipes. After all, it has natural enzymes and citric acid.
Here’s how you can use lemon juice to wash the dishes:
- Wash the dishes with plain water and a sponge.
- Fill a cup with lemon juice and put it in the dishwasher.
- Run a heavy cycle, and you will have sparkling clean dishes.
Non-Toxic Dish Soap Alternative 5 – Hydrogen Peroxide
Are your dishes extra dirty after a heavy meal? Clean them with hydrogen peroxide. Add around two ounces of this solution to your natural liquid detergent for a cleaning boost.
Hydrogen peroxide can remove food stains and baked-on grime from the dishes. You can also add baking soda to create a more powerful dish cleaner.
Non-Toxic Dish Cleanser Alternative 6 – Salt and Boiling Water
If you are out of baking soda or dish soap? Don’t worry!
Salt and boiling water can act as great organic dish soap, too! You can use them to dissolve burned messes on pots and pans.
Add at least two tablespoons to the burnt pots and pans. Pour some water, boil it, and then simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Drain and nudge away the burnt bits with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Non-Toxic Dish Soap Alternative 7 – Reuse Campfire Ashes
If a campfire pit or fireplace is available, you can use campfire ashes as a non-toxic dish soap.
Wood ashes is the oldest dishwashing cleaner known to man. It cleans the dishes, removes hard water stains or burning signs, and removes food odors.
You can also make more wood ashes for your dishes by burning a wood slab. Put the ashes on the wet, dirty dishes, scrub, and rinse.
Non-Toxic Dish Cleanser Alternative 8 – Borax
Borax works like baking soda. It is an alkaline and has a pH level of about 9, making it a great non-toxic dish soap alternative.
To use, sprinkle about two cups of borax in a basin of your dishwasher. Then, use your dishwasher as usual. It will not only clean your dishes but also the inside of the dishwasher.
Non-Toxic Dish Cleanser Alternative 9 – Essential Oils
All essential oils, especially those with a pleasant smell, can be added to any laundry or dishwashing products.
Take note of the word “added,” as essential oil alone is not enough to keep your dishes sparkling clean or free from burnt stains. You need to use it with one of these non-toxic dish soap alternatives or dishwasher soap.
You can use the essential oils: lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, etc. However, lemon essential oil works well with almost all natural homemade natural products. It has a citrusy smell, which makes dishes and the entire home smell good.
Essential oils don’t just clean dishes; they can also clean other things in your home. Read our post – 11 of the Best Essential Oils for Cleaning to learn what else they clean.
Non-Toxic Dish Cleanser Alternative 10 – Miracle II Soap
One way to live sustainably is to use Miracle II Soap. It may not be available in your house, but you can easily buy it online here.
Miracle II Soap is one of the best all-purpose non-toxic cleaners. It’s high-quality, affordable, vegan-friendly, and 100% biodegradable.
It smells natural with no added fragrances. It is perfect for people who are sensitive to harsh chemical smells.
To learn more about Miracle II Soap and what I thought about its cleaning capability for washing dishes, read my article – Miracle II Soap: The Ultimate Review of its Unparalleled Benefits
Conclusion
There you have it. You have found the best non-toxic dish soap alternatives for washing by hand or in your dishwasher.
You don’t need traditional soap to keep the dishes clean. Many other options will clean dishes and keep you, your family, and the environment safe.
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