10 Natural Alternatives to Dish Soap

Written by Team Blueland
Published: January 30, 2024
Updated: April 15, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Many dish soaps contain ingredients like phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetic surfactants that can irritate skin and impact the environment
• Natural alternatives like castile soap, baking soda, and vinegar can help clean dishes, though effectiveness may vary
• Some household products — like laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, or shampoo — should not be used on dishes due to potential residue
• Choosing safer, eco-friendly dish soap options can help reduce exposure to harsh chemicals while still effectively cleaning your dishes

Whether you ran out of dish soap and the stores are closed, or you just want to try another method to clean your dishes, here are some natural dish soap alternatives that will still get your dishes clean.

Toxic Chemicals Found in Dish Soap

Commercial dish soaps and detergents often contain various chemicals, some of which may be considered toxic or irritating to humans and the environment. Here are some common toxic chemicals found in traditional dish soaps and detergents:

• Phthalates: Phthalates are often used as fragrance carriers in dish soaps. They have been linked to various health concerns, including disruptions to the endocrine system.
• Triclosan: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that was once common in dish soaps. It has been associated with environmental and health concerns, and many manufacturers have phased it out of their products.
• Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives may be present in some dish soaps. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory and skin irritation.
• Ethanolamines (MEA, DEA, TEA): These chemicals are used as emulsifiers and can react with other ingredients to form potentially harmful substances. They may also be associated with skin and eye irritation.
• Chlorine Bleach: Some dishwashing detergents contain chlorine bleach, which can release harmful fumes and may be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. For those whitening properties, it's best to use safe bleach alternatives on clothing.
• Surfactants: Surfactants are used in dish soaps to break down grease and oils. While natural surfactants are available, many synthetic ones, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can irritate the skin and eyes. These chemicals can also contribute to water pollution, harming aquatic life when washed down the drain.

When creating Blueland, we formulated our dish cleaning products with people and the planet in mind. Our products have received the EPA Safer Choice Seal and have been Cradle to Cradle certified for safety.

10 Natural Alternatives to Dish Soap and Detergent

While traditional dish soap is effective for cleaning dishes, there are natural alternatives that you can consider. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these dish soap alternatives may vary, and it's always a good idea to test them on a small scale before using them extensively. Here are some natural alternatives to dish soap:

1. Castile Soap: Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from vegetable oils. It is gentle and can be used for various cleaning purposes, including washing dishes.
2. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent. It can help remove grease and grime from dishes. Mix it with water to form a paste or sprinkle it directly on dishes and scrub.
3. White Vinegar: White vinegar has natural antibacterial properties and can help cut through grease. Mix it with water to create a cleaning solution for your dishes.
4. Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice makes it effective in cutting through grease and removing odors. It also leaves a fresh citrus scent. Mix it with water to create a cleaning solution.
5. Salt: Salt can be used as a gentle abrasive to help scrub dishes. It's especially useful for removing stuck-on food. This works especially well with boiling water to remove burnt-on bits.
6. Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a paste that can be used for cleaning dishes. It can help remove stains and leave dishes shiny.
7. Coconut Oil: While it might seem counterintuitive, coconut oil can be used to break down grease on dishes. However, it's important to note that it may leave a residue, so use it sparingly.
8. DIY Dish Soap: You can make your own dish soap using a combination of natural ingredients like grated castile soap, water, and essential oils.
9. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets: Did you know Blueland makes plastic-free dishwasher detergent tablets? They have all the cleaning power of a liquid detergent packed into a solid, dry, single-dose tablet so you can pop it in your dishwasher and hit start. Not only are the ingredients better for you, it's also the most sustainable way to wash your dishes.
10. Blueland Dish Soap: Don't have a dishwasher or need something for those hand-wash-only items? Blueland also makes a powder dish soap made with plant-based and planet-friendly ingredients. All of the power, none of the plastic waste.

What Not To Use As A Dish Soap Alternative

While it’s tempting to grab what’s available at home, certain products should never be used as substitutes for dish soap. Here's what to avoid:

• Dishwasher Soap: Formulated for machines, not food-safe, and can leave harmful residues.
• Laundry Soap: Designed for fabrics, not dishes, and may leave chemicals or fragrances behind.
• Shampoo: Contains conditioning agents that can leave a film on your dishes.
• Liquid or Bar Hand Soap: Not meant for dishes and could leave harmful residues or films.

Embrace Safe & Eco-Friendly Cleaning with Blueland

Choosing the right dish soap alternative is key to keeping your dishes safe and clean. By opting for natural, eco-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy spotless dishes without harmful chemicals.

Make the switch to Blueland’s sustainable, plastic-free dish soap options and traditional laundry detergent alternatives for a greener way to clean—without compromising on performance. Build the ultimate eco-friendly cleaning supplies checklist with our cleaning products for every room of the house today.

Sources:

1. The American Cleaning Institute. Using Bleach in Laundry.
2. National Library of Public Medicine. Environmental risks and toxicity of surfactants: overview of analysis, assessment, and remediation techniques.
3. Taylor & Francis. Toward sustainable household laundry. Washing quality vs. environmental impacts