Dishwashing liquid can be one of the trickiest DIY swaps. Unlike most commercial products, this recipe is made with soap rather than synthetic detergents. That means it cleans effectively but won't foam aggressively.
This is just one approach to dishwashing. Depending on your water quality, washing habits, and the types of dishes you clean most often, you may find other methods or formulations work better for your household.
This dish liquid works best when it's used directly on a sponge, rather than added to a full sink of water. Soap performs more effectively when it's applied to the surface that needs cleaning, instead of being diluted further.
If it's too thick, dilute with a small amount of water and mix gently. If it's too thin, let it rest for an hour first, since the gel continues to thicken over time, then add a little more xanthan gum if it's still needed. Always mix xanthan gum with glycerine first to form a paste, otherwise it will clump.
Yes. This recipe shows you how to dilute and thicken a water and soap based solution, but you could just use the Castile soap as is, undiluted, for things like dishwashing. It's a more concentrated solution, so you'll use less. If you're not diluting it, you can thicken it with a saline solution as an alternative to xanthan gum.
Castile soap, especially unscented versions, is generally safe for sensitive skin when heavily diluted. Always avoid the eyes, as soap can sting. For babies, pets and sensitive skin, dilute, dilute, dilute, and always patch test first to check for any reaction.
That feeling comes from olive oil–based soap and is completely normal. Hot water and a good rinse remove it easily. If you don't enjoy that feel, coconut soap flakes are a good alternative — loose, pressed into a ball, or added to a soap swisher.
Castile soap on its own has a long shelf life if stored correctly, up to 2 years. Once diluted with water and without preservatives, the water becomes the limiting factor. Make small batches and use within six months, and store in a clean, sealed bottle.
Castile soap
The surfactant and the actual cleaning agent. Lifts grease and food residue off dishes and holds it in the water so it rinses away.
Xanthan gum
A natural thickener that gives the liquid body, so it sits on a sponge and pours like a dish soap instead of running like water.
Glycerine
A humectant that helps the xanthan gum blend in smoothly without clumping, and keeps the finished liquid from separating.
