How to Thicken Water-Based Cleaning and DIY Solutions
Thickening is about controlling how a water-based cleaner behaves, not making it stronger.
Most DIY cleaning and beauty products start with water.
Water cleans well, but it’s thin — which isn’t always practical.
Thickening a water-based solution:
- Helps it stay where you apply it
- Makes hand wash and dish liquid easier to use
- Allows you to turn sprays into gels or pastes
This guide explains when thickening makes sense, how xanthan gum works, and where its limits are.
What “Water-Based” Actually Means
A product is considered water-based if:
- Water is the main ingredient
- Any soap, vinegar, or cleaner is dissolved into water
Common water-based solutions include:
- Hand wash
- Dish liquid
- Multi-purpose cleaners
- Vinegar-based sprays
- Cleaning gels and pastes
Xanthan Gum: The Go-To Thickener
Xanthan gum is a natural thickener that works by binding to water molecules and increasing viscosity.
It’s widely used in:
- Food and cooking
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Cleaning products
For DIY cleaning, it’s reliable, stable, and effective in very small amounts.
What Xanthan Gum Can Thicken
Xanthan gum works well in water-based solutions, including soap-and-water mixes, vinegar-based cleaners, and general DIY cleaning products where water is the main component.
It will not thicken alcohol-based solutions or pure 100% oil-based products, as it works by binding to water, not oil or alcohol.
Why Xanthan Gum Clumps (and How to Avoid It)
Xanthan gum hydrates instantly when it touches water, which causes clumping if added incorrectly.
The simplest way to avoid this:
- Mix xanthan gum into glycerine first
- Then stir that mixture into your water-based solution
This allows the gum to disperse evenly and thicken smoothly.
Why Glycerine Helps (and Why It’s Useful Anyway)
Glycerine:
- Prevents clumping during thickening
- Improves texture and slip
- Helps products stay smooth over time
It’s especially useful in:
- Hand wash
- Dish liquid
- Cleaning pastes
It’s not just a mixing aid — it improves the final product.
How to Use it
Xanthan gum is extremely effective in tiny amounts. Using too much will make your product thick, stringy, or slimy.
As a general guide:
-
For light thickening (hand wash, dish liquid):
Use ¼ teaspoon per litre of finished product -
For gel or paste-style cleaners:
Use ½ teaspoon per litre, adjusting slowly
Always start with less — you can add more, but you can’t easily thin it back out.
The No-Clump Method
To avoid lumps:
- Mix the xanthan gum into 1–2 tablespoons of glycerine until smooth
- Add this mixture slowly to your water-based solution
- Stir gently and allow it to hydrate fully
The mixture will continue to thicken over the next 10–30 minutes.