There’s a little something likely sitting near your sink that is basically a life hack in a bottle. We’re talking about the cleaning wunderkind known as Dawn. Did you know that there are more uses for Dawn dish soap than just washing dishes? Seriously, this seemingly simple solution is a powerhouse.
We have you covered with tips on how to use it in the bathroom, laundry, kitchen, outdoors, and more. Before we share all of the tips, it’s important to note that not all Dawn dish soap uses are created equal. In fact, there are some that don’t get the approval of the medical community. These uses are a bit controversial and, while very popular online, should be used with caution (or not at all). We’ll get to what’s safe and what’s not in just a minute.
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What’s so special about Dawn dish soap?
Dawn dish soap is a customer favorite because of how well it works on so many things. The formula is more concentrated than some other brands, resulting in less scrubbing while using less dish soap. Moreover, Dawn is an excellent cleaner for all sorts of stuff, not just dishes. As you’ll see in our list below, there are dozens of ways the liquid cleaner can remove grease, grime, and dirt.
The brand also commits to sustainability and helping wildlife with their Dawn for Good initiative. They hope to aid in a 25% reduction in at-home water use, increase their use of post-consumer recycled content in their bottles, and continue to protect wildlife including aquatic birds and animals.
What is the main ingredient of Dawn dish soap?
Dawn’s main ingredient is water. But its cleaning power likely comes from its blend of surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, among others. Surfactants are chemical compounds known to decrease the friction between a liquid and a gas, solid, or other liquid. This is what makes scrubbing grease and caked-on food so easy to remove with Dawn dish soap.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs?
The short answer is no — Dawn dish soap isn’t safe for dogs.
Veterinarians don’t recommend using the soap on pets because it can irritate and dry out their skin, ears, and eyes. Since Dawn dishwashing liquid isn’t labeled for canines or felines, let the professional dog shampooers handle your fur baby.
And, while we’re posting disclaimers, avoid using Dawn soap on your face as a daily wash for the same reasons as with your pets.
Does Dawn dish soap kill fleas?
As a temporary solution, Dawn dish soap for fleas can be effective to manage the pests, but it doesn’t prevent them. According to PetMD.com, when soaps like Dawn interact with the fleas’ external skeleton, it creates a surface tension that drowns and kills the flea.
24 Surprising Uses For Dawn Dish Soap:
Now, on to the tips! Try these Dawn dish soap hacks to save you money and time. Need more Dawn detergent? Download the KCL app to find deals and coupons for Dawn dish soap.
1. Use Dawn Dish Soap in toilets that need unclogging.
Now go tell your friends how to unclog a toilet with dish soap.
2. Pretreat grease stains on clothing with Dawn soap.
3. Defog and clean eyeglass lenses with Dawn soap.
4. Use Dawn to make your own laundry detergent.
Adding Dawn to laundry as a spot remover is cool, but what about making your own laundry detergent? Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup of Borax
- 1 gallon distilled water
- 2 tablespoons Dawn dish soap
- 1/3 cup washing soda
That’s it. Mix the ingredients together in a large container for squeaky-clean laundry.
Not into making DIY detergent? Shop smarter with these detergent coupons and deals:
5. Make your own hard water spot remover with lemon juice, Dawn soap, and white vinegar.
Use this cheap DIY hard water remover solution to remove hard water stains from glass and in your toilet. In a 24-ounce spray bottle, add 1-1/4 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid, and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Shake it up, aim, and start cleaning.
6. Freeze Dawn dish soap to make an ice pack.
7. Deep clean your broom by soaking it in a bucket of warm water and Dawn dish soap.
Related: New (and Impressive) Ways to Use Borax Around the House
8. Use peroxide, Dawn dish soap, and baking soda to make a glass stove top sparkle.
To clean your glass stove top with minimal scrubbing, pour a layer of Dawn dish soap onto the surface. Then, sprinkle on some baking soda. With the baking soda covering the surface, squirt on some hydrogen peroxide.
Allow the ingredients to sit for 10 minutes. Using a plastic scrub brush or sponge, scrub the stove gently. You’ll begin to see the grime lift and the glass sparkle. Wipe away the mixture with a damp cloth.
For stubborn stains, check out these easy ways to clean your glass stove top that actually work.
9. Use Dawn dish soap to remove dirt and dust from your earbuds.
10. Remove oil stains from concrete with Dawn.
11. Remove grime from outdoor furniture with Dawn.
12. Use Dawn soap to gently clean platinum, silver, white gold, and gold jewelry.
The easiest way to clean most types of metal jewelry is with a few drops of Dawn dish soap and warm water. Soak your jewelry for 20 – 40 minutes, and use a soft toothbrush to scrub it clean. Rinse and dry.
Related: For a more in-depth look at jewelry cleaning, check out our guide for how to clean rings.
13. Clean carpet stains with Dawn dish soap, white vinegar, and water.
14. Use Dawn and warm water to help remove grease from kitchen cabinets.
Grease in the kitchen is a natural occurrence, but it’s still gross and should be cleaned more often than not. Add a few drops of Dawn soap to a container of warm water and scrub those greasy areas using a sponge. Use a non-soapy sponge to rinse the area completely. For stubborn stains, you may need to apply the soap directly to the sponge.
15. Clean a greasy range hood filter with Dawn soap.
16. Clean the inside of a reusable straw with a pipe cleaner and Dawn dish soap.
17. Trap fruit flies and gnats with red wine vinegar and Dawn soap.
Just when you thought there weren’t enough uses for Dawn and vinegar, this combination can be used to get rid of annoying fruit flies and gnats around your house.
Combine two tablespoons of red wine vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid in a small glass. Stir gently to prevent bubbles. Cover with plastic wrap. With a skewer, poke a few holes in the plastic wrap. The flies get in but can’t get out. And the soap helps to make sure they break through the surface of the liquid.
18. Combine Dawn dish soap, warm water, and baking soda in a soap-dispensing sponge to clean your bathtub.
Cleaning with Dawn detergent doesn’t have to be limited to a toilet or greasy kitchen cabinet. Fill a soap-dispensing sponge with dish soap, warm water, and baking soda. Make sure to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (peppermint is the best!). Scour your wet bathtub and fill your bathroom with the scent of essential oils at the same time.
19. Eliminate mattress stains with Dawn liquid, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.
Spray your mattress completely, then let sit. Once it’s completely dry, vacuum again. Periodically sprinkle with baking soda, then vacuum to keep your mattress smelling fresh.
20. Make your own all-natural Dawn weed killer.
Here’s the weed-killing recipe:
- 1 gallon pure white vinegar
- 1 cup salt
- 1 Tablespoon Dawn dish soap
- 10 – 15 drops orange essential oil (optional)
If you only have time to spray your weeds on a cloudy day, add 10 to 15 drops of orange essential oil. The orange and vinegar combination will give the solution an added punch. Think of it as the weed-killing boost you’d normally get from the sunlight.
21. Kill aphids, ants, and bugs on plants with Dawn dish soap.
Similarly, you can also use Dawn dish soap and vinegar natural pesticide for getting rid of ants. Killing fire ants with Dawn dish soap also works. You’ll just need a few items:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of distilled vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons of Dawn dishwashing liquid
- 3 Tablespoons of salt
- Spray bottle
Combine ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Spray liberally where the ants are crawling, then wipe the area with a paper towel after movement has ceased.
22. Keep your kids entertained with homemade slime made from Dawn.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make slime with Dawn dish soap, we have good news: you probably already have all of the ingredients to make it!
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup craft glue
- 1 Tablespoon Dawn
- 2 – 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 cup baking soda (add in 1/4 cup increments)
- Gel or liquid food coloring (optional)
- Glitter (optional)
Supplies:
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Large spoon
- Mixing bowl or disposable plastic container
In a large, clean container combine the glue, Dawn soap, and water until it starts to become foamy. Stir in any optional food coloring or glitter. Gradually add the baking soda until the slime is smooth and not sticky. Store the slime in an airtight container with a lid for up to five days.
23. Clean paint or makeup brushes with Dawn soap.
If you’ve asked yourself how to clean makeup brushes with dish soap, the same method applies. To clean them, you can use a container or hold them in your hand. Just wet the brushes with warm water, add 1-2 drops of Dawn soap until sudsy, and rinse until clear. Let them air dry before use.
24. Use Dawn soap to find small air leaks in a tire.