Aug
20
2017
11 Unexpected Tasks You Can Use Dishwashing Liquid For
It’s gold in the kitchen, cutting through grease, food and scraps to make your dishes shine. But did you know dishwashing liquid can do more than simply just washing your dishes?
1. It kills weeds
If your garden is full of weeds, it’s tempting to use a harsh chemical to kill them off. However, by using a natural plant killer, you can get rid of the weeds, while still being kind to the environment and also making sure that your herbs and veggies are okay for human consumption. Just mix half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with some cooking oil, top up with water, and pop it into a spray bottle. The key is spraying the weeds at the right time – during active growth, and on a dry and sunny day.
This tip was given to us by a happy bio-home customer – thanks for the feedback Kenneth!
2. Get rid of ants
Just mix one part water to one part vinegar and add a splash of dishwashing liquid. Ants can be exceptionally frustrating, indoors and out, but this mix is natural and easy on the environment, and all you have to do is spray the area and wait.
3. Clean your clothes
No no, you can’t put it in the washing machine. You’ll need bio-home laundry detergent for that. But you can get rid of grease stains on your clothes. They’re easy to get while cooking, and even easier to get when eating something. Simply rub a bit of dishwashing liquid on the stain and rinse with water. Just make sure you don’t use too much as it’s 5x more concentrated! Click here for a Complete Guide to all things laundry.
4. Make your jewellery sparkle
Want your diamonds to really shine? Mix a small bit of dishwashing liquid with some water and grab a toothbrush. If you really need to loosen the dirt, pop some carbonated water in instead. The bubbles will help release the dirt and really get into the nooks and crannies. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl and pop the jewellery in. Let it soak for a few minutes, and then use the toothbrush to gently brush away any excess grime.
5. Clean your brushes
Hairbrushes and combs always seem to accumulate a lot of buildup from products and greasy hair. So much so, that they stop working to their full potential. If you can’t get that brush through those knots in your hair, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with some warm water. Rinse them in the solution and then leave them out to dry. The mixture of the dishwashing liquid and warm water will gently remove the hair buildup and grime.
6. Trap and kill pests
There’s nothing more beautiful than a vegetable or herb garden, lovingly tended to, to ensure your crops grow so you can nourish the family with home-grown food. However there’s nothing worse than those crops being overrun by pests. Mix up some oil and dishwashing liquid on a 1:1 ratio (1 teaspoon), combine it with 500ml of water and spray it over the plants. Don’t worry, it’s still okay for human consumption, and the oil sticks to the insects so they come off easily when you clean the leaves.
When it comes to fruit flies, leave out a bowl of vinegar with a few drops of dishwashing soap. The vinegar attracts the fruit flies and the dishwashing soap acts as a barrier so the flies sink.
7. Remove carpet stains
Dissolve one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid into two cups of warm water. Just blot the stain with a clean cloth that has been dipped into the solution. Keep blotting until the stain absorbs into the cloth. Then, sponge with cold water and blot to dry.
8. Clean the oil from concrete
Garage floors and driveways are key areas for oil buildup, simply because that’s generally where the car is. And often, it can be hard to get rid of these stains. Sprinkle some bi-carb soda on the stain and then pour some dishwashing liquid over it. Scrub with a brush and leave the solution to sit for a few hours. Rinse and repeat until the stain has gone.
9. Clean your filters
Air conditioning filters get used a lot. But how often are they really cleaned? If your unit is used routinely, it’s probably not enough. Fill the bath with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Then leave the filter to soak in the tub. Scrub it gently with a toothbrush, then rinse it completely and leave it to dry.
10. Add life to your locks
It fights grease on dishes, but did you know it also fights grease in hair? If your hair is looking a bit lifeless and greasy, just mix a dollop of dishwashing liquid into your shampoo.
11. Easily clean your blenders
Blenders, food processors, baby food mixers – they can all be hard to clean. But don’t worry about taking everything apart. Just fill the appliance halfway with warm water and dishwashing liquid and then run it for a few seconds. Empty the water and rinse it out, then leave it to air dry.
Getting the most out of your dishwashing liquid
Now you know to never underestimate your dishwashing liquid, as it can do so much more than simply just keep your dishes clean. bio-home dishwashing liquid can wash up to five times more plates than regular dishwashing liquid, and is also made from 100% plant-based actives, meaning it’s good for both your family and the environment… no matter what you’re using it for!
