You Wash Dishes with It—But What’s Really in It?
We get it—clean dishes = happy life. But have you ever flipped your dish soap bottle over and looked at the ingredient list? Most popular brands are full of harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and surfactants that leave residue on your dishes—and end up on your food and hands.
So, let’s break down what’s actually in dish soap, what to avoid, and the best non-toxic swaps that clean just as well—without the toxic baggage.
Common Dish Soap Ingredients to Watch Out For
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Harsh foaming agent that can irritate skin and eyes
- Fragrance/Parfum: Umbrella term for undisclosed synthetic chemicals, often including phthalates
- Triclosan: Antibacterial agent that may contribute to antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption
- Dyes & Colorants: Add color but offer no cleaning benefit and can irritate sensitive skin
- Preservatives like Methylisothiazolinone: Linked to skin allergies and toxicity concerns
So What Makes a Dish Soap Non-Toxic?
A truly non-toxic dish soap will be:
- Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, parabens, and SLS
- Biodegradable and plant-based
- Gentle on your skin and tough on grease
- EWG-rated A or Made Safe certified
Bonus: DIY Non-Toxic Dish Soap Recipe
Feeling crafty? Here’s a simple DIY dish soap recipe using ingredients you probably have at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup castile soap
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional, for scent & grease-fighting)
Mix it all in a reusable glass pump bottle and shake gently. 💚
Final Thoughts: Small Swap, Big Impact
Switching to a non-toxic dish soap is an easy first step toward a healthier home. Your hands will feel better, your dishes will sparkle without chemical residue, and your kitchen will be safer for everyone—including your pets. 🐾
