If you're concerned about the environment and risks of exposure to toxic household chemicals, using USDA organic certified dish detergent can help. As consumer demand for safe, all-natural cleaning products increases, companies are creating more and more organic and environmentally safe products, including dish soap.
Organic Dish Detergent Brands
You can find dish soap that is certified organic at many large grocery or big box stores, your local health-food store or online. When choosing organic dish detergent, keep in mind that not all products may be one hundred percent organic. Here are some options to consider:
Green Shield Organics
Green Shield Organic's Lemongrass Automatic Dish Detergent is a pleasantly scented dish detergent. It's earned USDA certified organic status and is certified PETA friendly. The product received an "A" rating in the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Healthy Cleaning. A 32 ounce bottle costs $5.99 plus shipping.
Vermont Soap
Most of Vermont Soap's products are USDA certified organic, including their Liquid Sunshine Cleaner. This mild yet effective cleanser is perfect for washing even the dirtiest dishes. It contains no harsh products whatsoever. In fact, the cleaner is so mild, it can even be used as a body wash.
Satisfied customers on Vermont Soap's website gave the product a five star rating for its versatility and effectiveness. Prices range from $6.49 for an eight ounce bottle to $49.00 for a one gallon jug, plus shipping.
Another product offered by this same company is the Vermont Soap Castile Liquid Soap. This soap is a great option for sparkling clean dishes. The soap's formula includes aloe vera and olive oils to help soften dishwater-exposed hands. Available scents include:
- Lavender
- Orange
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lemongrass
Vermont Soap customers also give the product positive reviews for its chemical-free cleaning abilities. The soap is available in a variety of sizes from an eight ounce bottle for $6.49 to a one gallon jug for $49.00, plus shipping.
Dr. Bronner's
Dr. Bronner's USDA Organic Liquid Castile Soap is a great option. While many use Castile soap to cleanse the skin, it also makes a great dishwashing liquid and all-purpose cleaner.
Passionate Homemaking blog offers tips on using the soap to wash dishes. The soap is available in:
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Almond
- Rose
- Baby mild
- Citrus
- Lavender
- Tea tree scents
Sizes and prices range from a two ounce bottle for $2.99 to a one gallon jug for $59.99, plus shipping.
Make Your Own
If your budget doesn't allow for buying organic products, or if you can't seem to locate any organic dish soap near you, try making your own. Mixing up a batch of all-natural dish soap can be every bit as effective as commercial brands. Plus, when you choose to make your own dish soap, you're always aware of exactly what you put into it.
Since many detergents have a base of liquid Castile soap, try finding unscented, organic, liquid Castile soap at your local store. You can use it to make your own organic liquid detergent. Sustain, Create and Flow offers a natural dish soap recipe that uses Castile soap, washing soda and essential oils.
You can also use leftover scraps of organic bar soap to make your own detergent.
- Grate or mash about 2 cups of the soap as best you can, and add 2 cups of warm water.
- Let the mixture sit overnight, and stir it well in the morning.
- Add 1/2 cup of organic lemon juice or vinegar to the soap, and shake it well before using.
Clean Green
Many common ingredients found in household cleaners are shown to irritate the skin and eyes, cause respiratory issues, and some are shown to be carcinogens. In addition, many cleaning chemicals damage the air and the environment. Cleaners that use natural botanicals are as effective as their potentially toxic counterparts. Going green when you clean is a great way to avoid these risks and lesson your carbon footprint.
