Dishwashing liquid is something most of us have in our home. Whether we have a dishwasher or we tend to rely on homemade cleaning agents, there’s always a place for a bottle of dish detergent in a kitchen.
Modern liquid detergent does a lot more than wash dishes, which is why it’s so ubiquitous. In fact, there’s very little in the average home washing-up liquid can’t clean.
Here are eight clever alternative uses for stuff.
1. Floor cleaning
If you have vinyl or linoleum floors in your kitchen and bathroom, you’ll know how greasy they can become. But instead of paying a lot of money for a dedicated floor cleaner that won’t deliver the results you’re looking for, some hot water and a dash or two of dishwashing liquid should do an equally effective job — at a fraction of the price.
Liquid detergent is a great degreaser, and it’s perfect for cleaning greasy vinyl, lino and tile flooring. And if you dry the floor immediately after cleaning it, you can create a brilliant shine too.
2. Jewellery cleaning
If you ever need to clean necklaces, rings and earrings, don’t buy expensive jewellery cleaning agents. Instead, add a squirt or two of dishwashing liquid to a jug of soda water. The bubbles in the water loosen dirt, while the detergent removes grime and grease — it’s a potent combination.
3. Washing clothes by hand
Whether your washing machine is on the blink or you’re simply trying to save electricity, washing clothes by hand is a relatively easy process when you have some dishwashing detergent at hand. Fill a bucket with hot water, and add a few squirts of detergent. Clean your clothes by swirling them around the hot, soapy water with a large stick or serving spoon. If you notice stains, squirt some concentrated detergent on them first, and rub it into the affected areas.
4. Carpet stain removal
Warm water and a little dishwashing liquid is very effective at removing greasy stains from carpet. Just dab a little into the stain, and then blot dry with a paper towel. Repeat these steps until the stain has gone.
5. Cleaning garden furniture
If you’re hoping to enjoy your garden with family and friends this summer, you probably want some clean, presentable furniture for your gatherings and social events. But if your furniture has been outside for the winter, it’s probably covered in dirt, grime and a plethora of dead bugs. But cleaning plastic and stainless steel garden furniture is easy. All you need is some hot water, a little dishwashing detergent, a sponge, a dry microfibre cloth and lots of elbow grease.
6. Cleaning hair tools
If you have a range of hair styling tools on the go, you should be cleaning and sanitising them regularly — particularly if they’re being shared. Simply place a large jug of water and dishwashing detergent on your dressing table, and place your brushes, combs and other tools in it between uses.
7. Kill flies
Fruit flies can be a real problem during the warm summer months. Once they’re in your home, they multiply quickly and cause potential health and hygiene issues. Instead of dispersing bug spray everywhere, create a natural solution by filling a bowl with white vinegar — which attracts flies. By adding a few squirts of dishwashing detergent you make the solution denser, trapping the flies and drowning them.
8. Remove oil stains from paving, patios and cement
If you like to have barbecues in your garden, there’s a chance that grease stains could spoil the look of your patio and paving. If this happens, pour a solution of hot water and dishwashing detergent over the affected area, and use a hard-bristled brush to scrub away the greasy stain.
Always have some dishwashing liquid in your home, and you’ll be ready for a myriad of unexpected cleaning jobs.
