The only thing worse than doing dishes is having to do them twice, which is why it’s essential to pick a dish soap that you can rely on. Of course, a rich lather and thorough cleaning are not the only factors when shopping for dish soap. You might want an eco-friendly formula, for example. Or, you might want a budget-friendly option. And, of course, there’s the all-important matter of scent.
In addition to getting your plates and flatware clean, dish soap has a ton of other uses. Many dish soaps have degreasing properties, so you can use them to lift stains from clothes, and the best dish soaps are suitable for use as all-purpose cleaners for everything from patio furniture to jewelry. You can even use dish detergent as a way to trap and kill fruit flies. That means that even if you have a dishwasher, it’s at least worth keeping a bottle of regular dish soap around the kitchen. These are some of our favorites.
How We Chose the Best Dish Soap
When selecting the best dish soap for your kitchen, you have two choice: stick with whatever classic dish soap you used growing up, or upgrade to a more modern formula. In recent years, new eco-friendly options from companies such as Mrs. Meyers have joined more familiar dish soaps from Dawn and Gain. Frankly, there’s no wrong choice here, but there are a few factors to consider before adding a new dish soap to your shopping cart:
- Eco-friendly: Many young shoppers prioritize eco-friendly materials and packaging over price and familiarity. When it comes to soaps in particular, plant-based cleansers are an excellent alternative.
- Quantity: One of the perks of shopping online? Buying in bulk so you don’t have to go to the grocery store over and over. Before making a purchase, check the quantity, as many of the products below come with multiple bottles or extra refills.
- Fragrance: Some of the best dish soaps from Mrs. Meyers and Method have scents (most often citrus or freshwater-based fragrances), which can add a whiff of freshness to your clean dishes. However, if you prefer fragrance-free options, be sure to avoid these types of products.
Below, we’ve gathered the best dish soap for sale online. Keep reading to find the right cleaner for your kitchen cabinet.
1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap
For cleaning products, Mrs. Meyer’s attracts an unusual level of enthusiasm. But that’s just because the products are that good. With pleasant aromas and eco-friendly formulas, Mrs. Meyer’s makes cleaning feel like less of a chore. This multi-pack includes three bottles of 16 oz dish soaps, which are made from plant-based, biodegradable materials that have powerful grease-cutting capabilities.
Pros: Fresh basil scent. Eco-friendly biodegradable formula. Comes in a pack of three.
Cons: Some options may be more economical.
2. Dawn Combo Pack
Arguably the most trusted name in dish soaps, Dawn can tackle the toughest jobs, while still being gentle on hands. This soap comes in a pack of four 19 fl oz bottles, and there are also two scrubbing pads thrown in as a bonus. The concentrated formula allows you to spend less time scrubbing.
Pros: Multi-pack makes for a good value. Four bottles included, plus two scrubbing pads.
Cons: Scent can be a little strong.
3. Method Lime + Sea Salt Dish Soap
Method makes effective cleaners that smell great and are made in an eco-friendly way. What else could you ask for? A better value, of course. That’s what this convenient bulk six-pack option offers. Six 18 fl oz bottles are included, and they have a pleasant lime and sea salt fragrance. These bottles also have a pump top for easier dispensing.
Pros: Pleasant scent. Convenient pump top. Value buy includes six bottles.
Cons: Pump top can sometimes get stuck.
4. Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap, Free & Clear, 25 Oz, Pack of 6
If you have sensitive skin or sensitivities to fragrances, it can be hard to find cleaning products that are effective yet gentle. Thankfully, Seventh Generation’s plant-based dishwashing formula is made without fragrances or dyes. The recyclable bottles are also made from recycled material, cutting down on the use of virgin plastic.
Pros: Plant-based ingredients. Free of fragrances and dyes to be gentle on skin. Comes in a pack of six 25 oz bottles.
Cons: Not totally free of synthetic ingredients.
5. Dawn Powerwash Starter Kits
Dawn’s regular dishwashing liquid is always a reliable option, but their Powerwash dish spray is a great way to make quick work of tough messes. Powerwash dispenses as a foaming spray that allows you to quickly coat your dishes and wash them, with less time spent scrubbing. This package includes a spray bottle, plus two refill bottles.
Pros: Convenient spray bottle. Includes two refill bottles. Reliable degreasing formula.
Cons: Can take some time to get used to the style of soap.
6. Gain Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Original Scent
Best known for laundry products, Gain also makes great dishwashing products, like this kitchen dish soap. It has Gain’s original scent and comes in a 21 oz bottle. It’s effective or degreasing, and it’s an affordable option.
Pros: Good value option. Fresh Gain fragrance.
Cons: Some may find that the scent reminds them too much of laundry.
7. Ajax Dishwashing Liquid, Super Degreaser
Ajax offers powerful degreasing in an affordable package. This two-pack option includes two 28 oz bottles of dish soap, and the formula lathers well and quickly cuts through grease. The fresh lemon scent is derived from real citrus extract, and the formula is phosphate-free.
Pros: Quick degreasing. Two large bottles included. Fresh lemon scent from genuine citrus extract.
Cons: Not ideal for those with fragrance sensitivities.