9 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Dawn Dish Soap

Since its introduction in 1973, Dawn dish soap has been a household staple for cleaning dishes and silverware by hand. But this versatile blue liquid offers far more benefits beyond the kitchen. It's gentle on surfaces and suitable for use on pets and people, making it an effective solution for various household messes. We've gathered a list of innovative ways to use this convenient detergent, which can enhance your routine with valuable household hacks . Prepare to discover new uses for your Dawn dish soap!

1. Wash the Vinyl Siding on Your Home

When your home's exterior is in need of a refresh, Dawn dish soap can help bring it back to life in a hurry. All you have to do is mix a solution of Dawn with warm water to tackle dirt, moss, or mold on your vinyl siding. Pour the mixture into a pump sprayer and apply it directly to the siding. Let it sit for around 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, like a car-washing brush or a clean broom. Rinse with a garden hose to reveal your freshly clean, vibrant siding. 

2. Use It as a Clarifying Shampoo Substitute

While you shouldn't replace your regular shampoo with Dawn dish soap, some people use a tiny amount occasionally to remove stubborn buildup. Use only a pea-sized drop diluted in water. Always follow up with a deep conditioner to protect your hair from dryness.

Related: The 9 Best Soap Dispensers for Your Kitchen or Bathroom

3. Clear Up Your Dog's Fleas

While Dawn dish soap won't prevent fleas from coming back or replace regular flea treatments, it can quickly kill fleas on your dog after a trip to the dog park. Add a small amount of Dawn to your pet's bathwater. The soap's surfactant properties cause fleas to sink and suffocate. Use this sparingly and keep your dog on a year-round flea and tick prevention regimen.

4. Defog Eyeglasses

Do your eyeglasses fog up when you walk indoors on a cold day? Apply a tiny drop of Dawn dish soap to both sides of the lenses, rinse them clean, and wipe them dry with a soft microfiber cloth. This method leaves a thin film that helps prevent condensation from sticking to your glasses.

5. Clean Jewelry

Getting your jewelry cleaned professionally isn't always practical or affordable. Try this DIY method at home. Mix a few drops of Dawn dish soap in a bowl of warm water and soak your gold, silver, or diamond jewelry for 15 to 30 minutes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean any dirt or grime, rinse with clean water, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Your pieces will sparkle beautifully.

Related: How to Clean Jewelry at Home

6. Make a Glass and Mirror Cleaner

Skip the store-bought glass cleaner and make your own with this easy recipe. Mix 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar, 2 cups of warm water, and a few drops of Dawn dish soap in a clean spray bottle. Shake well and spritz onto glass or mirror surfaces. Wipe away smudges with a microfiber cloth or a squeegee for a streak-free shine.

Tip

Just like Dawn helps defog your eyeglasses , it will also keep your mirror free of condensation when your bathroom gets steamy during a shower.

7. Make a Gel Ice Pack

To make a DIY ice pack, fill a heavy-duty resealable sandwich bag with Dawn dish soap. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze. The soap stays partially frozen, creating a flexible ice pack for headaches or sore areas. You can refreeze and reuse it multiple times. Best of all, when you're done, the soap is still useful for cleaning.

8. Unclog a Toilet (Without a Plunger)

Instead of chemical clog removers, try this gentler method with Dawn dish soap. Pour 1/2 cup of Dawn into the clogged toilet, followed by 3 to 6 cups of very hot (not boiling) water. Wait a few minutes to help loosen the blockage. If the toilet still doesn't flush, repeat the process.

9. Use It as a Multipurpose Cleaner

For a budget-friendly multipurpose cleaner, mix 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, and 1 cup of water in a clean spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, cabinets, sinks, and toilets. Discover more DIY cleaner recipes here . 

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens