Dish soap, also known as dishwashing liquid, dish detergent, or washing-up liquid, is a specialized form of soap that contains a mixture of surfactants. It is primarily used for hand washing dishes and is usually a highly-foaming mixture of surfactants with low skin irritation. The reduced surface tension of dishwashing water, and increasing solubility of modern surfactant mixtures, allows the water to run off the dishes in a dish rack very quickly. However, most people also rinse the dishes with pure water to make sure to get rid of any soap residue that could affect the taste of the food.
Dish soap is not just for washing dishes. It is one of the most versatile household cleaning products you can buy because it is also one of the mildest products in the supermarket household cleaning aisle. It can be used to clean many regular surfaces in your home, such as countertops, baseboards, and windowsills. An easy way to apply is to add a little dish soap to a spray bottle filled with warm water. Mist the surfaces and wipe clean, then rinse with a damp cloth and dry the surfaces. Dish soap can also be used as a substitute for shampoo and body soap.
To test liquid dish soaps, experts smear stacks of identical dinner plates with a standard "greasy" soil mix made with canned spinach, green beans, mayonnaise, and solid shortening. The dish soap must cut grease, remove food residue, be gentle on hands, and smell great. Some dish soaps also include dyes, scents, or rinsing agents. Seventh Generations Dish Soap and Dawns Original Dishwashing Liquid are among the top performers in tests.
