How to choose a natural dishwashing product

Choosing between natural dishwashing liquids and solid dish soaps mostly comes down to how you like to wash up, the ingredients and fragrances you prefer, and whether reducing packaging is important to you. Both formats can fit easily into an everyday kitchen routine, but they feel quite different to use.

Liquid dish soap or a solid dishwashing block?

Liquid dishwashing soap is the familiar option: add it to the sink or apply a small amount to your dish brush, sponge or cloth. It's quick, convenient and easy to introduce if you're simply looking to swap your usual washing-up liquid for a more naturally formulated alternative.

Solid dish soap blocks are worth considering if reducing plastic packaging is high on your list. Instead of squeezing detergent from a bottle, you wet your dish brush or scrubber and work it over the block to pick up the soap. Give the block somewhere to drain and dry between uses and it can sit neatly beside the kitchen sink ready for the next load.

Think about fragrance and ingredients

Natural dishwashing liquids can vary considerably in their ingredients and fragrance. Some formulas use essential oils to create fresh citrus or other botanical scents, while other options may appeal if you prefer less fragrance around the kitchen.

If particular ingredients matter to you, the individual product information can help you narrow down the range. Plant-based, natural and organic don't all mean exactly the same thing, so focus on the particular characteristics that are important in your household rather than expecting every natural dish soap to be formulated alike.

Looking to reduce waste at the kitchen sink?

Solid dishwashing blocks are one of the more obvious ways to move away from the conventional plastic dishwashing-liquid bottle. Pair them with a reusable dish brush, scrubber or soap holder and you've got a simple washing-up setup that can be used again and again.

Liquids can offer lower-waste choices too. Larger bottles, concentrates and refill options can make sense for households that prefer liquid detergent but want to reduce the number of smaller bottles they go through. Compare the packaging and sizes available alongside the format you actually enjoy using.

Choose a size that makes sense for your household

If you're washing up for a busy family every day, a larger bottle may be more practical than continually replacing smaller ones. Smaller sizes can make more sense if you're trying a new fragrance or formula for the first time, or simply don't go through much dishwashing liquid.

With solid dish soap, think about where you'll keep the block as well as its size. A holder that allows it to drain between uses helps keep your sink area tidy and your soap ready for next time.

Hand washing and dishwasher detergents are different products

The products in this category are designed for washing dishes by hand. If you're filling an automatic dishwasher, choose a dishwasher powder, tablet or other detergent made specifically for the machine. You'll find those separately in our dishwasher detergent range.