5 Weird ways to use dishwashing liquid beyond the kitchen sink

Dishwashing liquid is not just for the sink! Here are five helpful tips from our sister Caxton publication, Essentials magazine.

Remove stains on clothing

You can use dishwashing liquid to remove stains on fabric. First, test a small, inconspicuous spot on the garment to make sure that it won’t damage the fabric or cause the colour to run.

For a tough stain, place a spot of undiluted dishwashing liquid on the stain, rub it in slightly, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing normally.

Or, soak the garment in a solution of dishwashing liquid and water before washing normally.

Get shiny, streak-free windows

Use a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of water to clean windows perfectly.

Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with the cleaning solution and spritz it directly onto the glass as you normally would with store-bought window cleaners. Afterwards, dry the windows with newspaper, using circular movements.

You’ll be left with brilliantly clean windows that are streak-free.

Make a DIY ice pack

Need an ice pack? Mix 250ml dishwashing liquid with 30ml rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture into a sealable bag and place in the freezer. You’ve now created a flexible ice pack – perfect for a sprained ankle or a bruise.

When the liquid has warmed up again, simply refreeze it.

Boost your manicure

When it’s time to do your nails, pour a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bowl of warm water and mix.

Soak your fingertips in the solution for a few minutes before rinsing and drying your hands.

The grease-fighting dishwashing liquid will break down some of the oils on the nail, leaving a better surface for the nail polish to cling to, which will make your mani last longer.

Whack weeds

A safer way to get rid of weeds in your garden is to make a solution of dishwashing liquid, salt, and white vinegar.

Dissolve a cup of salt in four cups of white vinegar, then add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to the mixture.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it on the weeds.

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