There was a season in my life when I was swapping out just one product at a time. The under-sink cabinet was still half-full of old store-bought cleaners, but I had a tiny bottle of vinegar and an essential oil or two on the counter.

I remember how excited I felt the first time I mixed up my own liquid dish soap, something about it felt empowering. Like I could actually do this!

This DIY liquid dish soap recipe is one of those wonderfully simple wins. It takes just a few ingredients, comes together in minutes, and leaves your dishes sparkling clean without all the artificial fragrances and additives.

I originally tried a recipe with castile soap, but it never quite seemed to work. But I tried again and again until I finally created one without castile soap that works just as good as Dawn for us!

If you’re looking to replace your store-bought soap with something natural (and budget-friendly), this recipe is for you!

Why This Soap Works (Ingredient Benefits)

Sal Suds: This is the powerhouse cleaner in this recipe. Made by Dr. Bronner’s, Sal Suds is a concentrated, biodegradable surfactant that cuts through grease with ease.

It’s different from Castile soap, more effective for tough cleaning—but still gentle on skin and the planet. My favorite powerhouse ingredient!

Vinegar: A pantry staple for most of us, vinegar adds a bit of extra cleaning strength and helps break down food particles. It’s mildly acidic, which makes it great for tackling cloudy glassware and stubborn residues.

Essential Oils (Optional): Citrus oils like lemon, orange, or grapefruit are perfect here. They offer natural antibacterial properties, cut through grease, and add a fresh, uplifting scent.

I often reach for sweet orange or lime when I make this. Just remember to keep it under 50 drops total for an 8-ounce bottle to avoid overwhelming the mix.

Distilled Water: Using distilled water helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps your soap shelf-stable a bit longer than tap water would. You can also add a preservative if you want. I usually use it up before it will go bad so I don’t need one!

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How to Make Your Own Liquid Dish Soap

Here is how I made this amazing homemade natural dish soap:

Ingredients:

1 cup distilled water
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup Sal Suds
50 drops essential oil (optional, but I loved 25 drops lime essential oil and 25 drops of lemon essential oil)
8-ounce soap bottle

Instructions:

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the essential oils with the vinegar.

Add the distilled water and stir gently. Pour this mixture into your soap bottle.

Finally, add the Sal Suds. Gently roll the bottle in your hands to mix. Avoid shaking too much, it’ll get bubbly fast!

Notes

Citrus oils like lemon, orange, or lime are great choices for a clean, fresh scent.
If you prefer unscented, just skip the essential oils. It still works beautifully!
A foaming soap pump works well for this recipe if you want a lighter lather. I prefer a regular non-foaming soap bottle for mine.

Liquid Dish Soap

Yield: 8 ounce

Materials

1 cup distilled water
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 cup Sal Suds
50 drops essential oil (optional, but I loved 25 drops lime essential oil and 25 drops of lemon essential oil)
8-ounce soap bottle

Instructions

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the essential oils with the vinegar.
Add the distilled water and stir gently. Pour this mixture into your soap bottle.
Finally, add the Sal Suds. Gently roll the bottle in your hands to mix. Avoid shaking too much, it’ll get bubbly fast!

Notes

Citrus oils like lemon, orange, or lime are great choices for a clean, fresh scent.
If you prefer unscented, just skip the essential oils. It still works beautifully!
A foaming soap pump works well for this recipe if you want a lighter lather. I prefer a regular non-foaming soap bottle for mine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making your own dish soap. It might not seem like a big thing, but every time you wash a plate, you’re reminded that you made something useful with your own two hands. That counts for a lot!

And if this feels like a good start, you might love the DIY Natural Cleaners Recipe eBook. It’s filled with simple, safe recipes just like this one, each one designed to support your natural home journey in a gentle, approachable way.

Take your time. Swap one product at a time. You’re doing great!