23 Surprising Uses for Dawn Dish Soap

Dawn Dish Detergent is useful for so much more than washing dishes, everything from killing weeds to cleaning jewelry! Check out these 23 surprising uses for Dawn Dish Soap.

We all know and love that familiar bottle of blue Dawn Dish Soap, don’t we? It’s a classic essential cleaning supply that shows up time and again in my cleaning tips.

We all know that it’s great for cleaning dishes, pots, and pans, and glasses but this little blue bottle is capable of so much more. Here are my favorite uses for Dawn Dish Soap.

Making Bubbles

You can use Dawn dish soap to make your own bubble solution! With three kids we’ve gone through some bubbles over the years, which is why I started making my own.

To make the perfect bubble solution simply combine 2 cups of warm water, 1/3 cup detergent, and 1/4 cup light corn syrup or glycerin. It’s super easy and affordable!

Unclog a Toilet or Drain

You heard me, this powerhouse can help you unclog your toilet or clogged drain! Simply pour 1 cup of the detergent in the toilet and let it sit 15 minutes. *This works on smaller blockages.

DO NOT follow other DIY suggestions to pour hot water down the drain after this step, you can damage your PVC pies, crack the porcelain on your toilet or melt the wax seal on the toilet. (reference here)

Cleaning Makeup Applicators

While maybe not as cute as that duckling, your makeup brushes and sponges need to be cleaned too!

Cleaning your makeup applicators regularly with Dawn and warm water is essential for keeping them free of gunky buildup and bacteria that can cause breakouts.

Start by wetting your brushes or sponges thoroughly with warm water, then add a small amount of Dawn detergent directly to the bristles or surface. Gently work the detergent into a rich lather, paying special attention to areas where makeup tends to collect. Rinse under running water, squeezing gently, until the water runs completely clear.

Once clean, reshape the bristles or sponge to their original form and lay them flat on a towel to air dry. This simple routine will help extend the life of your tools and keep your makeup application flawless!

Tools & Tires

Tools and outdoor supplies can get super greasy, and Dawn cuts that grease like a champ! Everything from wrenches to tires to bike rims can be cleaned with a teaspoon of the dish detergent in a gallon of hot water.

Scrub with a sponge and rinse thoroughly, you’ll be shocked how easily the grime is scrubbed away! Dry immediately after cleaning to prevent rusting.

Kitchen Grease

You’d be surprised how much grime can build up on your kitchen cabinets, counters, and appliances just from everyday cooking.

Wet a sponge with a little Dawn and warm water and wipe away grime on your kitchen surfaces, no specialized cleaners required!

Remove Hard Water Stains & Soap Scum

Create a powerful DIY cleaner for your bathroom by mixing equal parts vinegar, lemon juice, and Dawn detergent. This combination works wonders on tough hard water stains, cutting through mineral buildup with ease.

The vinegar’s natural acidity breaks down stubborn deposits, while the lemon juice adds extra cleaning power and a fresh scent. Dawn detergent helps lift away soap scum and grease, making it easier to scrub your surfaces clean.

Simply apply the mixture to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes to work its magic, then scrub and rinse for sparkling results. Perfect for shower doors, sinks, and even faucets!

Windows & Stainless Steel

One of my go-to solutions for cleaning shiny surfaces like glass and stainless steel is a simple mixture of 3 drops of Dawn dish soap in a gallon of water. This gentle yet effective cleaner cuts through grease, fingerprints, and smudges without leaving streaks behind.

To make it easy to use, pour the solution into a spray bottle and treat it like your favorite glass cleaner. Just spray it onto the surface, wipe with a microfiber cloth or paper towel, and enjoy the sparkling, streak-free results. It’s an affordable, homemade alternative that works wonders on windows, mirrors, appliances, and more!

Cleaning Jewelry

Did you know that you can use Dawn to clean your jewelry too? Soak the jewelry for two minutes in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of Dawn dish detergent. Rinse well and dry immediately to keep your jewelry sparkling!

Remove Tomato Stains from Plastic

Yes! Those dreaded red stains on your plastic containers, often caused by tomato-based sauces, don’t have to be a permanent eyesore. With a little patience and some natural cleaning power, you can restore your containers to their former glory.

Start by thoroughly washing the stained containers by hand using Dawn dish detergent, which helps remove any greasy residue clinging to the surface. After drying them completely, place the containers in a sunny window or outside in direct sunlight.

Over the course of a few days, you’ll notice the UV rays naturally bleach the stains away, leaving your containers looking fresh and clean. It’s an easy, eco-friendly solution that requires no harsh chemicals!

Homemade Stain Remover

Make your own powerful stain remover at home by combining Dawn dish detergent with hydrogen peroxide. This simple mixture is incredibly effective at tackling tough stains, from grease and oil to wine and grass.

To create it, mix one part Dawn with two parts hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl or spray bottle. Apply the solution directly to the stained area, gently rubbing it in with your fingers or a soft brush to work it into the fabric. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes before washing as usual, and watch those stubborn stains disappear!

It’s an affordable, easy-to-make alternative to store-bought cleaners that really delivers results.

Trap Gnats and Fruit Flies

Mix 4 parts red wine vinegar to 1 part dish soap and place in a glass. Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in the top. The flies will be attracted to the mixture and fly in the holes but won’t be able to fly back out.

Pretreat Laundry Stains

Got a pesky stain? Dawn dish detergent can come to the rescue with just a small amount! Apply a button-sized drop of Dawn directly to the stained area, ensuring the spot is completely covered. There’s no need to overdo it—too much detergent can lead to excessive suds in your washing machine.

Gently rub the detergent into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush, then toss the item into the wash and clean as you normally would. Once it’s done, you’ll be amazed at how effectively Dawn lifts out stains, leaving your clothes looking good as new!

Prevent Eyeglasses from Fogging

Wipe glasses with a drop of soap, then wipe clean. The soap leaves a thin layer on the glasses which prevent them from fogging up. *Do not do this on glasses that have specialty coatings such as anti-glare or anti-scratch.

DIY Ice Pack

Did you know you can make your own reusable gel ice pack using Dawn dish soap? It’s super easy and works just as well as store-bought versions!

Simply fill a sturdy plastic baggie about halfway with Dawn dish soap, seal it tightly, and lay it flat in the freezer. The soap won’t freeze solid, giving you a flexible and moldable ice pack that’s perfect for soothing sore muscles, bumps, or bruises.

You can even double-bag it for extra security and reuse it as often as needed. It’s a quick, affordable solution that’s always handy to have around the house!

Kill Weeds

I shared this homemade weed killer recipe recently and so many of you wrote in to thank me, it really works! 

Simply mix two cups of white vinegar with two tablespoons of Dawn dish detergent and shake well in a spray bottle. Spray on the weeds preferably on a sunny day. Be careful to spray on the weeds only, don’t get it on your good plants!

Kill Aphids on Plants

Mix 1 tablespoon of Dawn and 1 quart of water and put in a spray bottle. Spray on infested plants to kill the aphids without harming your plant.

Remove Skunk Smell

Dawn dish soap is a lifesaver for removing skunk odor from pets or clothing. Mix it with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a powerful deodorizing solution. Apply generously to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly to banish the smell.

Deterring Wasp Nests

Keep wasps away by mixing Dawn dish soap with water in a spray bottle and applying it to areas where they might build nests. The soap breaks down their exoskeletons, deterring them from settling in. It’s an easy and chemical-free way to protect your outdoor spaces.

Preventing Soap Scum on Glass Shower Doors

Dawn dish soap can help keep your shower doors sparkling clean and free of soap scum. Mix a few drops of Dawn with white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it after each shower to prevent buildup and keep your glass spotless.

Killing Fleas on Pets

Dawn dish soap is a gentle yet effective flea killer for pets. Wet your pet’s fur, lather with Dawn, and let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing. The soap breaks down the fleas’ outer shell, killing them on contact without harsh chemicals. Be careful not to get thee soap in the animal’s eyes.

Cleaning Dentures in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Dawn dish soap is safe and effective for cleaning dentures in an ultrasonic cleaner. Add a drop of Dawn to warm water in the cleaner, and let the device work its magic. It removes stains and debris, leaving dentures fresh and clean. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the dentures afterward.

Killing Fruit Flies

Use Dawn dish soap to make a simple and effective fruit fly trap. Mix it with apple cider vinegar in a bowl. The soap breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and drown. Place it near problem areas to eliminate the pests quickly.

Cleaning Kitchen Drain

Dawn dish soap can help keep your kitchen drain fresh and clear. Pour a few tablespoons of Dawn into the drain, followed by a pot of hot (not boiling) water. The soap cuts through grease and buildup, preventing clogs and odors.

So there you have it. Dawn is the superhero of detergents, saving wildlife and helping you to keep your home sparkling. Did I miss any additional uses you think I should add? Leave them in the comments below!