Why Mix Salt with Dishwashing Liquid? (The Cleaning Hack You’ll Love)

Introduction

We all know dishwashing liquid is a go-to for cutting grease and cleaning dishes. But when you pair it with one of the simplest pantry staples—salt—you unlock a cleaning combo that’s surprisingly powerful, eco-friendly, and budget-wise. This easy mix has been around for generations, and modern cleaning science explains why it works so well.

The Science Behind the Combo

• Dishwashing Liquid: Packed with surfactants, it lifts grease, oils, and food particles from surfaces.

• Salt: Naturally abrasive, deodorizing, and mildly antibacterial.

When mixed, you get a solution that foams, scrubs, and deodorizes without needing harsh chemicals.

5 Smart Ways to Use Dish Soap + Salt

1. Clean Stubborn Pots & Pans

Burnt or stuck-on food? Sprinkle salt over the surface, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and scrub. The salt acts like a fine-grain scrubber while the soap cuts grease.

2. Freshen Wooden Cutting Boards

Wood absorbs smells like onion and garlic. Mix equal parts salt and dish soap, scrub into the board, and rinse. Not only does it deodorize, but it also helps remove lingering bacteria.

3. Grease Stains on Stovetops & Counters

For greasy spills, apply a paste of dish soap and salt directly to the stain. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean.

4. Tackle Fabric Grease Spots

Dab the mix onto a greasy clothing stain (test a hidden area first). The soap lifts the oil while the salt adds scrubbing power.

5. Bathroom Helper

On tiles, sinks, or tubs, the salt adds texture to scrub away soap scum and water stains, while the dish soap leaves surfaces shiny.

Benefits of This DIY Cleaner

• Eco-Friendly: Skip harsh chemicals.

• Budget-Friendly: Both ingredients are inexpensive household staples.

• Customizable: Add more salt for extra scrubbing or more soap for a gentler clean.

When Not to Use It

• On delicate surfaces like marble or stainless steel (salt may scratch).

• On nonstick pans, where abrasives can damage coatings.

Quick DIY Recipe Card

Here’s a simple starter ratio you can try:

• 2 tsp dishwashing liquid

• 1 tsp table salt

Mix into a paste and apply directly where needed. Rinse thoroughly after use.

Final Thoughts

Mixing salt with dishwashing liquid isn’t just an old-school trick—it’s a clever way to get sparkling results with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. From tackling greasy pans to freshening cutting boards, this natural cleaner proves that the best solutions are often the simplest.

Cheers!