Talk to any professional house cleaner, and they’ll share a common mistake people make when cleaning — using too many products. Cutting back on the number of cleaners you use not only saves you money but also makes the process easier.
If you’re gearing up for a whole-house clean, dish soap is what you should have on hand. Dish soap is formulated to lift dirt and grime from surfaces once mixed with water. It’s pH-neutral, which means it’s not acidic or basic and is safe for almost all surfaces.
What to Clean with Dish Soap
We recommend buying a big bottle of your favorite dish soap and using it to clean the following surfaces.
1. Pretreat Laundry Stains
Dish soap is a superior laundry stain remover. It can tackle everything from grease spots, like oil drippings from french fries, to ground in dirt on your kids’ favorite pair of jeans. It can even remove blood stains if used promptly.
Dampen the stained area with water, squirt a couple of drops of dish soap onto the stain, and rub around with your finger or a soft brush until sudsy. Let the dish soap sit for five minutes, then launder your garments as usual. Be sure to wash protein-based stains, like blood, in cold water.
2. Clean Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone counters require pH-neutral cleaners. Acidic cleaners like vinegar can cause white marks on the stone, also known as etching. Make a natural stone cleaner by filling a sink with water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture, wring it out, and wipe away.
3. Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are another household surface that requires pH-neutral cleaners. Acidic cleaners can weaken the top coat, which protects the wood flooring from moisture and wear.
Mix about a gallon of warm water with two drops of dish soap for a gentle floor cleanser. Be careful not to…