Dish soap is a staple in most kitchens thanks to its grease-fighting power and ability to clean up pretty much any mess from cheddar-cheese casseroles to chilis, or coconut cream pies. Because it’s so good at its job—and already in most homes—it’s easy to see why folks might think dish soap is a great option for cleaning up any other mess that might pop up around the house.
However, while dish soap may seem like a quick and easy solution, the chemicals that make it so good at making dishes sparkle, can do more harm than good. There are certain surfaces and materials that can be damaged by dish soap and instead require special care.
To find out where one can—and can’t—use dish soap to make things sparkle, we spoke to cleaning experts about things that absolutely should not be cleaned with dish soap:
Cars
“When it comes to car paint, dish soap is a big no-no,” says Taylor Riley, of Boom Facility Service Advisors, a cleaning training service. “While it’s great for cleaning grease on dishes, it’s too harsh for your vehicle’s finish. Dish soap strips away the protective wax and can actually dull or damage the paint over time, leaving it more vulnerable to scratches and fading. If you’re cleaning your car, stick to products specifically designed for automotive paint to keep the finish protected and looking its best.”
Leather
“Dish soap can strip away the natural oils that maintain leather, which can cause it to dry and crack. Instead, you can use a designated leather cleaner, such as saddle soap,” says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
Pets
“Don’t use dish soap to wash your cat or dog, or any pet for that matter,” says Dionne Livingstone, Cleaning Expert at Home Spritz, a house cleaning company. Stick to regular pet shampoo for the task.
Your Hair
Livingstone notes that “dish soap is not a good replacement for shampoo or body wash—in other words, it’s not for human use or bathing.”
Flat Paint Walls
“Flat paint doesn’t always play nice with dish soap. It can leave streaks or even damage the finish if you’re not careful,” says James King, the Operations Manager at DeluxeMaid. “The best way to clean? Use a damp microfiber cloth and distilled water. It’s been stripped of those minerals and chemicals, so it evaporates cleanly, leaving no marks behind. Wipe gently, and a lot of the time, that’s all you need to freshen things up without messing with the paint. But, if water alone isn’t enough, add just a splash of vinegar to the cloth or use a magic eraser.”
Clothing
“Don’t use dish soap to launder clothes,” says Home Spritz’s Livingstone. “It doesn’t rinse properly from clothing and could cause skin irritation. Also, newer washers (front loads) use a lot less water and dish detergent is hard on the washing machine pumps during the drain cycle, as it’s meant to move fluid as opposed to partial foamy water. Your washer will likely stop and display an error. “
Dishes in the Dishwasher
“If you find yourself out of dishwasher detergent, resist the temptation to use dish soap. Dishwashers are designed specifically for dishwasher detergent, which is formulated to be low-sudsing. Regular dish soap, on the other hand, produces excessive bubbles that can overflow the machine and create a messy situation on your kitchen floor. Not only is it annoying to clean up, but that excessive foam can also cause some serious damage to your dishwasher over time. My tip? Stick to dishwasher-specific detergent,” says King.
Silk
“You should use a detergent specifically designed for silk. You can also use a mild baby shampoo mixed with a little splash of vinegar,” says Mock of Molly Maid.
Hardwood Floors
“Using dish soap on hardwood furniture or floors—especially those with a wax or oil finish—is a mistake,” says Riley. “The soap can strip away the protective layer over time, leading to dull, dried-out wood that’s more prone to scratches and damage. Regular use of dish soap can even break down the wood’s finish, requiring costly refinishing or repairs. For hardwood, it’s best to use cleaners designed for wood surfaces that are pH-balanced and gentle enough to preserve the finish without causing harm.”
Coffee Makers
“It’s totally fine to use dish soap for cleaning the outside and components, running soapy water through the machine isn’t a good idea. That will turn into a bubbly mess!” says King. “Instead, fill the reservoir with equal parts distilled water and vinegar, then place a filter in the basket and brew as usual. Afterward, run at least two cycles with plain water to rinse away any vinegar residue. If you’re still a bit worried about any vinegar aftertaste, brew a strong pot of coffee right after rinsing. A robust blend or a dark roast can help overpower any faint vinegar flavor.”
