Dish soap is a household essential, but its usefulness goes far beyond cleaning dishes. From home improvement tricks to pest control solutions, dish soap can be a surprisingly effective tool for various DIY projects. If you’ve ever wondered why people put dish soap in drywall mud, bathtubs, toilets, or even fruit fly traps, this guide will reveal some unconventional yet brilliant ways to use it.
Why Put Dish Soap in Drywall Mud?
Adding a small amount of dish soap to drywall mud helps make it smoother and easier to apply. Contractors and DIYers use this trick because it reduces air bubbles, improves consistency, and makes the mud spread more effortlessly.
How to Use Dish Soap in Drywall Mud:
- Add a few drops of dish soap to your drywall mud mix.
- Stir thoroughly to achieve a smoother, more workable texture.
- Apply the mud as usual for a seamless finish.
Why Is Dish Soap Used in Fruit Fly Traps?
Dish soap is a key ingredient in DIY fruit fly traps because it breaks the surface tension of liquids, making it easier for flies to drown. Normally, flies can stand on liquid surfaces, but dish soap disrupts this ability, trapping them inside.
How to Make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap with Dish Soap:
- Fill a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar or sweet fruit juice.
- Add a few drops of dish soap and stir gently.
- Leave the bottle open or pour the mixture into a bowl.
- The scent attracts fruit flies, and the soapy water prevents them from escaping.
This simple hack is a chemical-free way to eliminate fruit flies in your kitchen.
Why Put Dish Soap in the Bathtub?
Dish soap can be used to deep-clean bathtubs and even unclog slow drains. Because it’s designed to cut through grease and grime, it works well on soap scum and body oils that build up over time.
How to Use Dish Soap for Bathtub Cleaning:
- Squirt a generous amount of dish soap around the tub.
- Use a scrub brush or microfiber cloth to spread and scrub.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda over the soap before scrubbing.
Why Put Dish Soap in the Bathtub Overnight?
Leaving dish soap in the bathtub overnight is a popular hack for degreasing and deep-cleaning. If your tub has stubborn stains, soap scum, or mineral buildup, this method helps loosen grime without the need for excessive scrubbing.
How to Use This Hack:
- Apply a thin layer of dish soap across the entire tub.
- Let it sit overnight to break down residue.
- In the morning, scrub lightly with a microfiber cloth or scrub brush, then rinse with hot water.
This method is especially useful if you want a non-toxic alternative to harsh chemicals.
Why Put Dish Soap in Toilets?
Dish soap can be used to unclog toilets and keep them fresh. It works by breaking down grease and waste while lubricating the pipes, making it easier for blockages to pass through.
How to Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap:
- Pour ½ cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the clog.
- Pour in a bucket of boiling water (or very hot water, but not boiling if you have an older toilet to prevent damage) and flush.
Repeat if necessary for tougher clogs.
Using dish soap in toilets regularly can also help prevent buildup and maintain smooth flushing.
DIY Dish Soap Hack: Toilet Paper Stain Removal
Surprisingly, dish soap can be used to remove toilet paper stains from bathroom surfaces. Whether it's damp toilet paper sticking to tiles or accidental spills on counters, dish soap can break down the residue quickly.
How to Remove Toilet Paper Residue with Dish Soap:
- Add a few drops of dish soap to a damp microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the area where the toilet paper is stuck.
- Rinse with clean warm water or hot water and wipe dry.
This trick is useful for keeping bathroom counters and floors spotless without using harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Dawn dish soap for these hacks?
Yes! Dawn dish soap is particularly effective for cleaning and unclogging drains because of its strong grease-cutting formula.
Will dish soap damage my toilet or plumbing?
No, dish soap is safe for toilet water and pipes. It actually helps prevent buildup when used occasionally.
Does dish soap kill bacteria when used for cleaning?
While dish soap removes dirt and grease, it doesn’t kill bacteria like disinfectants. Pair it with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for added germ-killing power.
Is dish soap better than store-bought bathtub cleaners?
Yes! Dish soap is a great alternative to harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners, making it safer for homes with children and pets.
What’s the best way to store DIY dish soap sprays?
Keep your spray bottle in a cool, dry place and shake before use to mix the ingredients properly.
Final Thoughts
From home improvement to pest control and cleaning, dish soap is a versatile tool for DIY projects. Whether you’re smoothing drywall mud, trapping fruit flies, cleaning your bathtub, unclogging a toilet, or even removing toilet paper residue, these clever hacks prove that dish soap is much more than just a kitchen essential.
Try these tricks and see how this simple household item can make everyday tasks easier, cheaper, and more effective!
