8 Surprising Things You Can Clean With Dawn Dish Soap
That little blue bottle beside your kitchen sink might be one of the hardest-working cleaners in your home. Most people reach for Dawn dish soap after dinner, but it does more than clean greasy plates and frying pans. Some might surprise you, especially the ones hiding in your bathroom, garage, or backyard.
Better yet, these ideas come directly from the manufacturer rather than questionable social media hacks. Still, you should check each item’s care instructions before grabbing the soap. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ordinary cleaning uses soap and water to physically remove dirt, impurities, and most germs from surfaces. In contrast, disinfecting uses specific chemicals to kill remaining germs. Different materials need different cleaning methods, and Dawn Powerwash has a different formula from traditional Dawn liquid.
Plastic and ceramic flowerpots
Those flowerpots decorating your porch deserve a little attention, too. Soil, dust, and outdoor debris can leave otherwise attractive containers looking tired. That makes dish soap a practical option for routine cleaning when the container’s manufacturer permits it. Start by emptying the pot and removing loose debris. Then wash compatible surfaces with a mild soap-and-water solution and rinse thoroughly.
Pay special attention to decorative finishes, since painted designs and specialty glazes may require gentler care. Avoid aggressive scrubbing until you know how the surface responds. A quick cleaning can freshen the container’s appearance before you reuse it for another planting project.
Garden tools
Your gardening tools work hard, so why let dirt and grime follow them into storage? Dawn recommends using its dish soap to clean shovels, pruning tools, and other gardening equipment. The official Dawn Dish Soap tool-cleaning guide shows when cleaning gardening tools, the very first step is to hose off the soil before proceeding to soak and scrub them.
For additional cleaning, the company suggests adding about half a teaspoon of Dawn Platinum to a bucket of hot water. Scrub compatible surfaces, rinse with cool water, and dry everything thoroughly. Dawn also recommends cleaning gardening tools after each use. Interestingly, its instructions distinguish gardening equipment from handheld workshop tools.
Hairbrushes and combs
Take a quick look at your favorite hairbrush. You might spot loose strands, styling-product residue, or dust between the bristles. Start by pulling out trapped hair with your fingers or a suitable cleaning tool. Next, check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how much water the brush can tolerate. For washable plastic combs, a gentle soap-and-water cleaning may help remove everyday buildup.
Brushes need more attention because their construction varies considerably. Wooden handles, padded bases, and glued components may suffer damage from excessive moisture. Dawn doesn’t provide a universal washing method for every brush material, so avoid soaking everything together. A little extra care can help you clean your bathroom accessories without ruining your favorites.
Removable cellphone cases
Your cellphone case goes everywhere with you, from coffee shops to grocery stores. Yet it rarely receives the same cleaning attention as other everyday accessories. Dawn includes cellphone cases in its official list of household cleaning uses, making this another unexpected job for the kitchen staple. The key lies in separating the protective case from the actual phone. Remove the case completely before attempting any washing.
If its manufacturer allows soap and water, gently clean the surface and rinse. Let the case dry fully before putting it back on your device. Never treat Dawn’s recommendation as permission to wash your phone or expose its charging ports to water. Specialty leather, fabric, and decorated cases may need entirely different treatment.
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Hard-shell suitcases
Your suitcase collects plenty of travel memories, along with fingerprints, scuffs, and grime. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need a specialized cleaner to freshen its exterior. Before cleaning, inspect the shell and check the luggage manufacturer’s care instructions. If the manufacturer permits mild dish soap, gently wipe the compatible exterior surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth and suitable cleaning solution.
Take extra care around zippers, locks, wheels, and decorative finishes. Avoid flooding the case or soaking its fabric lining. Those components may require separate cleaning tricks. Once you finish, remove any soap residue according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow the suitcase to dry completely before storing it.Â
Patio furniture
Your backyard chairs might look ready for another cookout, but pollen, dust, and food spills can quickly spoil their appearance. Dawn identifies patio furniture as another suitable cleaning application, especially on compatible hard surfaces. According to Procter & Gamble, Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray is specifically noted to remove up to 99% of grease and grime under appropriate conditions.
These products are designed to lift and break down these oily and greasy soils.” For routine cleaning, mix a couple of drops of soap with warm water and gently wipe compatible furniture using a soft sponge.
Window screens
Here’s a cleaning task you might have overlooked during your last window-washing session. Window screens collect dust, pollen, and outdoor debris, even when the glass behind them looks spotless. The company doesn’t provide a universal dilution or scrubbing technique for every screen, however. Start by checking the screen manufacturer’s instructions, particularly for delicate mesh and coated frames.
If the materials allow soap-and-water cleaning, gently remove loose dirt before washing. Avoid aggressive brushes or heavy pressure that could stretch the mesh or damage its finish. Rinse and dry the screen according to its care requirements before reinstalling it.
Coolers
Remember that cooler you brought to your last picnic or tailgate party? It deserves attention before your next outing. Begin by emptying the cooler and removing loose food debris. Check its manufacturer’s instructions before washing the interior, lid, seals, and exterior surfaces. If the maker permits mild soap, wash the appropriate areas and rinse thoroughly to remove residue. Food-contact surfaces may need additional care after certain spills.
The CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines, show that cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are three distinct procedures. In fact, the agency recommends cleaning surfaces first because dirt can interfere with sanitizers and disinfectants. Follow the cooler maker’s instructions for any necessary sanitizing step, then dry the cooler before storing it.
