Household Items That Shouldn’t Be Cleaned with Dishwashing Liquid

In every household kitchen, dishwashing liquid is an indispensable cleaning product. However, few people realize that this type of detergent can pose hidden risks to health and damage certain items if used incorrectly.

---

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron pans and pots are loved for their excellent non-stick properties and long lifespan—provided they are properly cleaned and maintained.

One important thing to remember when using cast iron cookware is never to wash them with dishwashing liquid.

This is because the cleaning agents in dish soap can strip away the natural non-stick layer of the pan or pot. Instead, it’s best to clean cast iron with hot water and a brush.

---

Mirrors

Next on the list of items you shouldn’t clean with dishwashing liquid are mirrors. Using dish soap can leave streaks or residue on the surface, which are difficult to rinse off and waste a lot of water.

But don’t worry—there are better alternatives. You can clean mirrors effectively using a diluted vinegar solution or a specialized glass cleaner, which will make them spotless and shiny again.

---

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add elegance and sophistication to any home. While they do require occasional wet cleaning, you should never use dishwashing liquid. It can leave residue and damage the surface finish of the wood.

---

Wooden Furniture

Carlos Garcia, CEO of Total Clean in the UK, advises against using dishwashing liquid on wooden furniture.

This is because dish soap can unintentionally strip away the protective coating on the surface, causing discoloration and reducing the furniture’s lifespan.

For best results, use cleaners specifically designed for wooden surfaces to preserve and protect your furniture.

---

Granite Countertops and Other Stone Surfaces

Many people have the habit of cleaning their kitchen counters with dishwashing liquid because it’s convenient. However, if your countertop is made from porous stone such as granite, this is not a good idea.

Dish soap can leave residue and gradually damage the surface. To keep your granite or natural stone countertops durable and glossy, use stone-safe cleaning products instead.

---

Marble Countertops

Similarly, marble countertops should never be cleaned with dishwashing liquid.

According to Alicia Sokolowski, President and Co-CEO of AspenClean, using dish soap on marble can cause the surface to become etched, dull, and lose its shine over time.

---

Dishwashers

Dishwashing liquid is formulated to create a lot of foam. Therefore, using it in an automatic dishwasher can cause overflowing suds, leading to machine damage or leaks.

That’s why many manufacturers produce low-foam detergents specifically for dishwashers—you should always use these products for optimal cleaning results.

---

Mixing Dish Soap and Bleach

Even if your dishwashing liquid doesn’t contain ammonia, never mix it with bleach.

When combined, these substances can produce toxic gases or fumes, such as chloramine, which are hazardous to inhale. Always use cleaning products separately to ensure safety.