This DIY dish bar soap is an easy and cost-effective alternative to store-bought dish soap. Made with natural ingredients, this solid dish soap is free from harsh chemicals, making it a great eco-friendly option for your kitchen. Plus, with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a long-lasting bar that cuts through grease and leaves your dishes sparkling clean!
If you’re new to soap-making, this recipe is a perfect starting point. Using a melt-and-pour soap base simplifies the process, allowing you to create your own homemade soap without the need for lye or complicated steps. It’s a great way to get introduced to DIY soap-making while customizing your dish soap with natural ingredients and scents.
How To Make Dish Bar Soap
For this DIY, you will need melt and pour soap base (I used this one), lime peel powder, essential oils, and soap molds.
Cut up the melt and pour the soap base into small squares. Put the soap into a microwave-safe bowl and melt on low heat in 30-second intervals. Stir the soap between intervals and continue to cook until the soap has completely melted.
Wait for the base to cool for a few minutes, then add in the lime peel powder and essential oils. Stir vigorously until the powder and oils are combined.
Pour the melted soap into your molds evenly.
Wait a few hours or overnight until the soap hardens. Once the soap is set, it can be used immediately.
To Use: Get wet and rub a dish scrub on it until you see some bubbles. Then wash your dishes.
Substitutions & Customizations
- Soap Base: Any melt-and-pour soap base works well. Try shea butter, coconut, or glycerin-based options.
- Essential Oils: Lime oil has a fresh citrus scent, but you can use lemon, orange, tea tree, or eucalyptus for its antibacterial properties.
- Lime Peel Powder: Swap it out for lemon or orange zest or even finely ground dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, which are a lovely substitute.
- Soap Mold: If you don’t have a soap mold, use a small silicone baking mold or a repurposed food container.
DIY Dish Soap Bar FAQ
Can I use this soap for handwashing as well?
Yes! This dish bar soap is gentle on hands, but if you find it drying, you can add a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil for extra moisture.
How long does this dish soap bar last?
One bar typically lasts several weeks, depending on how often you do dishes and how well it is stored.
How should I store my dish soap bar?
Keep it on a well-drained soap dish to prevent it from sitting in water, which can cause it to dissolve faster.
Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients to make several bars at once.
Will this work for greasy dishes?
Yes! The citrus peel powder and essential oils help cut through grease naturally.
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DIY Dish Soap Bar (Solid Dish Soap)
This DIY dish bar soap is an easy and cost-effective alternative to store-bought dish soap.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 1 bar soap 1x
- Category: DIY
- Method: Microwave
Ingredients
- 2.5 ounces melt and pour soap base
- 1 tablespoon lime peel powder (or other citrus powder)
- 15–20 drops lime or citrus essential oil
- Soap mold
Instructions
- Cut up the melt and pour the soap base into small squares.
- Put the soap into a microwave-safe bowl and melt on low heat in 30-second intervals.
- Stir the soap between intervals and continue to cook until the soap has completely melted.
- Wait for the base to cool for a few minutes, then add in the lime peel powder and essential oils. Stir vigorously until the powder and oils are combined.
- Pour the melted soap into your molds evenly.
- Wait a few hours or overnight until the soap hardens. Once the soap is set, it can be used immediately.
Notes
To Use: Get wet and rub a dish scrub on it until you see some bubbles. Then wash your dishes.
