How to Choose a Dishwashing Liquid

If you spend a lot of time washing dishes, which dishwashing liquid you use makes a big difference. Unfortunately, there is no "right" dishwashing liquid for everyone. Some people have to worry about which liquids fight grease the best, while others are more concerned with the way the dish soap smells. Here's how to choose the right dishwashing liquid for your kitchen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Think about your dish cleaning habits. If you're more likely to leave dishes in the sink for hours or longer without rinsing them first, you'll need a strong dishwashing liquid that cuts through grease and caked on dirt. If you rinse dishes as soon as you're done eating, you can worry more about cosmetic features of the dish soap, such as color and smell.

2. Factor in whether you'll be using an automatic dishwasher and if so whether the dishwasher generally does a good job. With the aid of an outstanding appliance, you can choose a prettily-packaged, sweetly-scented dishwashing liquid to wash away some of the food and rest assured that your dishwasher will take care of the rest. If you don't have a good dishwasher, you need top of the line dishwashing liquid.

3. Consider whether your dishes are fragile. Handpainted items and fine china need an extra gentle cleanser with no harsh additives.

4. Choose a dishwashing liquid scented with your favorite aroma--especially if you spend a lot of time standing over the sink. You can find dishwashing liquids in varieties ranging from basic lemon to rosemary and cucumber.

5. Consider whether the dishwashing liquid will be visible in your kitchen, or if you keep it underneath the sink or in a sink-mounted dispenser. If it's in clear view, choose colors that match your kitchen decor. Go for more attractive bottles as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're concerned about the environment, you can find a large array of ecologically friendly dishwashing liquids. Try your local grocery store for a large selection.