Homemade Bar Dish Soap Recipe

Most American kitchens rely on some version of liquid dish soap for all of their dish-washing needs. Most generic liquid dish soaps are packaged in plastic bottles and rarely recycled or reused, contributing largely to the packaging waste issues facing the world today. While liquid dish soap can definitely be adapted to the low or zero-waste lifestyle (as long as you’re utilizing a  refillable container), solid dish soap and dish soap bars have proven to be effective, low-waste alternatives. 

Solid dish soap and dish soap bars are completely container-free and a conscious step toward low-waste living. There are many online options available for purchase, but we like to make our own with the recipe below! This recipe is calculated at 1% superfat, which makes it a potent grease fighter. The use of coconut oil and castor oil results in a rich lather that is not harsh on hands and is, of course, completely biodegradable and sewer-friendly.

You will want to take the usual precautions when making your soap. Eye protection, gloves, and an apron are always recommended. We will be using individual molds for this recipe, since the final product is very hard and difficult to cut as a loaf.