Best eco friendly washing up liquid 2020: from plant-powered liquids to refillable boxes
THE ACT OF WASHING dishes may not seem inherently bad for the planet, but lots of dishwashing liquids have potentially toxic ingredients that can cause serious damage to species living in our waters.
The best eco friendly washing up liquids are made from plant-based formulations that won’t harm the environment – or your skin.
These eco washing up liquids are mild, gentle and don’t contain any synthetic ingredients, so using them won’t cause irritations and sensitivities.
They’re also free of perfumes and fragrances so a favourite for anyone who suffers from eczema or allergies. When eco washing up liquids are scented, it’s usually with essential oils, so they’ll still be natural but will smell delicious.
The best eco friendly washing up liquids are also concentrated enough to manage the task at hand, getting dishes clear of any grime.
Typically, eco friendly washing up liquids aren’t just made from plant-derived ingredients, but their packaging is also kinder to the environment.
Many of these washing up liquids are packaged in recycled plastic or come in refillable tubs – Ecover’s washing up liquid comes in a 15-litre Bag in a Box size, which could last you a year and can be used to refill any smaller bottles you already have.
This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.
1. Best synthetic free eco friendly washing up liquid: Seventh Generation Lavender & Mint Hand Wash
- (AD) Seventh Generation Lavender & Mint Hand Wash, £20.59 for 5 from Amazon – buy here
Seventh Generation is a US leader in eco friendly cleaning products, laundry detergents and washing up liquid.
This plant-powered washing up liquid is made from 91 per cent vegetable ingredients, and doesn’t contain any synthetic dyes or fragrances, so it’s a popular choice for anyone with sensitive skin.
It’s also packaged in a 100 per cent recycled bottle, and has a Leaping Bunny certification so you know the products aren’t tested on animals.
2. Best value eco friendly washing up liquid: Bio D Washing-Up Liquid
- (AD) Bio D Washing-Up Liquid, £9.35 from Amazon – buy here
This concentrated washing up liquid is a value-for-money buy – a little goes a long way, and you’ll only need a couple of teaspoons for an average post-dinner wash-up.
The bulk 5l bottle has enough liquid for 500 washes – and is ‘cheaper per millilitre than Fairy’ according to one reviewer who did the maths.
Fans also notice that it doesn’t irritate their skin the way other washing liquids have in the past.
3. Best new-look eco friendly washing up liquid: Method Washing Up Liquid Green Tea & Citrus
- (AD) Method Washing Up Liquid Green Tea & Citrus, £3 from Amazon – buy here
This lovely revamp of Method’s eco friendly washing up liquid has looks you want to admire, gets dishes clean and is made from plant-based, biodegradable, vegan ingredients.
It also has a gorgeous smell, with green tea and lemon, which is so delightful that, as one reviewer notes:
‘Amazing scent. I’m looking for items to wash so I can use it!!’
Method also ticks the boxes for top eco credentials with biodegradable ingredients and recycled packaging.
4. Best smelling eco friendly washing up liquid: KINN Washing Up Liquid
- KINN Washing Up Liquid, £3.50 from Waitrose – buy here
KINN is a rather delicious eco brand that straddles the line between beauty brand and homewares label (the mother-daughter duo behind the brand make both).
This Sweet Orange Washing Up Liquid is free from chemicals, non-toxic, biodegradable and utterly delicious, scented with essential oils that reviewers call a ‘gorgeous scent’ and ‘lovely aroma’.
It’s also great on sensitive skin.
As one reviewer writes:
‘Cuts through grease, shines plates and is softer on my eczema prone skin than my current dish soap – plus smells fresh and natural – Highly recommend!’
5. Best multitasking eco friendly washing up liquid: Arket Dishwashing Liquid
- Dishwashing Liquid, £5 from Arket – buy here
With its lovely packaging, verbena and mint scent and all-organic, biodegradable ingredients, Arket’s dish washing liquid is a lovely addition to any sink.
Not only is the multi-tasking item suitable for cleaning countertops and work surfaces, but it’s ultra mild so can double as a soap when you need.