Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.
Got dish soap?
You can do more with it than just clean dishes.
Discover 8 incredible ways to use dish soap in your garden.
Boost your plants and fight pests with this everyday item.
Ready to see how?
Let’s get started!
1. Keep Pests Away

You can mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spritz this on your plants to ward off those pesky insects.
It’s super simple and way safer than using harsh chemicals. Your plants and the environment will thank you!
2. Clean Your Garden Tools
Garden tools get dirty, no doubt about it. Just soak them in a mix of warm water and dish soap.
After a good soak, scrub off any dirt or sticky residue. Rinse and dry them well.
Your tools will look nearly new, and you’ll be ready for your next planting session.
3. Make a Weed Killer

Got weeds? Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with vinegar and water.
Spray this mix directly on the weeds. The dish soap helps the vinegar stick to the weed leaves, making this a highly effective natural weed killer.
Bye-bye, weeds!
4. Clean Up Your Plant Pots
Plant pots can get pretty gross. Clean them up with a brush and some soapy water.
Scrubbing off that old dirt and gunk will make them look great and ready for new plants. Plus, clean pots help keep your plants healthy.
5. Make a Slippery Barrier

Ever battle with snails and slugs? Provide a slippery barrier for them using dish soap.
Just make a soapy perimeter around your plants. Slugs and snails hate crossing slippery surfaces, so your plants are safe without any harmful chemicals.
6. Help Seeds Germinate
Coat your seeds with a bit of dish soap before planting. The soap breaks down the seed’s outer layer, helping water get in and making germination quicker.
You’ll see those sprouts pop up in no time. It’s like giving your plants a head start!
7. Remove Sap from Hands
If you’ve ever handled plants with sticky sap, you know how annoying it can be. Just use dish soap to clean your hands.
It cuts through the sap quickly, leaving your hands feeling clean and fresh. No more sticky situations!
8. Shine Up Your Garden Furniture
Your garden furniture could use a little love too. Mix dish soap with water and wipe down your tables and chairs.
It gets rid of grime and dirt, leaving your outdoor furniture sparkling. It’s a quick way to make your garden look even more inviting.