10 ways to misuse dishwashing liquid (11 photos)

Many ordinary things hold secrets. Even simple dishwashing liquid has potential that most of us don't even realize. What else can this household chemical we routinely use to wash plates and baking sheets do?





Weed Control



Herbicides are most often used to control unwanted vegetation in the garden. However, these are toxic and also expensive. To solve the weed problem with homemade remedies, mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, 1 cup of salt, and 4.5 liters of vinegar in a container. This mixture can be poured into a spray bottle and used instead of an herbicide. When applying, it's important to remember that the liquid is harmful to any vegetation and should not come into contact with cultivated plants.

Getting Rid of Gnats





If gnats are bothering you, you can use a simple trap instead of toxic insecticides. To do this, fill a tall glass halfway with apple cider vinegar and add 5-6 drops of dishwashing liquid. Then top up the glass with water. A thick foam should form on the surface of the liquid. Place the trap where insects congregate. Attracted by the smell, they will crawl into the glass, where they will become trapped in the viscous liquid.

Preventing Glasses from Fogging



Fogging of glasses is a problem that everyone faces during the cold season. If you don't want to buy special solutions to prevent this problem, use household chemicals. To prevent glasses from fogging, apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a cloth. Then, wipe both sides of the lenses with the cloth. Once the liquid has dried, wipe your glasses with a soft cloth and wear them. The effect lasts for a while, after which you should repeat the treatment.

"Treating" a Squeaky Door



Nothing could be easier than getting rid of squeaky door hinges. Simply lubricate them with machine oil. But what if you don't have any lubricant on hand and don't want to go to the store for it? In that case, dishwashing liquid can help. Apply it instead of oil to the areas where metal parts rub. Then, open and close the door a few times to distribute the liquid evenly.

Finding a Puncture in a Tire or Inflatable Toy



If a car or bicycle tire, inflatable toy, or mattress has started to lose air, finding the puncture is easy. To do this, dissolve a small amount of dish soap in water and spray the mixture on the suspected puncture site. Bubbles that appear at the leak will clearly indicate the puncture.

Making a Cold Compress



There's no better remedy for bruises than a cold compress. You can use water or ice, or you can use a soapy solution of detergent. If you pour it into an airtight bag and chill it in the freezer, the mixture won't freeze completely. It will turn into a gel that will keep the cold for a long time.

Protecting Houseplants



Dishwashing liquid makes an excellent insecticide replacement. When your houseplants are attacked by insect pests, using chemicals isn't the best option. Household chemicals can replace poisons that are dangerous for you and your pets. Dissolve two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid in a glass of warm water. The resulting mixture can be sprayed on houseplants—it's excellent at killing aphids, mites, and whiteflies.

Cleaning Clogged Pipes



If your drain pipe is clogged and you don't have a drain cleaner, you can use dishwashing gel. Pour a glass of this into the toilet or sink drain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, flush the pipe with 2-3 liters of boiling water. The clog will almost certainly be cleared.

Removing Grease Stains



Dishwashing liquids are excellent grease removers. This property can be used to remove greasy stains from clothing and even carpets. To do this, apply a generous amount of the solution to the stained area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, rinse the dishwashing liquid with plenty of water. If the problem isn't resolved the first time, you can repeat the process a couple more times.

Making Soap Bubbles



Buying bubble blowers for a child can be a significant expense. Children love this activity, but one container rarely lasts more than a couple of days. Furthermore, the liquid often spills. You can make your own bubble blower. To do this, mix 2/3 cup of dishwashing liquid with 2-3 teaspoons of glycerin. If you don't have glycerin at home, you can substitute corn syrup. Mix this mixture with 4 liters of water – this is guaranteed to last your child all summer!