Dish Soap vs. Multipurpose Cleaner: Can You Use Dish Soap for General Cleaning?

When you run out of multipurpose cleaner, it's tempting to grab the dish soap under the sink. After all, both are soapy and seem to clean, right? But using dish soap for general cleaning can damage surfaces or leave residue. Here's what you need to know.

We'll break down the differences between dish soap and multipurpose cleaner, when you can substitute, and when you should stick with the right product for the job.

What Makes Dish Soap Different from Multipurpose Cleaner?

Dish soap is formulated to cut grease on dishes and is designed to rinse away completely with lots of water. It creates a lot of suds, which can be a problem on non-dish surfaces. Multipurpose cleaner, on the other hand, is made for quick cleaning on countertops, floors, and other hard surfaces. It typically has lower suds, evaporates faster, and may contain ingredients that help disinfect or leave a streak-free shine.

For example, L'Avant's High Performing Dish Soap is a concentrated formula that excels at breaking down food grease, but it's not meant to be left on surfaces. Their Multipurpose Cleaner is pH-balanced for a variety of surfaces and can be used without rinsing.

• Dish soap creates more suds, which can leave a film on non-dish surfaces.
• Multipurpose cleaner is designed for quick, no-rinse cleaning on a variety of surfaces.

When Can You Use Dish Soap for General Cleaning?

In a pinch, you can use a tiny amount of dish soap diluted in water for cleaning non-porous surfaces like tile, stainless steel, or sealed countertops. But avoid using it on wood, unsealed stone, or glass, as it can dull the finish or leave streaks. Always rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning.

If you're cleaning greasy kitchen backsplashes or stovetops, dish soap actually works well because it's designed to break down grease. Just be sure to wipe away all residue.

• Use dish soap only on non-porous surfaces and rinse well.
• Avoid dish soap on wood, stone, or glass surfaces.

When Should You Stick with Multipurpose Cleaner?

For everyday cleaning of countertops, sinks, floors, and other household surfaces, a multipurpose cleaner is the safer, more effective choice. It's formulated to clean without leaving residue, and it's often safe for a wider range of materials. L'Avant's Multipurpose Cleaner, for instance, can be used on most surfaces without rinsing, saving you time and water.

If you're cleaning frequently touched areas like doorknobs or light switches, a multipurpose cleaner may also contain ingredients that help reduce germs, whereas dish soap is not typically labeled for disinfection.

• Multipurpose cleaner is safe for more surfaces and doesn't require rinsing.
• For quick daily cleaning, multipurpose cleaner is more convenient.

The Verdict: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

While dish soap can work as a temporary substitute for specific greasy messes, it's not a replacement for a good multipurpose cleaner. Keep both on hand for their intended uses. For dishwashing, stick with a dedicated dish soap like L'Avant's High Performing Dish Soap. For general cleaning around the home, reach for L'Avant's Multipurpose Cleaner. Your surfaces will thank you.

Ultimately, using the right cleaner for each task saves you time, protects your surfaces, and gives you better results. Keep a multipurpose cleaner for everyday messes and save your dish soap for the dishes.