Based on research, Americans use an average of 88 gallons of water a day at home. Because of this, more and more people are trying different ways to conserve as much water as they can.

Did you know that you can use 20% less water if you install water efficient dishwashers?

According to Energy Star, washing dishes with an energy efficient dishwasher, rather than hand washing, saves you $40 every year. It can also save you 230 hours of personal time. By reducing water consumption, we protect our streams, oceans, and lakes.

Let’s face it. Not every home will use a dishwasher to clean plates and silverware. A lot of homes will opt for hand washing the dishes. Some will use dish soap, while others will use hand soap as dish soap.

The question is, can you wash dishes with hand soap effectively?

Properties of Hand Soap

At home, many people come into contact with hand soap, maybe after going to the bathroom, or after taking the trash out. Rarely do users ever contemplate the types of ingredients used in making hand soap.

If you take a quick look at the label, you will find a bunch of ingredients. They can range from olive oil extract to parabens and ammonium lauryl sulfate. You will also read that the hand soap has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Residential cleaning services do not use hand soap to clean dishes, instead they use dish soap.

What makes the hand soap be antibacterial or antiseptic? Manufacturers formulate the soap with certain chemicals such as triclosan.

In 2016, the FDA carried out research to find out if antibacterial soaps are effective in killing germs. After studying the issue, they discovered that there is no conclusive evidence. They also found out that certain chemicals used in soap have negative effects on the user’s health.

Several studies have shown that triclosan alters how hormones work in the body. While there are no studies to show the effects of triclosan, there are consequences.

Does it Work the Same?

Back to the question, can you wash dishes with hand soap? Hand soaps have antibacterial properties. As such, they are not for use to clean dishes. As said earlier, antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, a chemical with negative health effects.

Using hand soap for dishes leaves traces of the chemical. This will end up in your body after ingesting food from the plate.

Apart from triclosan, hand soaps contain other additives that are not food safe. To prevent build up, you will have to rinse the dishes several times. As such, you will end up using more water increasing your monthly bill.  If you are planning on washing your dishes with hand soap, we highly recommend you don’t.

Out of Dish Soap?

Can you wash dishes with hand soap? Washing your dishes with hand soap places you at risk of toxic chemicals. If you have run out of dish soap, there are home-based solutions you can try. One of those methods is using baking soda with water.

This mixture helps to remove food debris and oils. To get started, simply mix ½ a cup of baking soda and water. Before scrubbing the dishes, put on rubber gloves to protect your skin.

Looking for professional house cleaning experts? Contact us today!