Dawn is famous for cutting through greasy dishes, but that blue bottle can come in handy for plenty of other jobs around the house. I’ve found myself reaching for it for everything from cleaning outdoor furniture to lifting stubborn stains.
Some uses are quick fixes, while others have become part of my regular cleaning routine. Here are 17 ways to use Dawn that have nothing to do with washing a sink full of dishes.
1. Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture collects dust, pollen, grime, and the occasional mystery stain. Dawn and warm water make a simple cleaning solution for most washable surfaces.
Mix a small amount of Dawn with warm water, wipe down the furniture, then rinse with clean water. For removable cushions, check the care label first, then scrub the fabric with diluted soapy water and rinse well. Let everything dry completely before putting it back outside.
2. Grill Cleaning
Nobody looks forward to scrubbing a greasy grill after a barbecue. Dawn can help loosen the buildup before you start scrubbing.
Place removable grill grates in a large bag or container with warm water and Dawn. Let them soak, then scrub away the softened grease with an appropriate grill brush or scrubber. Rinse the grates thoroughly and let them dry completely before putting them back on the grill.
Related: 14 Grilling Mistakes You Might Be Making, Even as a Pro
3. Cleaning Plastic Pools
Small plastic pools can collect dirt, sunscreen residue, and grime surprisingly fast. You can clean the empty pool with warm water and a small amount of Dawn.
Wipe the sides and bottom with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Make sure no soap residue remains before refilling the pool.
4. Removing Gum From Hair
Finding chewing gum stuck in a child’s hair can turn into a stressful moment pretty quickly. A little Dawn may help loosen the gum.
Work a small amount into the gum and the surrounding strands, then gently separate the hair from the gum. Take your time rather than pulling hard. Once the gum is out, wash and condition the hair normally.
5. Removing Hair Product Buildup
Hair can sometimes feel coated after using styling products for several days. Dawn is a strong degreaser, but it can also strip natural oils from your hair and scalp, so this isn’t something to make part of your regular hair routine.
If you’re dealing with stubborn product buildup, a shampoo made for clarifying hair is a better choice. If you decide to use a tiny amount of Dawn as a one-time fix, dilute it well, rinse thoroughly, and follow with conditioner. Keep it away from your eyes and irritated skin.
6. Helping With a Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet doesn’t always require a harsh chemical cleaner. A small amount of Dawn may help lubricate and loosen a minor clog.
Add some Dawn to the bowl and let it sit for several minutes. Follow with warm water, but don’t use boiling water, since extreme heat can damage porcelain. If the water level is rising or the clog doesn’t clear, stop and use a toilet plunger instead. Never mix Dawn with chemical drain cleaners.
7. Tub and Shower Cleaning
Soap scum and body oils can leave tubs and showers looking grimy. Dawn can help cut through that greasy residue.
For a simple cleaner, mix diluted Dawn with warm water and apply it to the surface. For heavier soap scum, a diluted vinegar-and-Dawn mixture is sometimes used, but don’t heat the mixture in a microwave or combine cleaning products containing bleach, ammonia, or other chemicals.
Let the cleaner sit briefly, scrub with a non-scratch sponge, and rinse well.
Related: How to Deep Clean a Shower Head with Vinegar
8. Window Cleaning
You don’t need a cabinet full of specialty products to clean windows. A tiny amount of Dawn mixed with plenty of water can help loosen fingerprints, dust, and greasy marks.
Add just a few drops to a bucket of water or spray bottle, then clean the glass with a microfiber cloth or squeegee. Too much soap can leave a film, so start with a very small amount.
9. Carpet Stain Removal
Dawn can help break down greasy stains on washable fabrics and some carpets. Before treating a visible area, test the solution on a hidden spot to check for discoloration.
For a fresh stain, dilute a small amount of Dawn with water and gently blot the area rather than soaking it. Hydrogen peroxide can work on certain stains, but it may lighten some carpet colors, so test it separately before use. Blot with clean water afterward and allow the area to dry completely.
10. Laundry Stains
Grease and oil stains can be stubborn, especially if they’ve already gone through the dryer. Dawn can help loosen oily residue before washing.
Apply a small amount directly to the stain, gently work it into the fabric, and let it sit for a few minutes. Check the garment’s care label, then wash normally. Don’t put the item in the dryer until you’ve checked that the stain is gone, since heat can set some stains.
Related: 9 Secret Ways to Whiten Your Laundry Without Bleach
11. Weed Control
Dawn is sometimes added to homemade weed sprays because it helps the liquid stick to plant leaves. The soap itself isn’t a reliable weed killer, though, and concentrated mixtures can damage plants and soil.
A vinegar-and-salt mixture can also harm nearby grass, flowers, and other plants, so homemade weed sprays need to be used with care. For a safer option around desirable plants, pull weeds by hand or use a product labeled for the specific area you’re treating.
Related: 12 Natural Ways to Manage Weeds in the Yard
12. Fly Catcher
A little Dawn can turn a simple vinegar trap into a useful way to catch fruit flies.
Pour some white vinegar into a shallow container and add a drop of Dawn. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, making it harder for flies to escape after landing in the mixture.
Keep the trap away from children and pets, and replace it when it becomes full of insects.
13. Flea Cleanup
Dawn is sometimes used to wash pets when fleas are present, but it shouldn’t be treated as a long-term flea treatment. It can kill some adult fleas during bathing, but it doesn’t address flea eggs and larvae throughout the home.
If a pet has fleas, talk with a veterinarian about a flea treatment made for that animal. If you’re giving your pet an emergency bath, use only a small amount of diluted soap, avoid the eyes and ears, rinse very thoroughly, and stop if the skin becomes irritated.
14. Pet Shampoo in a Pinch
If you’ve run out of pet shampoo, Dawn may seem like an easy substitute. It can remove grease and grime from a pet’s coat, but repeated use can dry or irritate the skin.
For an occasional emergency bath, dilute a small amount with plenty of water, keep it away from the eyes, nose, and mouth, and rinse the coat very well. Pet shampoo is a better choice for regular bathing because it is made for an animal’s skin.
15. Don’t Use Dawn in the Dishwasher
This one deserves a warning rather than a recommendation. It’s tempting to add a few drops of dish soap to a dishwasher when you’ve run out of detergent, but Dawn creates a lot of suds.
Those suds can spill out of the dishwasher and leave you with a much bigger cleanup. Use dishwasher detergent made for the machine instead.
Related: How to Make Dishwasher Powder at Home – An All-Natural Recipe
16. Cleaning Fabric and Upholstery
Dawn can help lift greasy spots from some washable fabrics and upholstery. Mix a tiny amount with water, apply it sparingly, and blot rather than soaking the material.
Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first. Test the mixture somewhere hidden, especially on colored upholstery, and allow the area to dry fully after cleaning.
17. Removing Sticky Price Tags
Few things are more annoying than peeling off a price sticker only to find a layer of sticky residue underneath.
Apply a small amount of Dawn to the residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe the area with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse or wipe clean. For delicate surfaces, test a hidden area first, since water and soap can damage some finishes.
Related: 17 Unique Ways to Remove Sticker Residue From Glass
Dawn is still a dish soap first, but keeping a bottle around can be useful for plenty of small household jobs. Just use the right amount, test unfamiliar surfaces first, and skip the shortcuts that could damage your belongings, appliances, plants, or pets.
Other Topics You Might Like
- 10 Strange Things That Are Surprisingly Smart to Stockpile
- How to Clean a Wood Cutting Board
- 15 Safe Ways to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet Without Ruining the Seasoning
- 12 Things Professional Organizers Would Never Store Under the Kitchen Sink
- 12 Small Habits That Make a Big Difference in Keeping Your Home Clean
