How to Wash Clothes with Lemon Washing Up Liquid
By Faith In Nature: Natural Beauty Products and Natural ... | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use lemon washing up liquid as a gentle laundry detergent alternative for hand-washing delicates and small loads.
Quick answer
Yes, you can use lemon washing up liquid to hand-wash delicate clothes, but it is not a replacement for machine laundry detergent. Use a small amount, rinse thoroughly, and reserve it for gentle, small loads.
When to use washing up liquid for laundry
Lemon washing up liquid is designed to cut grease on dishes, not to clean fabrics in a washing machine. However, its gentle, plant-based formula can work well for hand-washing silk, wool, lace, or other delicates that require a mild cleanser. Avoid using it on cotton, synthetics, or heavily soiled items, as it may not remove ground-in dirt or rinse out completely in a machine.
The concentrated nature of a product like Faith In Nature Lemon Washing Up Liquid means a little goes a long way. Because it is free of sulphates and parabens, it is less likely to irritate sensitive skin than many conventional detergents. Still, washing up liquid lacks the enzymes and optical brighteners found in purpose-made laundry detergents, so it is best reserved for occasional hand-washing rather than your weekly machine load.
How to hand-wash clothes with lemon washing up liquid
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water: Use a clean sink, bucket, or basin. Cold or lukewarm water is best for delicates. Hot water can set stains and damage silk or wool. Checkpoint: Water that feels warm to the wrist is safe for most delicates.
- Add a few drops of lemon washing up liquid: Dispense 2-3 drops of concentrated lemon washing up liquid into the water. Swirl to disperse. Do not pour it directly onto the fabric, as the concentrated formula may leave a sticky spot. Common mistake: Using too much creates excess suds that are hard to rinse and may leave a film on the fabric.
- Submerge and gently agitate the clothes: Place the garments in the water and gently swish them with your hands for 2-3 minutes. Do not scrub, twist, or wring, especially on silk or wool. Checkpoint: If the water turns very sudsy, you have used too much product. Drain and start again with less.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean cool water. Swish the clothes to remove all traces of the washing up liquid. Repeat until no suds remain. Common mistake: Skipping a second rinse can leave residue that attracts dirt and dulls colors.
- Press out excess water and air-dry: Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, roll it up to absorb moisture, then unroll and reshape. Hang or lay flat away from direct sunlight. Do not wring or machine dry. Checkpoint: Hanging heavy knits can stretch them out. Always dry flat for wool and cashmere.
Product used in this guide
- Lemon washing up liquid 5L: Our 99% natural origin washing up liquid is formulated with lemon oil for an uplifting aroma and to cut through grease. It is concentrated, vegan, and free of parabens and sulphates. Because it is concentrated and sulphate-free, you only need a few drops for a basin of water, and it rinses clean without leaving residue on delicate fabrics.
Lemon washing up liquid 5L
