10 Clever Ways to Use Dawn Around the House

Posted on Apr 30 2017 - 12:19pm by Liz E.

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I’m convinced that the original blue Dawn dish soap is the frugal home’s secret weapon. It can be used to clean literally anything involving grease or goo. I use it on everything from clothing stains to grill grates and even to once to get gum out of my hair.

While most people have probably heard of those uses, there is way more that this little hardworking (and often inexpensive) soap can do. Here are 10 additional ways that I use Dawn around my home:

1. Kill fleas

If you have pets, then fleas are a never-ending and extremely expensive problem. While there are plenty of pesticides and preventative measures, one that I’ve always been a fan of is simply using Dawn dish soap! It is gentle enough to wash even kittens and you can use it with a flea comb to trap the little buggers. If you do bathe your pets, be sure to avoid getting it on your pet’s sensitive areas (including eyes and ears), and use it sparingly as it can lead to dry skin for your furry friend.

A Dawn-water solution can also be used to spray pet bedding; just let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum the area.

2. Remove poison ivy oils

Contrary to popular belief, poison ivy is spread by oil lingering on the skin, not by bursting blisters. The oil can stay active on skin and clothing for years too. Whenever you’re exposed to poison ivy, wash the area thoroughly with Dawn to help dry out the blisters and remove the oil from the skin so you can start the healing process.

3. Kill weeds

Instead of spraying nasty chemicals all over your lawn, simply make a solution using 1/2 teaspoon Dawn, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 gallon of white vinegar. Then spray or pour over weeds you want to kill. This is very effective, though, so be careful you’re only spraying plants you want to kill.

4. De-ice concrete

If you find yourself out of salt to de-ice your driveway, porch, or sidewalk, instead just use some Dawn dish soap! Make a mixture of a gallon of warm water, 2 Tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and 2 teaspoons of Dawn, then dump it on whatever areas you want to de-ice. The water will help melt the ice and the alcohol and Dawn will prevent it from refreezing.

5. Remove shampoo buildup

Over time, sulfates in your shampoo will build up on your hair and make it not as shiny as it should be. To combat this, wash your hair with Dawn dish soap once every few months to help strip all that gunk out of your hair. Be sure to condition afterwards, though, as it will also strip all the good oils out of your hair!

6. Unclog toilet

One easy way to help unclog your toilet is simply using Dawn dish soap and gravity. Pour a cup of Dawn into the clogged stool and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then pour a bucket of hot water into the bowl from a few feet above (around waist height usually does it).

7. Clean windows

Instead of spending money on Windex or other window cleaners simply use a drop of Dawn in a quart of water, mix well, and spray on windows and wipe just like you would with Windex. Make sure you don’t use more than a drop, however, or you’ll end up with a visible film on your window.

8. Defog glasses

Having glasses fog up going into and out of hot and cold areas is one of the worst parts of glasses. To try and prevent this, rub a drop of Dawn on the lenses, then wipe clean with a dry clean cloth. The film from the soap will help combat the fogging effect. Keep in mind that if your glasses get wet, you’ll have to reapply this treatment.

9. Catch fruit flies

Fruit flies drive me crazy in the kitchen, but a few drops of Dawn in a bowl of white vinegar will draw and catch the pests. Just be sure to keep it away from pets and children!

10. Make your own ice packs

Instead of spending money on ice packs, use a freezer bag of any size, fill it with Dawn, then freeze it. It can be used just like an ice pack and refrozen as often as needed. Just make sure you get a freezer bag that seals well.

Do you know of any great uses for Dawn? Leave a note below and let me know!

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