UK Guide To Eco-Friendly Washing-Up Liquid

Are you looking for eco-friendly washing-up liquid in the UK? I burst the bubble on some of the so-called green brands and show which brands clean up in terms of ethics.

Washing up dirty dishes definitely isn’t one of my favourite activities. Yet, with the drudgery of cleaning dirty dishes comes an opportunity to do good, to ditch the polluting big brands, and to support ethical brands that are creating a positive environmental impact.

I’ve done all the testing and digging and found the best eco-friendly washing-up liquid and laundry detergent brands out there. From the brands using plastic-free packaging to those making plant-based and cruelty-free cleaners. And even to those with social enterprise models to make cleaning kind.

Dishing The Dirt On Detergent

Washing-up liquid adverts always paint a squeaky-clean picture. A quick purchase, an even quicker wipe, and your dishes are magically pristine. But behind this façade lies a murkier picture. 

Most of the big brands, such as Fairy, Persil, and Finish, are littered with issues that can mean big environmental issues. And even the brands that position themselves as more sustainable, such as Ecover and Method, are both owned by cleaning giants SC Johnson – a company linked to greenwashing, poor workers’ rights, and animal testing.

The Plastic Packaging Problem

Although plastic bottles are ‘widely recycled’ in the UK, that statement is ambiguous. A recent Greenpeace report showed that some recyclable UK plastic waste actually ends up being incinerated or sent abroad.

While there are some great initiatives out there using increased recycled content or plant-based plastics, it’s still plastic. This plastic still has a disposal issue, and it still carries a carbon footprint. When it comes to plastic, refusal, reduction, and reuse are clearly the only ways forward.

The good news is that there are loads of great brands offering innovative alternatives. Here are some options to look out for:

• Refills – Look for refillable washing-up liquid and laundry detergent so single-use plastic bottles can be used again and again
• Bulk buying options – Meaning less plastic per ml of product
• Alternatives – Natural solutions and innovative products that come with no packaging at all

Polluting Ingredients In Washing-Up Liquid

Most conventional washing-up liquid brands contain a range of chemicals that are designed to break down dirt and carry it away. They also provide fragrance, a particular look, or just bulk out the active ingredients. 

These detergents also contain surfactants. These do the job of keeping the dirt suspended. Surfactants now have to be aerobically biodegradable. This means that they need to break down by 60% in the presence of oxygen within 28 days.

It’s a step in the right direction. However, biodegradability depends on the conditions within the waterways, and nature doesn’t always play by specific rules. 

Added to this, surfactants can be created from a variety of sources. These include waste from the petroleum industry, plant oils (such as coconut), or sugar. All of this can mean problematic supply chains, links to deforestation, and unfair wages. 

Instead, look out for products that contain plant-based, readily biodegradable surfactants. Another thing to look out for is companies that have robust policies on ingredient sourcing in their supply chains.

Palm Oil

This goes for palm oil, too. Many cleaning products contain it, and not all palm oil comes from a certified source. However, we know that palm oil production is heavily linked to deforestation, as virgin forest is cleared to grow crops. Therefore, look for products that are palm-oil-free.

If you can’t find palm oil-free, eco-friendly washing-up liquid, then look for companies that are transparent about their supply chains and use Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)-certified ingredients.

Carbon Ratings 

A lot of energy goes into producing highly synthesised cleaning products and their heavy plastic packaging. This can mean large emissions and a big carbon footprint. However, now more than ever, we face an urgent need for companies to reduce their environmental impact. Yet many of the bigger brands have a long way to go. 

For the best eco-friendly washing-up liquid, look for companies that are taking meaningful steps to reduce their emissions. This includes reporting fully on every element of their supply chain. This also includes working towards carbon emission reduction targets that are in line with international climate agreements. 

Many brands now offer concentrated versions of washing-up liquid to cut down on shipping emissions. Since the largest ingredient in washing-up liquid is water, it makes perfect sense to add this at home.

Animal Testing 

Since 2015, the UK has banned animal testing on final cleaning products. However, frustratingly, that doesn’t include ingredients. The testing of these ingredients can be hidden in supply chains. To help keep you right, look for companies that have animal rights accreditation. These include the Leaping Bunny, PETA, and Vegan Society logos. 

The UK Eco-Friendly Washing-Up Liquid Brands To Know

Here are the brands to look for, which are cleaning up the planet as well as your dishes:

Faith In Nature

Faith In Nature washing-up liquid (£32.99 for 5 litres) is made in the UK from plant-derived ingredients and natural lemon oil. This means it cuts through grease effectively while filling your kitchen with a fresh, zesty scent.

There are no parabens, sulphates, or silicones hidden in the formula, just biodegradable ingredients that leave plates and glasses sparkling. It’s also approved by the Vegan Society and is completely cruelty-free.

The 5-litre refill bottles help to reduce plastic waste in the kitchen, offering around 350 washes in one container – almost a year’s worth of clean dishes! The bottle is fully recyclable or can be returned to Faith In Nature.

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Bower Collective

Bower Collective’s washing-up liquid (from £4.99) is made from naturally derived ingredients and infused with pure essential oils. Yet, despite being free from toxins and synthetic nasties, there’s zero compromise on performance. It’s tough on grease, leaving dishes spotless.

It’s available in three different fragrances – including pomegranate, grapefruit, lavender, alongside a fragrance-free option.

To help reduce waste, Bower uses its innovative BowerPack™ refill system. Each 1-litre pack can tackle around 100 washes. And once empty, you simply send it back in the freepost envelope provided. The pouches are then refilled and reused again and again, eliminating single-use plastic waste from your kitchen.

Proudly made in the UK, Bower is B-Corp certified, upholding high standards for people and planet. And with every placed, Bower Collective supports CleanHub, who intercept ocean-bound plastic waste in Kerala, India. This helps to support sustainable jobs while protecting the ocean.

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Miniml

Miniml’s washing-up liquid (from £3.50) is made in Yorkshire, and is tough on grease, grime, and dirt.

It’s available in two scents – wild rhubarb and lemon, and apple orchard. The formula – like all Miniml cleaning products – is vegan, cruelty-free, readily biodegradable, and free from VOCs, sulphates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.

And to help cut waste, Miniml uses a clever closed-loop system. Simply refill your bottle using a 1L or 5L pouch, then return empties to Miniml to be cleaned and reused. Alternatively, find eco-friendly refill stations around the UK to top up the plastic-free way.

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Ecoleaf

Ecoleaf washing-up liquid (from £3.15 at Ethical Superstore) is a gentle yet powerful way to keep your dishes sparkling clean without relying on harsh chemicals.

Made in the UK from sustainably sourced plant extracts and RSPO palm oil, it’s vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and fully biodegradable. And unlike many conventional options, it’s free from parabens, phthalates, and triclosan

It’s available in two scents – citrus fruits or orange blossom and cedar. And as well as being available in smaller bottles, you can buy it in bulk to cut down on plastic waste.

What’s even better is that Suma, the organisation behind Ecoleaf, runs on a pioneering workers’ cooperative model. Here, every member is paid the same and has an equal say in how the business is run, creating a fairer and more transparent workplace.

Suma is also committed to ethical trading, supporting organic and sustainable production, and reducing environmental impact across its supply chain.

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Kit & Kin

Kit & Kin’s sustainable washing-up liquid (from £4.99) combines plant-based cleaning power with deliciously-scented pink grapefruit and orange essential oils.

Made from 100% naturally derived ingredients, it’s tough on grease yet gentle on hands. Free from harsh chemicals and preservatives, this biodegradable formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and pet-friendly, so it’s safe for the whole household.

Made in the UK, the washing-up liquid comes in stylish glass bottles, with refill pouches available to reduce waste. Each 1L refill pouch provides enough liquid for over 100 bowls of washing, and you can return empty pouches free of charge for specialist recycling.

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Homethings

Homethings (£7.50 for three sachets) offer eco-friendly washing-up liquid with a difference. Instead of buying a big bottle or pouch, you simply add water to their innovative powder-to-gel sachets, shake, and you’ve got a full bottle of effective washing-up liquid.

Each sachet is made in the UK and makes 350ml of washing-up liquid, which cuts through grease and grime just as well as traditional liquids, leaving dishes sparkling clean. They come in three choices: fresh apple & nashi pear, wild rhubarb, or a simple fragrance-free option.

The sachets themselves are easy to recycle with paper, and everything arrives in 100% recyclable packaging. And all products are vegan and cruelty-free as standard.

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Greenscents

Greenscents organic washing-up liquid (£6.85 at Abel & Cole) is a highly-concentrated eco-friendly solution that’s tough on grease and baked on food.

Made from certified organic soap nuts and shikakai pods, it naturally foams and lifts grime without harsh chemicals or palm oil.

Available in Citrus, Lavender, Minty, or fragrance-free Nonscents, it’s also biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free, and Soil Association certified. This makes it safe for babies, pets, and those with sensitive skin.

It comes in a refillable glass bottle, and Greenscents offers refill options in 5L and 20L bottles. The empty containers can also be returned for free cleaning and reuse.

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Bio-D

Finally, Bio-D washing-up liquid (from £2.65 at Ethical Superstore) is designed to get dishes sparkling clean while keeping things gentle on both your skin and the planet.

Made in the UK, it’s formulated using RSPO-sourced palm oil, and vegan-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients. It also avoids harsh synthetic ingredients, such as parabens and phthalates.

It’s available in mandarin, pink grapefruit, or Yorkshire rhubarb scents, as well as a fragrance-free choice. Plus, it’s widely available in health and whole food shops, refill shops, and online at Ethical Superstore.

Where plastic packaging is used, it is 100% recycled. There’s even a solid dishwashing bar, if you want to side-step plastic completely.

What About Eco-Friendly Homemade Washing-Up Liquid?

I have tried many different variants over the years in the quest to make effective homemade washing-up liquid, and sadly, I haven’t found anything that works.

It feels like it should be easy, but most natural ingredients aren’t quite up to the job. They tend to leave greasy films on dishes, struggle with cutting through tough food residues, and can even leave glasses looking streaky.

I found I was using more water and soap than I needed to – which didn’t feel very eco-friendly – and my dishes still didn’t feel particularly clean.

I looked into it more and found that the reason for this is that commercial washing-up liquids contain surfactants and stabilisers designed to lift off oils and keep the formula consistent. These ingredients aren’t readily available to everyday consumers, which means it’s hard to replicate a good washing-up liquid in a kitchen setting with natural ingredients.

More Sustainable Cleaning Resources

• Check out my handy guide to eco-friendly fabric conditioner for more sustainable laundry recommendations.

This post was originally written by Emma Oddie from Ethical Consumer Magazine, and published in 2021. It was significantly rewritten by Wendy on 30th September 2025.