Best washing up liquids: 5 top buys for cleaning your dishes

Keep your dishes clean with our pick of the best washing up liquids from Ecover to Method and Waitrose

cleaning stainless steel cutlery
(Image credit: Getty)

Looking for a simple solution to keep your dishes squeaky clean? The best washing up liquids from our pick will do the job. Some of you may be thinking that all washing up liquids are the same, and it doesn't matter which one you use. However, while they are all created to do the same thing – clean your dishes – some have fewer chemicals than others, or are super-tough on stains or great smelling. We've rounded up a good selection to give you plenty of choice.

Check out the Real Homes pick of the 50 best cleaning products for your home.

The best washing up liquids

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Ecover Chamomile & Marigold washing-up liquid

1. Ecover Chamomile & Marigold washing-up liquid

The best washing up liquid to clean your dishes

Specifications

Best for: All-rounder
Scent: Chamomile and Marigold
Size: 450ml

Reasons to buy

+
Recyclable
+
Plant-based ingredients
+
Refills available
+
Available in more scents
+
Cruelty-free

A great all-rounder, this is our pick of the best washing up liquids. It comes in a 100 per cent recycled plastic bottle and is made from completely biodegradable plant-based ingredients. We've found that it does a good job on tough stains, it's great for those with sensitive skin and a little goes a long way. In terms of the scent, our favourite is the Chamomile & Clementine, but they also have the very pleasant Pomegranate & Fig, Lily & Lotus, Lemon & Aloe and a zero-fragrance alternative.

Ecozone Sensitive Washing Up Liquid

2. Ecozone Sensitive Washing Up Liquid

Tough on grease and stains, but eco-friendly

Specifications

Best for: Sensitive skin
Scent: None
Size: 500ml

Reasons to buy

+
Gentle
+
Vegan and cruelty-free
+
Allergy UK friendly 
+
Multi-purpose

Reasons to avoid

-
Not fragranced

Kind to the environment while leaving you with sparkling dishes, this is the best washing up liquid for those who have sensitive skin. Vegan, cruelty-free and Allergy UK certified, this non-fragranced delicate liquid foams to cut through grease with ease. You can also use it to clean hard waterproof surfaces.

Morrisons Lemon Blast Washing Up Liquid

3. Morrisons Lemon Blast Washing Up Liquid

The best budget washing up liquid for a great smell and even better clean

Specifications

Best for: Budget
Scent: Lemon
Size: 450ml

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Great smell
+
Powerful

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best for the environment

A great value washing up liquid that is a fraction of the price of other brands, this lemon-scented liquid does a good job of cutting through grease and baked-on foods. The scent, although strong, isn't overpowering, and a little of the product goes a long way in terms of foam. For clean dishes and a happy wallet, this is the best washing liquid you can buy.

method Lemon Mint Washing Up Liquid

4. method Lemon Mint Washing Up Liquid

This washing up liquid eats dirty dishes for breakfast

Specifications

Best for: Tough stains
Scent: Mint and Lemon
Size: 532ml

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-concentrated
+
Vegan and cruelty-free
+
Available in different scents
+
Largest on the list

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may not be keen on the pump bottle

This ultra-concentrated washing-up liquid is great for times when you've left the washing up a little too long, and are have stubborn food to remove as a result. One pump into your dirty pan, bowl or oven dish and wiping clean will be easy. It's also biodegradable, cruelty-free and vegan, and for those who aren't keen on the Lemon and Mint scent, it comes in Clementine or Cucumber, too. We probably wouldn't suggest using it as an everyday washing up liquid, but it's definitely our choice of the best washing up liquid for really tough stains.

Waitrose ECOlogical Washing Up Liquid

5. Waitrose ECOlogical Washing Up Liquid

Eco-friendly and available in your local supermarket

Specifications

Best for: Supermarket
Scent: Grapefruit & Eucalyptus
Size: 500ml

Reasons to buy

+
Vegan
+
Recyclable
+
Smells good
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Can dry out hands easily

A credit to the rest of the Waitrose ECOlogical range, this washing up liquid cuts through dirt with ease, all while smelling lovely and being kind to the planet. Featuring a recyclable label, bottle and cap, this eco-friendly washing up liquid will leave your dishes squeaky clean and your kitchen smelling divine. Some reviewers felt it made their skin dry on their hands, but washing up gloves would solve that problem. Our top pick of the best supermarket washing up liquid.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.

SPONSORS