10 Best Washing Up Liquids UK 2023 | Ecover, Bio-D and More

Ecover have been producing eco-conscious cleaning products for 40 years, and their range of washing up liquids have long been the number one choice for the ethical consumer. They use exclusively plant-based ingredients that are gentle on all skin types, and their bottles are 100% recycled and recyclable. 

Ever at the forefront of innovation, they're also now the first big company to roll out a refill scheme in various locations across the country. If there's not one near you, there's also the option of buying 5 or 15 litre refills from Amazon, to keep under the sink and top up at home.

This perfume-free washing up liquid from eco brand Bio-D is concentrated to provide extra cleaning power with only a tiny squirt at a time. It comes in a huge 750ml bottle that's great for reducing plastic usage, but it can be difficult to handle due to its weight.

As you'd expect from a big eco brand, the bottle is 100% recycled and made from BPA-free plastic. 5 litre refill bottles are available to buy online from Amazon, or ask in your local wholefoods shop. 

One of the main selling points of Method's range of washing up liquids is a feature so simple it's surprising it's not more common. The pump action dispenser means you don't need to pick up the bottle to apply a drop of liquid to your sponge, meaning less crusty mess forming around the top.

Whilst it is one of the more expensive washing up liquids on our list, it does try to position itself as an eco-friendly brand more than some and it lasts for weeks. It also comes in a great range of fragrances. 

Fairy has been the top name in washing up liquids for generations, but has lost some of its dominance as supermarket brands get better and as more turn to greener products. However, Fairy is still the benchmark against which all others are compared, and its Platinum washing up liquid offers the best cleaning power on our list.

Being the best cleaner does mean you'll use less and get through fewer bottles. But the PET plastic used cannot be processed by all recycling centres, so you'll need check with your local authority before putting it in your recycling bin. 

Ecozone sensitive washing up liquid is ideal for those who need something a little more gentle on their skin while doing the dishes. Its mild, long lasting liquid formula is fragrance and colour free yet still tough on grease as you'd like to expect. 

With no skimping on performance, its powerful foaming action cuts through grime and leaves everything sparkling. We love the fact that this brand is British and approved by Allergy UK and PETA.  

Made from 91% plant and mineral-based ingredients; this eco warrior is tough on grease and residue, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. The bottle and cap are made from 100% recycled plastic and are recyclable. 

The formula does not contain dyes or synthetic fragrances and is Leaping Bunny certified so it's not tested on animals. It also comes in a range of scents which are made from 100% essential oils and botanical ingredients. 

Wilton's range of plant-based cleaning products are packaged and marketed like the fancy toiletries you might find in an upmarket hotel. Being a luxury product, it's to be expected that it comes in at over £4 a bottle - one of the priciest on our list - but it is also British made, vegan, and cruelty-free.

In addition to looking classy, this washing up liquid also smells great, with essential oils used to craft it's unique fragrances that also excel at cleaning, like eucalyptus and grapefruit. It scores well on the eco front, too. 

If saving the pennies is your number one concern but you still want your plates to come out sparkling, then you can't go wrong with this great own-brand product from Tesco. In various comparison tests, it's fared well against, or even better than, Fairy Original and costs more than half the price.

It's green in colour but not that green otherwise. The bottle is widely recyclable, but there's no information on the materials used to make it, and it contains the standard mix of petroluem-derived chemicals that some people may prefer to avoid. 

With seals of approval from organisations such as Allergy UK and talkeczema, Surcare is aimed squarely at those with sensitive skin. So if you have a skin condition, or simply find many of the substances used in washing up liquids hard on your hands, then it's worth giving this brand a try.

The formula produces long lasting bubbles and cuts through grease and grime, leaving your dishes sparking every time. There's no fragrances, acids or dyes to keep things as neutral as possible, but petroleum based substances are still used which may put some shoppers off. 

You won't be surprised to see two products by market leader Fairy on our list, and we start off with their antibacterial washing up liquid. The antibacterial ingredients promise to protect your sponge for up to 24 hours. Great if you're grossed out by germs or want to keep your kitchen as bacteria-free as possible.

There's still the cleaning power you expect from Fairy, with an eucalyptus fragrance that smells hygienic without being too clinical or overpowering. However, the chemicals used and overall strength could make it too harsh for extra-sensitive hands.