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  4. 10 Best Washing Up Liquids UK 2024 | Ecover, Bio-D and More
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10 Best Washing Up Liquids UK 2024 | Ecover, Bio-D and More

Washing the dishes seems to be a task that never ends. Even if you have a dishwasher, not everything can wait for the next load to be put through, and whether it's one mug, baby bottles or a pile of bowls and pans from a family dinner, there's almost always something sitting in or next to the sink that needs a scour and a rinse.


We're not promising we can make scrubbing the pots any more enjoyable, but what we can do is help you find a washing up liquid that will do the job well first time. We've chosen our top 10 picks of the bestselling washing up liquids to buy online from Amazon, Tesco and Asda, featuring big names such as Fairy alongside natural, sensitive skin-friendly options with great ethical credentials like Ecover.

Last updated 27/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Washing Up Liquid in the UK – Buying Guide

To begin, we'll look at the different things to bear in mind when choosing a washing up liquid. In particular, given the greater importance paid to environmental considerations by many consumers, we're going to focus on ways you can be sure your liquid is as green as possible, and as good for you as it is for your dishes.

1

Choose a Scent that Won't Put You Off, or Go Fragrance-Free for Fewer Chemicals

Choose a Scent that Won't Put You Off, or Go Fragrance-Free for Fewer Chemicals

When choosing a washing up liquid that will hopefully last you several weeks or even months, it's definitely worth going for one with a smell you'll enjoy, or at the very least won't mind. A sickly-sweet or overly fragranced scent could make an often gruelling task even less enjoyable, or even put you off doing the dishes completely!


Luckily there's a lot of variety in the scents on offer, with some companies making their carefully-crafted aromas a key selling point. If you're more interested in keeping things clean and neutral, however - or you just want to keep the chemical count to a minimum - there are plenty of perfume/fragrance-free washing up liquids on the market.

2

Consider Where the Ingredients Are Derived from - Crude Oil or Plant-Based

Consider Where the Ingredients Are Derived from - Crude Oil or Plant-Based

One thing we should make clear from the outset – there is no evidence to suggest that any of the washing up liquids on our list are safer to humans than others. All washing up liquids sold in the UK are subject to strict regulations, and meet the same minimum standards for toxicity and biodegradability. Nor are any of the products on our list tested on animals.


However, some of you may prefer to use a washing up liquid that does not contain ingredients derived from petrochemicals. Our dependence on crude oil as a source of energy and materials is problematic for many, and a shift to more natural ingredients in cleaning products is seen as a way to move beyond this.


Petrochemical ingredients also take longer to break down, and can pose a threat to marine life. Furthermore, more natural ingredients are likely to be less aggravating to those with sensitive skin. Lots of good reasons to pay attention to what goes in to your washing up liquid!

3

Think About If the Bottle Is Made From Recycled Materials and Is Recyclable

Think About If the Bottle Is Made From Recycled Materials and Is Recyclable

Our use of plastics, and where they end up after we're done with them, has been the source of a great deal of consumer concern and guilt in recent years. So it's no surprise that for many washing up liquid manufacturers, the materials they use to make their bottles, and how easily they can be recycled once they're empty are touted as big selling points.


Unlike a lot of other packaging used in supermarkets, the plastic used to make most washing up liquid bottles is, thankfully, readily recycled in this country, and most of the bottles on our list can be recycled


What differs more greatly is the use of recycled materials in the production of bottles, with some companies using 100% recycled materials, others a small percentage, and some using none. If it's important to you, it may be worth finding out which of these it is. 

4

Refills Cut Down on Plastics and Save You Money

Refills Cut Down on Plastics and Save You Money

Some more ethically and environmentally-minded companies have gone one step further in the war on plastic waste and offer different refill options. If you're really serious about cutting down on plastic then this could be a deciding factor when choosing a washing up liquid, but it's also a great way to save money, as these refills are usually cheaper.


There are two different types of refill schemes. Under the first, you can purchase large containers of the washing up liquid yourself online and top your bottle up at home. 


The second more ambitious (and even greener) scheme sees the liquid being shipped in vats direct to certain stockists, allowing shoppers to pop along and refill their bottles in store, saving even more packaging. Such schemes may not be available in your area yet, but they are slowly being rolled out to more and more locations around the country.

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Top 10 Best Washing Up Liquids in the UK

Having gone through what to look for in a washing up liquid, it's now time to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in to our top 10 best washing up liquids.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Ecover

Lemon & Aloe Washing Up Liquid

Ecover Lemon & Aloe Washing Up Liquid 1

£1.60

Mid

The Market Leader That Ticks All the Boxes

2

Bio-D

Concentrated Washing Up Liquid

Bio-D Concentrated Washing Up Liquid  1

£5.80

High Mid

A Plant-Based Washing Up Liquid in a Supersized Bottle

3

Method

Coconut Water Washing Up Liquid

Method Coconut Water Washing Up Liquid 1

£3.00

Mid

Get Pumped to Clean Dishes

4

Fairy

Platinum Washing Up Liquid

Fairy Platinum Washing Up Liquid 1

£2.00

Mid

The Benchmark Washing Up Liquid With Unbeaten Cleaning Power

5

Ecozone

Sensitive Washing Up LiquidPack of 2

Ecozone Sensitive Washing Up Liquid 1

£9.47

High Mid

Tough on Grease, Delicate on Skin

6

Seventh Generation

Fresh Citrus & Ginger Fragranced Washing Up Liquid

Seventh Generation Fresh Citrus & Ginger Fragranced Washing Up Liquid 1

£2.00

Mid

An Eco Washing Up Liquid That Invigorates the Senses

7

Wilton

Eco Washing Up LiquidPack of 3

Wilton Eco Washing Up Liquid 1

£13.50

High

A Luxury Eco Washing Up Liquid

8

Tesco

Original Washing Up Liquid

Tesco Original Washing Up Liquid 1

A Bargain Own-Brand that Gets the Job Done

9

Surcare

Sensitive Washing Up Liquid

Surcare Sensitive Washing Up Liquid 1

£1.25

Low Mid

A Gentle Washing Up Liquid for Sensitive Skin

10

Fairy

Antibacterial Washing Up Liquid

Fairy Antibacterial Washing Up Liquid 1

£1.50

Low Mid

Fairy Cleaning With Added Antibacterial Peace of Mind

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

EcoverLemon & Aloe Washing Up Liquid

Lemon & Aloe Washing Up Liquid 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£1.60
Mid
Reference price
£1.60
Mid

The Market Leader That Ticks All the Boxes

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.

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No.2

Bio-DConcentrated Washing Up Liquid

Concentrated Washing Up Liquid  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.80
High Mid
Reference price
£5.80
High Mid

A Plant-Based Washing Up Liquid in a Supersized Bottle

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. 

No.3

MethodCoconut Water Washing Up Liquid

Reference price
£3.00
Mid

Get Pumped to Clean Dishes

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


No.4

FairyPlatinum Washing Up Liquid

Reference price
£2.00
Mid

The Benchmark Washing Up Liquid With Unbeaten Cleaning Power

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. 

No.5

EcozoneSensitive Washing Up LiquidPack of 2

Sensitive Washing Up Liquid 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.47
High Mid
Reference price
£9.47
High Mid

Tough on Grease, Delicate on Skin

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.  

No.6

Seventh GenerationFresh Citrus & Ginger Fragranced Washing Up Liquid

Fresh Citrus & Ginger Fragranced Washing Up Liquid 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£2.00
Mid
Reference price
£2.00
Mid

An Eco Washing Up Liquid That Invigorates the Senses

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. 

No.7

WiltonEco Washing Up LiquidPack of 3

Eco Washing Up Liquid 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.50
High
Reference price
£13.50
High

A Luxury Eco Washing Up Liquid

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. 

No.8

TescoOriginal Washing Up Liquid

A Bargain Own-Brand that Gets the Job Done

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. 

No.9

SurcareSensitive Washing Up Liquid

Sensitive Washing Up Liquid 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£1.25
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.25
Low Mid

A Gentle Washing Up Liquid for Sensitive Skin

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. 

No.10

FairyAntibacterial Washing Up Liquid

Antibacterial Washing Up Liquid 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£1.50
Low Mid

Fairy Cleaning With Added Antibacterial Peace of Mind

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Washing up is one of life's menial tasks, but that's not to say that there aren't questions about the logistics of using washing up liquid that we've all felt too embarrassed to ask. So we've answered them for you.

How Much Washing Up Liquid Should You Use?

This can largely depend on the number of dishes you need to clean. An amount the size of a 2p coin should cover your typical after dinner load; you should also keep in mind that even after those fluffy suds disappear, the liquid is still there doing its job.

Is Washing Up Liquid Antibacterial?

Not all washing up liquids are antibacterial, but they will still kill most of the bacteria from what you are cleaning. The antibacterial aspect usually only serves to bolster the protection from germ buildup on the sponge itself. That said, you should always remember to remove excess water from the sponge once you’ve finished. 

Is Washing Up Liquid Toxic?

While the substances that makeup washing up liquid are considered hazardous, accidentally ingesting a small amount shouldn’t do any harm. However, if a large amount is consumed, it may result in nausea and vomiting; if this occurs, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to be on the safe side.

Other Fantastic Products for Cleaning

Other Fantastic Products for Cleaning

Now you know the things to look out for when searching for a washing up liquid, why not take a look at our other recommendations for everything your need to whip your home into shape. 

Summary

Thanks for joining us for a look through the top 10 best washing up liquids in the UK. Whether it's eco credentials, raw brute cleaning power, or cost-effectiveness that's most important to you, we trust you've found something on our list that will find a place in your kitchen. The only thing left to decide is whose turn it is to do the dishes!

Top 5 Washing Up Liquids

No. 1: EcoverLemon & Aloe Washing Up Liquid

No. 2: Bio-DConcentrated Washing Up Liquid

No. 3: MethodCoconut Water Washing Up Liquid

No. 4: FairyPlatinum Washing Up Liquid

No. 5: EcozoneSensitive Washing Up LiquidPack of 2

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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