The Kitchen Bar: A Sustainable Alternative to Washing-Up Liquid

The Kitchen Bar: A Sustainable Alternative to Washing-Up Liquid

Take a quick look at most kitchen sinks and you’ll probably spot at least one plastic bottle of washing-up liquid, maybe more. They’re so common we barely notice them, but the truth is, these bottles are one of the biggest contributors to household plastic waste. Even if you recycle, many still end up in landfills or pollute our waterways, where they can take hundreds of years to break down.

That’s why more people are looking for alternatives that work just as well, but without the waste. Our Kitchen Bar is a great way to eliminate the need for plastic when you wash the dishes. Made with natural lime and lemon essential oils, it’s tough on grease, gentle on skin, and packaged in fully recycled and recyclable card.

dishwashing bar soap

Unlike traditional washing-up liquids packaged in single-use plastic bottles, our eco-friendly dish bar is handmade in the UK with plant-based ingredients and naturally scented with zesty lime and lemon essential oils. These essential oils don’t just smell amazing, they’re powerful degreasers that cut through stubborn grime with ease.

Why Choose a Dishwashing Bar Over Washing-Up Liquid?

Every year, millions of plastic washing-up liquid bottles end up in landfills or pollute our oceans. Even if you recycle, the truth is that plastic recycling rates are low, and bottles are a huge contributor to household waste.

By switching to our plastic-free Kitchen Bar, you can:

Eliminate the need for unnecessary plastic bottles.

Reduce your household’s environmental footprint.

Support sustainable packaging with fully recyclable and recycled card

Do Dish Soap Bars Make Bubbles?

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “Will it foam up like washing-up liquid?”

Our natural kitchen bar soap will create a nice lather, but unlike commercial washing-up liquid, it won't produce masses of bubbles, and that’s a good thing.

Most traditional washing-up liquids contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a synthetic foaming agent introduced in the mid 1900s. It was marketed as making cleaning “more effective” because it produces lots of bubbles. But here’s the truth: SLS doesn’t clean your dishes; it just makes a foam.

washing up suds

Is SLS Harmful to Skin?

Yes, SLS is a known irritant and can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, or even eczema flare-ups in sensitive skin types. For people who already suffer from skin conditions, daily contact can make symptoms worse.

That’s why we make our Kitchen Bar with gentle, plant-based cleansers and essential oils, so it’s kind to your skin as well as the planet.

Do Dish Soap Bars Clean as Well as Liquid Soap?

Yes, and they’re actually better. Our Kitchen Bar cleans just as effectively as traditional liquid soaps, removing grease and grime with plant-based ingredients and natural citrus oils. But unlike commercial liquids, it’s gentle on your skin, kind to your dishes, and better for the planet. Plus, each bar lasts up to three times longer than a typical bottle of washing-up liquid, making it a smarter, more sustainable choice for your kitchen.

What Are the Best Natural Ingredients to Clean Dishes?

The most effective natural ingredients for washing dishes are coconut oil, castor oil, and citrus essential oils. Coconut oil (Sodium Cocoate) removes grease naturally, while castor oil (Sodium Castorate) creates a smooth, gentle lather. Lemon and lime essential oils are antibacterial, help lift stubborn food residues, and leave a fresh scent. All these ingredients are biodegradable, vegan, and safe for septic systems, making them ideal for sustainable dishwashing.

lemon and lime ingredients for dishwashing soap bar

Where Can I Buy the Kitchen Bar?

The Kitchen Bar is available through the Friendly Soap website. Each bar comes in plastic-free, recyclable packaging, helping you reduce waste while enjoying sparkling clean dishes.

Friendly soap kitchen bar being used to wash some dishes

Why Choose the Kitchen Bar?

Our natural Kitchen Bar combines effective cleaning power with sustainability. It’s handmade in the UK with plant-based ingredients. It is designed to reduce plastic waste and to protect your hands and the environment. This versatile dishwashing soap bar is a smarter, greener way to keep your kitchen sparkling.

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