Homemade Low-Tox Dish Spray

Looking for a safer way to tackle dirty dishes? Discover the best DIY low-tox dish spray that is tough on grease but gentle on your health and the environment.

Woman's hand holding blue spray bottle in front of pan with dish soap on it.

For the longest time, I thought that blue dish spray was magic in a bottle. It cut through grease like nothing else, made my sink sparkle, and honestly? I felt like a cleaning pro every time I used it. I didn’t even question it—if it worked, it must be great… right?

But then I started paying more attention to the ingredients in the products I was using every day around my family. And let me tell you, once I learned what was actually in that bright blue spray, I was shocked.

Harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce—definitely not something I wanted all over my dishes (and by extension, my kids’ mouths).

The good news? Making your own low-tox dish spray is so much easier than I expected. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and gives me peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in it.

If you’re ready to swap out the toxins without sacrificing clean dishes, here’s how to make your own DIY dish spray that actually works.

Dish Spray Recipe

Blue spray bottle and dish soap bottle on counter.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own dish spray:

1/4 cup clean ingredient dish soap (I use this one)
14-15 ounces of water

Add the dish soap to your spray bottle (I still use the blue spray bottle because it has the best sprayer! But you can use a glass bottle to cut down on plastic).

You can use a measuring cup or eyeball it if you want!

Add enough water to fill up the bottle. Shake to combine and the dish soap is ready to use!

*Other recipes call for rubbing alcohol, but I don’t find that’s necessary to clean the dishes and it’s an ingredient I don’t want my family ingesting.

Dish Spray Uses

Woman's hand holding blue spray bottle over rug with hands on sprayer.

Here are some additional uses for homemade dish spray beyond cleaning your dishes:

Wipe Down Kitchen Counters
- Spray it on your countertops to cut through grease and food residue—especially after cooking. Just be sure to spot test if you have natural stone like granite or marble.
Clean High Chair Trays and Booster Seats
- Perfect for cleaning up sticky messes after mealtime. A low-tox formula is much safer for little hands and mouths.
Spot Clean Cabinets and Drawer Fronts
- Dish spray is great for removing fingerprints, food splatters, and grime from kitchen cabinetry.
Degrease the Stove and Oven Door
- Spritz and let it sit for a minute or two before wiping. It helps break down grease without harsh fumes.
Shine Up the Sink
- Use it to clean and deodorize your sink. Rinse with warm water afterward for a sparkly finish.
Wipe Down Trash Cans
- Quickly clean off any sticky spots or drips on your kitchen trash can lid and sides.
Clean Car Interiors
- It’s gentle enough to use on dashboards and cup holders (again, always spot test first!).
Refresh Toys or Play Kitchen Items
- A light mist can clean plastic toys or play food sets—just wipe them down with a damp cloth after.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Store-Bought

Woman hold blue spray bottle in front of pan she's washing.

The popular store-bought brand of dish spray costs about $5 or about $0.31/ounce.

The homemade version costs about $0.43 to make which comes out to $0.03/ounce. It’s so much cheaper and better for you than the store-bought version!

FAQs

Does low-tox dish spray really work as well as store-bought brands?

Yes! When made with the right ingredients, a DIY dish spray can be just as effective at cutting grease and cleaning up messes—without the harsh chemicals.

Is it safe to use on baby bottles and kids’ dishes?

Definitely—just be sure to rinse thoroughly after use. Since you’re avoiding synthetic fragrances and toxic ingredients, it’s a much safer choice for little ones.

How long does homemade dish spray last?

Since it doesn’t contain preservatives, it’s best to use it within a few weeks. Store it in a cool, dark place and shake before each use.

Can I add essential oils for scent?

Absolutely! Lemon, orange, tea tree, or lavender are great options. Just make sure the oils you use are pure and safe for food contact surfaces.

What if my spray leaves streaks or residue?

Try adjusting the ratio of soap to water, and even add in some vinegar. Sometimes a little less soap can make a big difference. Also, make sure you’re using filtered water to avoid mineral deposits.