By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
Best and worst washing-up liquids
We first tested washing-up liquids in 1959, and more than 65 years later we're still at it – now scrutinising the cleaning ability of big brands such as Fairy and Ecover alongside supermarket-own labels from Aldi, Co-op, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.
We only give Best Buy recommendations to washing-up liquids that excel at cleaning. We look at how well they remove fat, how long the foam lasts before you need to use more, and how well it can tackle tough, baked-on grease. Plus we check up on the sustainability claims of each washing-up liquid to see if they're as eco-friendly as claimed.
We also check how long the bubbles last, counting the number of plates that each detergent cleans before the foam disappears. The most expensive washing-up liquids aren't always the best – some of the cheapest can wash almost 65% more dirty plates than the most expensive (per 100ml).
How our tests find you the best
Fat removal
Some washing-up liquids are fine when water’s hot, but are terrible at cutting through baked-on fat in cool water. That's why we test them at 30ºC and at 45ºC.
Long-lasting foam
Products that wash more plates will last longer, reducing how often you need to change the water. We count how many dirty dishes are cleaned before the foam goes.
Baked-on fat
Nothing’s harder to clean by hand than baked-on fat. We use fat from grilled meat and roast potatoes to see how well each liquid cleans it from metal pots and pans.
We also test
We check if the ingredients contain chemicals that could harm aquatic life. Plus whether refills are available and if the packaging can be recycled.
The best washing-up liquids from our tests
Only logged-in Which? members can view the washing-up liquid test results below.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.
| Washing-up liquid | Price | Score | Fat removal | Grease removal | Foam duration | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83% | ||||||
| 78% | ||||||
| 68% | ||||||
| 62% | ||||||
| 58% | ||||||
| 58% | ||||||
| 58% |
Date tested: April 2024. Page last checked: January 2025. Fat removal: How well the washing-up liquid removes fat and grease and keeps it suspended in water, rather than redistributing it back onto dishes. Foam duration: How long the foam lasts before it looks as if you need to change the water when cleaning less intensive everyday grime from plates. Tough grease removal: How well the washing-up liquid removes baked-on grease, such as that left over from roasting potatoes or grilling meat. Sustainability: Based on environmental impact and transparency of ingredients, and the recyclability and filling of packaging.
The following products are listed alphabetically, not in score order.
Aldi Magnum Premium Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Aldi (95p)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 17p
Co-op Lemon Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Co-op (85p)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 450ml
Cost per 100ml 15p
Ecover Lemon & Aloe Vera Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 450ml
Cost per 100ml 40p
Fairy Max Power Antibac Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 640ml
Cost per 100ml 47p
Fairy Max Power Original Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 640ml
Cost per 100ml 47p
Kit & Kin Washing Up Liquid Pink Grapefruit
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Kit & Kin (£5)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml £1
Interested in green cleaning brands? We've dug into the sustainability details on brands including Ecover, Smol, Method and Bio-D
Lidl W5 Original Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Lidl (49p)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 10p
M&S Washing Up Liquid Italian Lemon + Ginger
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 30p
Method Washing-Up Liquid Peach + Pink Pepper
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 532ml
Cost per 100ml 66p
Miniml Washing Up Liquid Rhubarb & Lemon
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Miniml (£3.45)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 70p
Sainsbury's Washing Up Liquid
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Sainsbury's (69p)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 450ml
Cost per 100ml 15p
Waitrose Essential Washing Up Liquid Anti-Bacterial
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Waitrose (£1)
Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Most recently tested April 2024
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 20p
How we test washing-up liquids
Brands regularly reformulate their products, so we test them annually.
How well does it remove fat?
- We count the number of plates a bowl of washing-up liquid can wash before we start to see fat residue left behind on the plates.
- To score washing-up liquids on fat removal, we pour a total of 1.2kg of animal fat onto 742 plates. To reveal the best washing-up liquids, we then count the number of plates each liquid cleans before the fat begins to be re-deposited.
- Tests are carried out at 45°C and 30°C to see whether the washing-up liquid performs as well at a lower temperature.
How long does the foam last?
- We measure how long the foam lasts, because most of us empty the bowl once the foam runs out. This can be a waste of washing-up liquid, as losing the foam doesn't necessarily mean that the liquid isn't capable of cleaning any more dishes.
- 759 plates are smeared with different foods, including beef tallow, margarine, lard and flour. We count the number of plates that each liquid cleans before the foam disappears.
How well does it tackle tough, baked-on grease?
- The tough grease removal test, is a challenge for most washing-up liquids we test. Baked-on fat is the most difficult foodstuff to wash off by hand, according to 61% of Which? members we surveyed.
- The test simulates cleaning leftover fat from grilling meat or roasting potatoes from metal cookware.
What is its environmental impact?
- We look into the ingredients used in washing-up liquid and what their environmental impact is, including whether they are biodegradable, harmful to aquatic life or persistent, and how transparent manufacturers are being about the ingredients they use.
- We take into account how easy the packaging is to recycle and how much information about recyclability is given on the packaging. We also check whether the packaging itself is made from recycled materials and/or whether it's refillable, as well as packaging utilisation (whether the packaging is underfilled).
We regularly revisit the washing-up liquids on sale to see if there are any more popular brands that need testing and when we find them we do.
Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent
Don’t Buy washing-up liquid
Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we call it a Don't Buy. We've tested two washing-up liquids that we've named Don't Buys.
Don't Buy washing-up liquids need to either flunk one of our key washing tests (ie fat or grease removal) or perform below par across the board.
Log in or join Which? to reveal those washing-up liquids we've named Don't Buys.
Eco washing-up liquids: what you need to know
If you're looking to make a more eco-friendly choice, our tests reveal that some plant-based washing-up liquids power through just as many dirty dishes as those containing petrochemical or synthetic-based cleaning agents.
Eco washing-up liquids are generally those that are free of palm oil and use non-toxic ingredients that haven't been tested on animals.
To be a Which? Eco Buy washing up liquids need to do well in our sustainability assessments, which take into account what the washing-up liquid is made of, how recyclable the packaging is and whether you can buy refills to save on single use plastic. And they also need to perform well at their core job, scoring a minimum overall score of 65% plus four stars for sustainability.
Right now, while we have a selection of washing-up liquids that score highly for sustainability, none of them are quite good enough at washing dishes to be a Which? Eco Buy.
Do you really need antibacterial washing-up liquid?
Standard washing-up liquids also kill bacteria, just in the same way hand wash and soap does. So there's no need to buy a special antibacterial washing-up liquid.
Some antibacterial claims are limited to stopping the build-up of germs on washing-up sponges, with manufacturers recommending rinsing the sponge after washing-up, adding more liquid and then squeezing it to distribute the liquid more evenly.
Scrubbing your washing-up sponge after using it and regularly replacing it with a new one is a good way to stop germs spreading.
5 surprising uses for washing-up liquid
Washing-up liquids may be designed to keep dishes squeaky clean, but they can also be a multifunctional home-cleaning product that's perfect for a number of household chores:
- Use it to remove stains Whether it's clothes, carpets or upholstery, washing-up liquid makes a strong contender for a good at-home stain remover. To get your fabrics stain-free and smelling great, apply washing-up liquid and water to the affected area, then launder or wipe clean.
- Wash your windows Using washing-up liquid can take the stress – and expense – out of a tedious job. Just combine a small amount of washing-up liquid in plenty of warm water and use a soft sponge to scrub your entire window down. Then use a window squeegee to clear off the excess, and buff with a microfibre cloth once dry for a streak-free finish
- Clean your bathroom Washing-up liquid lathers exceptionally well, and this foaminess is a great tool against bathroom grime. Standard washing-up liquids will also have antibacterial properties, much like hand soap, so you'll be leaving your bathroom sparkling and germ-free.
- Refresh your garden furniture No one wants to sit on grubby garden furniture at their next barbecue. Before your guests arrive, you can give your patio a refresh with a washing-up liquid cleaning solution. A wipe down with a sponge and soapy water mixture will revive your deckchairs, tables and benches and make your outdoor space much more appealing.
- Fix a creaky door Believe it or not, washing-up liquid can actually help you sort creaky doors – no WD-40 is required. Just a blob or two on your squeaky hinge should suffice, then simply open and close the door a few times to lubricate the joint and the noise should subside.