Dirty Dishes in a Sink
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Dish soap is specially designed to get your dishes clean and grease-free. If you run out of dish soap, however, there are alternative ways to get your dishes clean.

History

Soap
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For most of history, one type of soap was used to complete many different household tasks. A bar soap made with lye and various fats was used to wash hands, do laundry and clean dishes.

Properties of Liquid Hand Soap

Pressing Hand Soap
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Many types of liquid hand soap have antibacterial and antifungal additives that can help clean and sanitize your dishes. In addition, liquid hand soap will dissolve in your dishwater easier.

Types

Sponge and dish soap
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Most hand soap you buy from a store or market is actually a type of detergent. Detergent hand soap will foam better in the dishwater, but soap will be gentler on the skin. Both are milder than dish soap but can work well when used in hot dishwater.