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Best and worst washing-up liquids
We first tested washing-up liquids in 1959, and almost 70 years later, we're still at it – now scrutinising the cleaning ability of big brands such as Ecover, Fairy and Method alongside supermarket own-label products from Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose.
Only washing-up liquids that excel at cleaning get our Best Buy recommendation. We look at how effectively they remove fat, and how well they can tackle tough, baked-on grease.
We also check how long the bubbles last by counting how many plates each detergent cleans before the foam disappears. The most expensive washing-up liquids aren't always the best – some of the cheapest can wash many more dirty plates than the most expensive (per 100ml).
This year, we've also tested washing-up powders from Peace With The Wild, Planet Detox and Taylor Made Refills to see how they compare with traditional washing-up liquid.
How our tests find you the best
We've tested 14 washing-up detergents
We’ve tested 11 washing-up liquids and three washing-up powders to compare how effective they are at cleaning and how much you need to use to do a good job.
Fat removal
Some washing-up liquids are fine when the water’s hot, but terrible at cutting through baked-on fat in cool water. That's why we test them at 30ºC and at 45ºC.
Long-lasting foam
Liquids that wash more plates last longer, reducing how often the water needs to be changed. We count how many dirty dishes are cleaned before the foam disappears.
We also test...
We use fat from roasted meat and potatoes to see how well metal pots and pans are cleaned, and we analyse the price per 100ml to compare the cost.
The best washing-up liquids from our tests
The biggest brands and the 14 most popular washing-up liquids and powders are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view our results.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations.
| Washing-up liquid | Price | Score | No. of plates cleaned at 45°C and 30°C | Fat removal | Grease removal | Foam duration | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableGet Digital access £8.99 per month, cancel at any time. Already a member? | 84% | 46/35 | |||||
| 79% | 43/32 | ||||||
| 78% | 43/29 | ||||||
| 73% | 39/31 | ||||||
| 68% | 37/24 | n/a | |||||
| 65% | 38/23 | n/a | |||||
| 61% | 33/25 | ||||||
| 61% | 34/26 | ||||||
| 58% | 33/25 | ||||||
| 40% | 20/17 | n/a | |||||
| 39% | 21/16 | n/a | |||||
| 31% | 9/9 | n/a | |||||
| 29% | 8/9 | n/a | |||||
| 23% | 4/4 | n/a |
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Date tested: April 2026. Page last checked April 2026. Sustainability rating is based on the chemical composition of the products; 'n/a' means the manufacturer did not share information with us about the chemical composition of its detergent, which prevents us from assessing it fully.
The washing-up liquids we tested
The washing-up liquids and washing-up powders we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view the best washing-up liquids from our tests.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations.
Aldi Magnum Original Washing Up Liquid
Available from Aldi (62p) (Available only in-store)
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 12p
Asda Original Washing-Up Liquid
Available from Asda (62p)
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 12p
Ecover Sensitive Camomile & Clementine Washing-Up Liquid
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 950ml
Cost per 100ml 45p
Fairy Max Power Eucalyptus Antibacterial Washing Up Liquid
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 730ml
Cost per 100ml 48p
Fairy Max Power Original Washing Up Liquid
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 730ml
Cost per 100ml 48p
Fairy Original Washing Up Liquid
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 320ml
Cost per 100ml 31p
Lidl W5 Original Washing Up Liquid
Available from Lidl (62p) (Available only in-store)
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 12p
What about when you're cleaning your dishes in the dishwasher? Discover the best dishwasher tablets in our tests
Method Coconut Water Washing-Up Liquid
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 532ml
Cost per 100ml 1.28p
Peace With The Wild Washing Up Powder
Available from Peace With The Wild (£11.95)
Most recently tested April 2026
Pack size 500g
Cost per 100g £2.39
Planet Detox Lemon Washing Up Powder
Available from Planet Detox (£12.40)
Most recently tested April 2026
Pack size 500g
Cost per 100g £2.48
Sainsbury's Original Washing Up Liquid
Available from Sainsbury's (70p)
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 14p
Taylor Made Refills Washing Up Powder
Available from Taylor Made Refills (£11.95)
Most recently tested April 2026
Pack size 500g
Cost per 100g £2.39
Tesco Original Washing Up Liquid
Available from Tesco (62p)
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 12p
Waitrose Essential Original Washing Up Liquid
Available from Waitrose (80p)
Most recently tested April 2026
Bottle size 500ml
Cost per 100ml 16p
Don’t Buy washing-up liquids
Our tests uncover the best and the worst. If a product performs so poorly that we think you should avoid it, we name it a Don't Buy. We've found five Don't Buy washing-up liquids in the 2026 round of tests.
Don't Buy washing-up liquids either flunked one of our key washing tests, for example fat removal or grease removal, or have blink-and-you'll-miss-them bubbles.
Log in to reveal those washing-up liquids we've named Don't Buys.
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 redeposited.
- 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 it runs out. This can be a waste of washing-up liquid, as losing the foam doesn't necessarily mean the liquid can't clean 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?
- Removing tough grease 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 metal cookware used for grilling meat or roasting potatoes.
How sustainable are the washing-up liquids we test?
- We contact the manufacturer of each product to find out about the detergent's chemical composition. If products contain substances that have long-term adverse effects in the environment, are known to be toxic to aquatic life, or use non-biodegradable substances, they will receive a low sustainability score. If manufacturers don't share this information with us, they won't receive a star rating for sustainability.
- We assess the packaging, including recyclability, how well filled the bottles and packs are and whether refills are available. We also check the labels for all the required safety and environmental information.
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 so.
Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent
Should you clean your dishes with washing-up powder?
Liquids aren't the only option for getting the dishes done. Washing-up powders are also available, and this year we've tested powders from Planet Detox, Peace With The Wild and Taylor Made Refills.
Dishwashing powders are added to a bowl of hot running water and then worked into a lather to wash dishes. The powders tend to come in paper refills, making the packaging plastic-free, and we've seen compostable and recyclable packaging, too.
If you're thinking of switching from a liquid to a powder, be aware that it will cost you. The powders cost around £12 for 500g. If you use around 30g per wash every time you do the dishes, it will cost around 72p with powder. For reference, a bottle of Aldi Magnum Original washing-up liquid costs 62p and a bottle of Fairy Original is £1. So, making the switch away from washing-up liquid won't be cheap.
Log in to find out how these three washing-up powders fared in our dishwashing tests and how they compared with traditional washing-up liquids.
Found the right washing-up liquid? OK, get ready for wash day with the best washing powder and laundry detergents
Do you really need antibacterial washing-up liquid?
There's no need to buy a special antibacterial washing-up liquid, as standard liquids also kill bacteria in the same way handwash and soap do.
Some antibacterial claims are limited to preventing 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 each use 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:
- Remove stains Whether it's clothes, carpets or upholstery, washing-up liquid is 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 mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with plenty of warm water and use a soft sponge to scrub your entire window. 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 refresh your patio with a washing-up liquid cleaning solution. A wipe-down with a sponge and soapy water mixture will revive your deckchairs, tables and benches, making 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.