We partnered with Dawn to offer six ingenious hacks that prove a dish soap is not just a dish soap anymore 

For many, the first clue that Dawn is a different type of soap is that iconic image of an oil-slicked bird being gently bathed with the safe, soapy solution that counters the oil.

While it may not be a go-to for pet care at home, Dawn can be used in a variety of ways beyond the kitchen sink. 

Here are our six uses you may not have considered, but will definitely save you time and energy this summer.

1. Stain eraser

Grease or cooking oil is among the most challenging garment stains to remove. Using Dawn to pre-treat laundry helps with general stains but it’s a serious superhero when it comes to getting out grease. For non-delicate fabrics, just apply a small amount of Dawn directly to the oil mark, rub it into the fabric, and let it set for a few minutes. This is when Dawn’s cleaning agents lift off the grease, so that it’s washed away in the rinse cycle. Continue with your regular wash and drying routine.

For other stains, it’s the same approach. Just be sure not to use more than a teaspoon for the whole load or it will cause excessive suds. And should the stain not come out—though highly unlikely—do not retreat the garment.

2. Brush up clean

Dawn’s gentle but effective cleansing formulation makes it a perfect treatment for delicate makeup brushes. Simply saturate the brush with warm water, squirt a small amount of soap into the palm of your hand, then dip the brush into the soap. Swish the brush around to absorb the soap and work up a lather. Once the soap is worked into the bristles, run it under warm water brushing it back and forth until the water runs clear and the suds disappear. Squeeze out the water—a paper towel will absorb most of the excess water—then reshape the bristles and lay flat to dry.

3. Soak and shine

Restoring the sparkle to jewellery doesn’t have to be messy or an expensive process. Just add a few drops of Dawn to a bowl of warm water and stir. Make sure your jewellery is in good condition for cleaning and that the metals can be exposed to water and cleansers. Put the piece in the water and leave for two minutes. Using a new baby-sized soft toothbrush, gently scrub the item. Rinse the piece in a bowl of fresh lukewarm water. Dry it immediately with a paper towel or cloth that won’t snag any fibres.

4. Clear grilling

Maintain the life of your grill’s surface components with a simple, effective cleaning routine. Combine one teaspoon of Dawn to a gallon of hot water. Dip a sponge into the solution and squeeze out water and suds. Scrub the surface until grease and oil are gone. Avoid getting any of the cleaning solution on the interior components of the grill. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a soft towel.

It’s advisable to first test in an inconspicuous area before washing the entire surface to ensure no damage. Don’t leave the cleansing solution on the grill for an extended length of time so as not to risk damage. This cleaning method is not suitable for unfinished cast iron grills.

5. Out, out darn spot

Oil leaks from vehicles can create unsightly blots on otherwise unblemished stone or concrete driveways and garage floors. The method to lift off a grease or oil stain for these surfaces is similar to cleaning a grill. Mix one teaspoon of Dawn with a gallon of hot water. Using a soft sponge, dip it into the solution and squeeze out the water and suds. Scrub the grease mark until it disappears, then rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Again, test a small inconspicuous area to avoid damage. Do not leave the cleaning solution on the surface for any extended length of time to avoid possible damage, especially if there have been previous challenges with the surface.

6. Free wheeling

The most labour-intensive part of washing the car is getting the tire rims and wheels clean. It’s an onerous task trying to remove the dirt and grime from crevices and restore that shiny new-car look. Using a cleaning solution with a concentrated detergent like Dawn can make the job much easier.

First, ensure that the car is turned off and the rims are cool to the touch. To save scrubbing time, hose off any caked-on mud or dirt from wheel wells and rims.

Combine one teaspoon of Dawn soap with a gallon of hot water. Take a rag or sponge soaked in the solution and clean the outside edge of the rim. Continue until the entire metal surface is clean. Then, using an old toothbrush to reach difficult spots, scrub the interior of the rim. Rinse out the wheel wells, going from top to bottom to ensure all the soapy solution is gone. Excess residue could lead to etching in some materials. Finally, dry immediately with a soft cloth.

WE CREATED THIS CONTENT WITH BCLIVING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DAWN

Content can also be seen on Western Living Magazine and Vancouver Magazine.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA HILL PHOTOGRAPHY