Homemade Solid Dish Soap: A Zero-Waste Solution

Updated: Jul 4

The Benefits of Using Solid Dish Soap

Solid dish soap is exactly what it sounds like: a hard bar of ultra-cleansing soap designed specifically for handwashing dishes.

Unlike regular liquid dish soaps, it comes with no plastic bottle, no waste, and no mysterious ingredients.

It functions similarly to old-fashioned laundry soap bars but is specifically meant for your kitchen.

The recipe I’m sharing today is made from scratch using the cold process soapmaking method.

This means it’s natural, handmade, and effective.

Important: Solid dish soap is not meant for dishwashers. It's perfect for handwashing only!

This homemade solid dish soap is packed with natural grease-fighting ingredients:

Coconut oil: Excellent cleansing power.

Fresh lemon juice: A natural source of citric acid that helps cut through grease and reduces soap scum.

Lemon zest: Adds gentle color and texture.

Folded lemon essential oil: A super-concentrated citrus oil that holds up better in soap than regular essential oils.

Aloe vera gel: Gives the soap a softer lather and helps balance out coconut oil’s drying effect.

It smells fresh, cuts through grime, and makes your kitchen smell like sunshine. What more could you want?

This lemon & aloe solid dish soap recipe makes a firm, long-lasting bar perfect for daily use in your kitchen sink.

Safety First: Always wear gloves and goggles.

Weigh all ingredients with a digital scale, no measuring cups!

If you're brand new to soapmaking, download my free Soap Making Checklist!.

Make the lye solution

Add the distilled water to a heat-safe container. Put on your gloves and goggles, then slowly sprinkle in the lye. Stir carefully, avoiding the fumes.
Stir in the lemon zest

Immediately stir in the lemon zest while the solution is still hot. This helps distribute the color and break down the zest.
Let it cool

Set the lye solution aside to cool to around 100–110°F (38–43°C).
Melt the coconut oil

Gently heat the coconut oil until it reaches 90–100°F (32–38°C).
Combine the lye and oils

Stir in the lemon juice and aloe vera into the cooled lye solution. Then pour the lye mixture into the warm oils and stir by hand.
Blend to trace

Use short bursts with an immersion blender, alternating with hand stirring, until the mixture reaches a light trace.
Add essential oil

Stir in the folded lemon essential oil.
Mold the soap

Pour the mixture into your preferred soap mold. Individual cavity molds work best, but loaf molds will do as well.
Unmold & cure

If using individual molds, leave for 24 hours before unmolding. For loaf molds, unmold and slice within 2–3 hours if firm.

Add zest while the lye solution is still warm. This gives your soap a brighter, more even tone.

Folded citrus oils (like 10x lemon or orange) are much more effective in soap than regular citrus oils.

Aloe vera may slightly thicken your lye solution; just stir well and continue as usual.

Even though this soap is plant-based, coconut oil can be drying. Wear reusable gloves if your hands are sensitive!

Zero waste: No plastic bottles to toss.
All-natural: You control the ingredients for a cleaner dishwashing experience.
Budget-friendly: One bar lasts a long time, saving you money.
Eco-conscious: Gentle on waterways and wildlife—great for the planet.
Aesthetic & functional: It looks beautiful on your kitchen counter and works just as hard as liquid soap.