Eco-Friendly Washing Up: Simple Swaps to Reduce Plastic and Waste at Home
- Party Kit Network
- Dec 1, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Washing up is one of those everyday tasks that’s hard to avoid - whether it’s after a family meal, a community event or a children’s party. At the Party Kit Network, washing up is core to what we do. Many of our members provide a washing-up service alongside their party kits, meaning we regularly clean large volumes of reusable cups, plates and cutlery. This hands-on experience has shown us that it’s entirely possible to wash up effectively while reducing waste, cutting down on plastic and choosing options that are kinder to the planet.
When trying to reduce plastic at home, many of us have been surprised by just how much everyday washing-up products impact the environment, from conventional liquids to sponges made of plastic. It has taken time and trial to discover what really works. Drawing on our members’ party-kit washing expertise, here’s a practical guide to eco-friendly washing up in the UK with reduced or zero plastic, including:
Refillable and low-waste washing-up liquids - how to reduce plastic by choosing concentrates, pouches or local refill shops.
Plastic-free washing-up bars and solid soap alternatives - effective, long-lasting options for everyday dishes.
Eco-friendly sponges, brushes, and cloths - biodegradable or compostable alternatives to conventional plastic products.
Water-saving washing techniques - tips for washing efficiently by hand or with a dishwasher.
Eco dishwasher tablets and low-waste options - how to choose effective, planet-friendly dishwasher products.
Eco-Friendly Washing Up Liquids and Refills
One of the easiest changes you can make is swapping conventional washing-up liquid for a refillable or low-waste alternative.
Many local refill shops and independent bulk stores now stock eco‑friendly washing-up liquid that you can decant into your own bottle. Brands commonly found in the UK include Miniml, SESI, Fill and Bio-D. You don't need to take a special bottle - any clean plastic or glass bottle with a wide bottle neck and secure lid will work, for example a glass passata bottle. (Note: As with all cleaning products, please ensure that bottles are correctly labelled and kept out of reach of children.)
If you don’t have a refill shop nearby, there are also brands offering refill pouches, concentrates or postal refill systems, such as Splosh and Bio-D. These options still use packaging, but significantly less plastic than buying a new bottle each time, and the pouches / bottles can be returned for refill.
What to look for when choosing eco-friendly washing up liquids:
Biodegradable ingredients
Cruelty-free and vegan products
Concentrated formulas (which can be mixed with water at home meaning less water is transported)
Refillable or returnable packaging (if it's made from recycled material, even better!)
Endorsement by Allergy UK
Plastic-Free Washing Up: Solid Dish Soap Bars
Solid washing-up bars have become much more mainstream and are an excellent plastic-free option. They work like a regular bar of soap - simply rub a brush or cloth on the bar and wash as usual. While they don’t always produce lots of bubbles, these aren’t necessary for effectively cleaning dishes.
Many UK eco cleaning brands now sell dishwashing bars or solid dish soap, often wrapped in cardboard. Popular options include ecoLiving and No Tox Life.
Solid bars last a long time, take up less storage space, and can even be used to clean other things such as kitchen countertops. To prolong their life, allow the bar to dry completely between uses.
What to look for when choosing dish soap bars:
Biodegradable ingredients
Cruelty-free and vegan products
Free from palm oil, parabens and sulphate
Eco-Friendly Sponges, Brushes and Dishcloths
Conventional washing-up sponges and those typical blue kitchen cloths are usually made from plastic and can shed microplastics as they wear down. Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives that are durable, reusable, and compostable:
Wooden dish brushes with replaceable heads – Last longer than standard brushes and reduce plastic waste. To prolong their life, allow both the handle and brush head to fully dry between uses.
Cotton, cellulose, or Swedish dishcloths – Washable, reusable many times, and compostable once worn out.
Bamboo and cotton “unsponge” or “none sponge” – Plastic-free, compostable at end-of-life, and available in standard or heavy-duty versions (often with hessian backing). You could also make your own!
Loofah sponges – Made from dried plant fibres, fully compostable at the end of their life. Ideal for everyday scrubbing.
Coconut scourers – Made from sustainably farmed coconut husks held together with a small amount of recyclable metal. Durable, safe on most surfaces (avoid non-stick pans), and great for cleaning hobs and sinks. Popular brand: EcoCoconut
Metal scourers – Made from copper, naturally anti-bacterial and rust-resistant. (Not suitable for non-stick pans or porcelain) Fully recyclable. Popular brand: Seep
Washing Up Gloves
Plastic-free gloves help protect your hands while staying eco-conscious. If You Care produce gloves made from Fairtrade FSC-certified rubber with a cotton lining. The packaging is recycled cardboard, and the gloves themselves are durable. At the end of their life, they can be cut up and composted.
Washing Up Bowl
Using a bowl rather than washing under running water saves water and energy. Eco-friendly options include bowls made from stainless steel or UK-made 100% recycled plastic, such as ReBorn or Addis.
How to Save Water When Washing Up
When washing up in the sink by hand there are ways to get the most from the water you're using. Not only does this reduce waste, it will also save you money if you're on a water metre.
Use a washing up bowl; this significantly reduces the amount of water used verses leaving the tap running.
Wash glassware first to avoid grease from other items. Rinse cans, foil and other items ready for recycling at the very end in the grey water.
Eco-friendly Dishwasher Powder, Tablets and Rinse Aid
Using a dishwasher can be more eco-friendly than hand washing, especially when running full loads on eco or low-temperature settings. Choosing the right dishwasher products also makes a big difference for plastic waste and environmental impact.
Dishwasher Powder
Many eco dishwasher powders can be bought in bulk from stockists and refilled at home. A secure container, such as a large plastic tub with a lid (think an ice cream tub, plastic takeaway tub or large margarine tub) or a labelled glass jar, works well for storage. As with all cleaning products, make sure containers are clearly labelled and kept out of reach of children.
You can make your own dishwasher powder using a mix of citric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, and sodium percarbonate. Many of these ingredients are available from bulk stores, or you can purchase ready-made DIY kits.
Dishwasher Tablets
Dishwasher tablets are a convenient alternative to powders, but not all are created equal. Many mainstream supermarket brands are wrapped in plastic, contain phosphates or harsh chemicals, and are produced without consideration for environmental impact. These tablets can harm aquatic life and contribute to chemical pollution, even when packaged in cardboard boxes.
For a truly eco-friendly approach, it’s worth choosing tablets that are specifically designed to minimise plastic, reduce chemicals, and support sustainable production. Popular options in the UK include Bio-D, Ecozone and Ecoleaf.
Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Using a rinse aid in your dishwasher helps water sheet off dishes during the final rinse cycle so plates and glasses dry more quickly and come out without water spots. Many mainstream rinse aids contain plastics, synthetic chemicals or harsh additives so choosing eco‑friendly options makes a real difference for both water quality and waste. UK brands SESI and Miniml both offer refill and bulk options.
What to look for when choosing eco-friendly dishwasher products:
Vegan and cruelty-free formulas
Biodegradable ingredients
Free from phosphates
Cardboard or refillable packaging
How to Clean Your Dishwasher the Eco-Friendly Way
With the increased washing volume that comes from regularly using party kits, dishwashers need more frequent cleaning to stay efficient. We've found this simple method the best:
Remove and clean the filter
Wipe down the door seals
Place a small bowl of white vinegar on the bottom tray.
Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle to remove build-up and limescale.
White vinegar can be purchased plastic-free from most bulk stores, or in larger quantities, such as 5-litre containers from suppliers like Miniml, making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice for regular dishwasher maintenance.
Conclusion
You don’t need to do everything at once. Switching one product or one habit is a great place to start. Over time, these small changes can add up to less plastic and fewer chemicals going down the drain. It might even save you money!
If you’ve discovered a great eco washing-up swap, we’d love to hear about it! Send us a message
