Washing the dishes is an everyday task, but the products we use can make a difference to the amount of packaging we throw away, the ingredients that enter wastewater and the resources used to manufacture household cleaners. If you want a greener kitchen, switching to an eco-friendly washing-up liquid in the UK is a practical place to start.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options to explore, from plant-derived formulas and concentrated liquids to refillable bottles, bulk containers and innovative products that you mix with water at home.
In this guide, we explore 10 eco-friendly washing-up liquid options available to UK shoppers. We compare their sustainability features, refill options and suitability for different households, helping you choose a product that matches your cleaning needs and budget.
Please note: prices, product formulas, packaging and availability can change. Check the retailer or brand website for the latest information before purchasing.
How We Chose These Eco-Friendly Washing-Up Liquids
A product is not automatically sustainable just because its packaging is green or its label says “natural”. For this list, we considered several factors:
- Ingredients: Whether the brand provides information about plant-derived ingredients and biodegradability.
- Packaging: Whether the product offers refillable bottles, reusable containers, recycled materials, concentrates or reduced packaging.
- Ethical credentials: Whether relevant vegan, cruelty-free, organic or other independent certifications are available.
- Practicality: Whether shoppers can find useful formats, such as fragrance-free options, bulk refills or concentrated formulas.
- Availability in the UK: Whether the brand sells directly to UK customers or through UK retailers.
This is a practical shortlist, not a laboratory performance test or a definitive environmental ranking. Always check individual product labels and current certifications.
1. Faith In Nature Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Bulk Refills
Best for: Households looking to buy larger quantities and reduce the need for frequent bottle replacements.
Faith In Nature is a UK-based natural personal-care and household-cleaning brand with a range of washing-up liquids. Its products are made with plant-derived ingredients, and the brand offers larger containers for customers who want to refill smaller bottles.
Buying a larger container can reduce the amount of packaging required per millilitre compared with repeatedly purchasing small bottles, although the overall impact also depends on transport, packaging materials and how much product you use.
Why consider it?
- Plant-derived ingredients in the washing-up liquid range.
- Larger refill formats for households that wash dishes regularly.
- Vegan and cruelty-free credentials advertised by the brand.
- A practical option for shoppers who prefer buying in bulk.
What to check: Compare the cost per litre, the number of washes claimed on the label and the current return or recycling arrangements for the container.
Explore the range at Faith In Nature.
2. Bower Collective Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Refill Systems
Best for: People who want a reusable bottle and a refill system designed to reduce packaging waste.
Bower Collective focuses on lower-waste household and personal-care products. Its washing-up liquid range includes reusable bottle options and refill formats, making it worth considering if you want to move away from buying a new bottle every time you run out.
The brand has also promoted a return-and-reuse system for certain refill packaging. Check the current terms to understand which packs can be returned, how returns work and whether the service is available for your order.
Why consider it?
- Refill formats designed to reduce reliance on single-use packaging.
- Different fragrance options, including a fragrance-free choice where available.
- A brand focused on sustainable household products.
- Suitable for people who prefer ordering refills online.
What to check: Review delivery costs, refill availability and the exact packaging-return process before signing up or placing an order.
Explore the range at Bower Collective.
3. Miniml Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Refill-Shopping Fans
Best for: Households that want bulk refills or prefer to use local refill shops.
Miniml offers household cleaning products, including washing-up liquid in refill and larger-volume formats. The brand is based in Yorkshire and is a useful option for shoppers who want to reduce packaging waste without giving up liquid dishwashing products.
Depending on your location, you may be able to purchase refills online or find a stockist that allows you to refill a reusable bottle. Availability varies, so check the brand’s stockist information.
Why consider it?
- Larger containers and refill formats.
- Options for shoppers who prefer to buy in bulk.
- A range of household cleaning products from the same brand.
- Potential to reduce packaging waste by reusing a bottle.
What to check: Look at the current ingredient list, fragrance options, refill-container material and local refill availability. A refill pouch is not necessarily reusable or recyclable everywhere.
Explore the range at Miniml.
4. Ecoleaf Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Everyday Eco-Conscious Cleaning
Best for: Shoppers looking for a conventional liquid format from a brand with an established ethical household-products focus.
Ecoleaf is associated with Suma, a workers’ cooperative that supplies ethical and sustainable products. Its washing-up liquid range has included plant-derived ingredients, different fragrances and larger-volume formats.
For households making a gradual switch to more sustainable cleaning, Ecoleaf is worth comparing with other everyday washing-up liquids. Its larger containers may be particularly useful if you already have a reusable dispenser at home.
Why consider it?
- An established ethical household-cleaning range.
- Liquid formats suited to everyday dishwashing.
- Larger-volume options may be available.
- A brand connected with a cooperative business model.
What to check: Review the latest ingredient and palm-oil sourcing information, product size, price and packaging details before buying.
Explore the range through Suma.
5. Kit & Kin Washing-Up Liquid — Best for a Stylish Refillable Bottle
Best for: Households that want a reusable bottle and a product that looks good on the kitchen counter.
Kit & Kin offers household cleaning products alongside its baby and family-care range. Its washing-up liquid has been marketed with plant-derived ingredients and fragrance options, with refill formats featured in the range.
If appearance matters as much as practicality, a reusable bottle can be a useful addition to your kitchen. The sustainability benefit is strongest when you keep using the bottle and choose refill packaging that has a clear disposal or return route.
Why consider it?
- A household product range with sustainability messaging.
- Reusable bottle and refill options have been offered.
- Fragranced options for shoppers who prefer scented washing-up liquid.
- An option for people building a coordinated household-cleaning routine.
What to check: Confirm which refill formats are currently sold, how they should be disposed of and whether the product’s ingredients suit your preferences.
Explore the range at Kit & Kin.
6. Homethings Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Concentrated Refills
Best for: People who want to reduce the amount of ready-made liquid they buy and transport.
Homethings has developed household cleaning products in compact formats designed to be mixed with water at home. Its washing-up liquid offering has included sachets that can be used to make a bottle of cleaning liquid, rather than requiring you to purchase a fully filled bottle each time.
This approach can reduce the amount of water transported in the finished product. However, the environmental benefit depends on the sachet materials, shipping, formulation and how the packaging is processed after use.
Why consider it?
- Compact format compared with a full bottle of ready-made liquid.
- A way to reuse a bottle at home.
- Options have included scented and fragrance-free variants.
- Convenient for households with limited storage space.
What to check: Confirm the current product format, mixing instructions and local packaging-disposal guidance. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparing and storing the product.
Explore the range at Homethings.
7. Greenscents Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Organic-Certification Seekers
Best for: Shoppers who prioritise ingredient transparency and independent certification.
Greenscents specialises in eco-conscious household cleaning products and has offered washing-up liquids in concentrated and refillable formats. Its range has included fragrance-free options, which may appeal to shoppers who prefer to avoid added fragrance.
Some Greenscents products have carried Soil Association certification. Check the specific product and current certification details rather than assuming every item in a brand’s range has the same status.
Why consider it?
- A focus on organic and sustainable cleaning.
- Concentrated formats and larger refills have been available.
- Fragrance-free options have featured in the range.
- Useful for shoppers who want to examine certification and ingredient sourcing.
What to check: Confirm the certification on the exact product, compare the recommended dose and check the cost per wash rather than relying on the bottle price alone.
Explore the range at Greenscents.
8. Bio-D Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Budget-Conscious Eco Cleaning
Best for: People who want to compare lower-cost options while considering sustainability.
Bio-D is a UK household-cleaning brand with a range of washing-up liquids. Its products have included fragrance-free and scented options, larger containers and alternatives such as solid washing-up bars.
For shoppers on a budget, the most useful comparison is the price per litre or per wash. A larger bottle can cost more upfront but may provide better value if the recommended dose is small and you use it regularly.
Why consider it?
- A range of household-cleaning products.
- Larger-volume formats have been available.
- Fragrance-free options may suit shoppers who prefer unscented products.
- A solid washing-up bar has been offered as an alternative to liquid.
What to check: Verify current prices, the ingredient list, relevant vegan or cruelty-free credentials and the recycling instructions for the exact packaging.
Explore the range at Bio-D.
9. smol Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Convenient Home Refills
Best for: People who like the convenience of ordering cleaning refills online.
smol sells washing-up liquid in a bottle-and-refill format. Its UK range has featured reusable bottles, refill cartons and plant-powered cleaning claims. This can be convenient for households that want to avoid repeatedly buying standard single-use bottles from the supermarket.
A delivery-based refill service may also help you keep track of household essentials, but the value depends on the price, delivery schedule and how much washing-up liquid your household uses.
Why consider it?
- A reusable bottle-and-refill system.
- Online ordering and repeat-delivery options.
- Different fragrance options have been offered.
- A convenient format for households that prefer home delivery.
What to check: Compare the current starter-pack and refill prices, the amount of liquid supplied, delivery arrangements and packaging-disposal instructions.
Explore the range at smol.
10. Ecover Washing-Up Liquid — Best for Widely Recognised Eco-Cleaning
Best for: Shoppers who want to compare an established household-cleaning brand available through UK retailers.
Ecover offers washing-up liquids in familiar bottle formats and has sold larger refill containers through UK retailers. This can make it a convenient option for people who want to compare sustainability-focused cleaning products with items already available in their usual shopping routine.
Ecover’s environmental profile should be assessed using current product information and the wider company’s sourcing and ownership context, rather than relying on the brand name or packaging alone.
Why consider it?
- An established washing-up liquid range.
- Products sold through UK retailers.
- Larger refill formats have been available for some variants.
- A convenient option for comparing price, ingredients and packaging.
What to check: Compare the exact formulation, refill size, packaging and relevant environmental claims. Check current retailer availability before making a purchase.
Explore the range at Ecover UK.
Quick Comparison: Which Eco-Friendly Washing-Up Liquid Should You Choose?
| Brand | Worth considering for | Feature to compare |
| Faith In Nature | Bulk buying | Larger refill containers |
| Bower Collective | Refill systems | Return-and-reuse options |
| Miniml | Refill shopping | Bulk sizes and refill access |
| Ecoleaf | Everyday cleaning | Larger formats and sourcing |
| Kit & Kin | Reusable bottle setups | Refill availability |
| Homethings | Concentrated products | Sachets and mixing instructions |
| Greenscents | Certification-focused shoppers | Organic credentials and concentrates |
| Bio-D | Budget-conscious buyers | Price per litre and solid bars |
| smol | Online refill convenience | Starter and repeat-order costs |
| Ecover | Mainstream retail access | Ingredients and refill sizes |
This table highlights product features to investigate, not a verified ranking of environmental performance. Product availability and formats may vary.
What Makes a Washing-Up Liquid Eco-Friendly?
When shopping for an eco-friendly washing-up liquid in the UK, look beyond marketing language and consider the complete product.
1. Choose transparent ingredients
Look for a clear ingredient list and specific information about surfactants, fragrance and biodegradability. Plant-derived ingredients can be useful, but “plant-based” does not automatically mean harmless to aquatic life or better in every environmental category.
2. Reduce packaging waste
Consider reusable bottles, refill systems, bulk containers or solid washing-up bars. Reuse can reduce the need for new packaging, particularly when a container is used many times.
3. Check the refill system
A product advertised as refillable may use a pouch that cannot be returned or recycled locally. Check the actual instructions and choose a system you can realistically use.
4. Compare the cost per wash
Do not compare products only by the price printed on the bottle. Look at the recommended dose and the number of washes claimed by the manufacturer. Using more liquid than necessary can increase both cost and environmental impact.
5. Look for meaningful certifications
Where relevant, check for recognised certifications such as the Vegan Society trademark, Leaping Bunny or an applicable organic certification. Verify that the certification applies to the product you intend to buy.
How to Make Washing Up More Sustainable
Changing the product is only one part of a greener kitchen. A few simple habits can help you reduce waste and avoid unnecessary water or detergent use.
- Use the recommended amount of washing-up liquid instead of squeezing out extra product.
- Scrape food scraps into the bin or food-waste collection before washing.
- Wash several items together rather than running the tap continuously.
- Use a washing-up bowl when practical to manage water use.
- Refill your existing bottle when the system allows it.
- Choose a dish brush or sponge that suits your cleaning needs and can be maintained or replaced responsibly.
- Follow local council guidance for recycling bottles, cartons and refill packaging.
The most sustainable routine is one that cleans effectively without wasting product, water or packaging.
Final Thoughts
Switching to an eco-friendly washing-up liquid in the UK can be a straightforward step towards a more sustainable home. Whether you prioritise bulk refills, concentrated products, fragrance-free formulas or convenient online deliveries, compare the ingredients, packaging and cost per wash before making your choice.
Remember that the greenest-looking label is not necessarily the most sustainable product. Choose a formula that works for your household, use it efficiently and reuse its packaging wherever practical.
At SustainableTalks, we share practical ideas for making everyday living more sustainable, from greener kitchen routines to eco-friendly home products and responsible shopping.
Discover more sustainable living ideas at Sustainables Talks. If you have useful sustainability advice or an original eco-friendly story to share, visit our Write for Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single best option for every household. Faith In Nature and Miniml are worth comparing for larger refills, Bower Collective and smol for refill systems, and Greenscents for shoppers interested in certification and concentrated products. Check current product details and prices before choosing.
Plant-derived ingredients may be preferable in some formulations, but the overall environmental impact also depends on sourcing, manufacturing, biodegradability, packaging and transport. Look for transparent product information rather than relying on a single claim.
Biodegradability is a useful consideration, but it does not mean a product is harmless in every environment or at every concentration. Follow the label instructions and avoid pouring concentrated cleaning products directly into waterways.
Refill systems can reduce packaging waste when the original bottle is reused repeatedly and the refill packaging is managed appropriately. The overall benefit depends on the materials, transport and number of times the bottle is reused.
Some products offer fragrance-free options, but sensitivity varies between individuals. Read the ingredients, follow the label and consider wearing washing-up gloves if your skin is easily irritated. A “natural” label does not guarantee that a product will not cause a reaction.
Homemade mixtures may not clean grease as effectively or remain stable in storage. If you prefer a lower-waste option, consider a commercially formulated washing-up bar, a refill system or a concentrated product with clear preparation instructions.
Author: Sustainable Talks
Talk Green. Think Change. Act Sustainably. 🌍 Ideas, stories & actions for a greener future.