Quick answer

For most sinks, one teaspoon (about 5 ml) of concentrated lemon washing up liquid is enough. If your water is hard or dishes are very greasy, use two teaspoons. If you see lots of foam, you are using too much—concentrated formulas are designed to clean with less, so start small and add more only if needed.

Why concentrated washing up liquid behaves differently

Concentrated formulas like Faith In Nature's Lemon Washing Up Liquid contain less water and more active ingredients, so they clean effectively with a smaller amount. That means you should not judge the dose by foam alone. A small squeeze can lift grease even if the suds look modest. If you are used to thinner, non-concentrated liquids, you will likely need to retrain your hand to stop at a teaspoon rather than a generous squirt.

How to dose for hand-washing dishes

Fill the sink with warm water, then add one teaspoon of liquid as the water runs. For a typical family load, that is enough. If you are washing just a few items, use a small bowl or basin and half a teaspoon. For greasy pans, apply a drop directly to a damp sponge or brush and scrub before rinsing. This targeted approach uses less overall than adding more liquid to the sink.

Why your natural dish soap may not foam much

Natural dish soaps often contain plant-derived surfactants that create a different foam profile than synthetic sulfates. They may produce smaller, looser bubbles that disappear faster, especially in hard water or when food oils are present. This does not mean the product is failing. Foam is not the cleaning agent; the surfactants are. If you see some suds and the dishes come out clean, the dose is right. If there is no foam at all and grease remains, you may need slightly more or a different technique.

Tackling greasy dishes with eco dish soap

For baked-on grease, pre-soak pans in hot water with a teaspoon of liquid for five minutes. Then scrub with a non-scratch pad. For everyday plates, a quick wipe with a soapy sponge is enough. If you are washing by hand, remember that water temperature matters more than soap volume for cutting grease. Hot water plus a small dose of concentrated liquid will outperform cold water with a large dose.

Choosing between 1L and 2.5L bottles

If you are new to concentrated washing up liquid, start with the 1-litre bottle to test the dose and see how long it lasts. A 1L bottle can wash many sink-loads because you only need a teaspoon at a time. If you already know you like the formula, the 2.5-litre bottle offers a lower cost per wash and less packaging. Both are the same concentrated formula, so your dosage stays the same.

Diagnose your dishwashing problem

  • Symptom: Dishes still greasy after washing: Likely cause: Too little soap, water not hot enough, or overloaded sink. Corrective action: Use one more teaspoon of liquid, ensure water is hot, and wash in smaller batches. Stop when dishes feel clean and squeaky, not slimy. If grease persists after two extra teaspoons, try pre-soaking or switch to a dedicated degreaser.
  • Symptom: No foam or very little foam: Likely cause: Natural surfactants foam less than synthetic sulfates, especially in hard water. Corrective action: Check if dishes are clean. If they are, foam level is not a problem. If not, add half a teaspoon more. Stop if you see any suds and results are good. Do not chase thick foam; it wastes product and does not improve cleaning.
  • Symptom: Hands feel dry or irritated after washing: Likely cause: Frequent washing with any detergent can strip oils. Corrective action: Use warm, not hot, water; limit soaking time; and rinse hands well. Consider wearing gloves for long sessions. Stop if irritation persists and see a doctor. If you have sensitive skin, choose a gentle formula and always rinse thoroughly.
  • Symptom: Residue or film on dishes: Likely cause: Too much soap or not enough rinsing. Corrective action: Reduce dose to half a teaspoon for light loads and rinse with hot water. Stop when no slippery feel remains. A little concentrated liquid goes a long way; more soap means more rinsing.

Product facts

  • Lemon washing up liquid - 1L: Lemon washing up liquid - 1L is a 99% natural origin formula with lemon oil, vegan, free of parabens and sulphates, and concentrated. The 1L size is a practical starting point if you want to try a concentrated natural dish soap without committing to a larger bottle.
  • Lemon washing up liquid - 2.5L: Lemon washing up liquid - 2.5L is the same concentrated formula in a larger refill-style bottle. If you already know you like the product, the 2.5L size reduces packaging and trips to the store, while the dosage per wash remains the same.