Dishwashing liquid (
BrE:
washing-up liquid), known as
dishwashing soap and
dish soap, is a
detergent used to assist in
dishwashing. It is usually a highly-
foaming mixture of
surfactants with low skin irritation, and is primarily used for hand washing of glasses,
plates,
cutlery, and
cooking utensils in a sink or bowl. In addition to its primary use, dishwashing liquid also has various informal applications, such as for creating bubbles, clothes washing and cleaning oil-affected birds.