Most of us buy Dawn for one obvious reason: washing dishes. But its ability to cut through grease makes that familiar bottle useful for quite a few jobs that have nothing to do with plates, pots or pans.

From patio furniture and laundry stains to sticky labels and grimy hairbrushes, a little Dawn can tackle some surprisingly stubborn messes. Before buying another specialty cleaner, here are 11 other ways to put it to work around the house.

dawn soap — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Clean Grimy Outdoor Furniture and Gear

Patio furniture, plastic kiddie pools, and outdoor toys can collect dirt, pollen, sunscreen, and grime after spending weeks outside. A small amount of Dawn mixed with warm water can help clean compatible plastic and outdoor surfaces; then rinse thoroughly.

For cushions and other fabrics, check the care label before wetting them. If they’re washable, diluted dish soap can help spot-clean particularly dirty areas.

Cut Through Grease on the Grill

Grill grates can develop a thick layer of grease and cooked-on food that’s difficult to scrub away when dry. Once the grill is completely cool, remove the grates and let them soak in warm water with Dawn to loosen the buildup before scrubbing.

Rinse everything thoroughly before returning the grates to the grill. Regular cleaning also prevents layers of old grease from becoming increasingly difficult to remove.

Loosen Gum Stuck in Hair

Gum tangled in hair doesn’t always mean you need scissors. A small amount of Dawn can help lubricate the strands around the gum, making it easier to slowly work the sticky mess loose with your fingers or a comb.

Take your time rather than pulling aggressively on the hair. Once you remove the gum, wash and condition the hair normally to remove any remaining soap and residue.

Pretreat Greasy Laundry Stains

Cooking oil, butter, salad dressing and other greasy stains don’t always disappear during a normal wash cycle. A tiny amount of Dawn worked into a washable fabric before laundering can help break down some of the oil.

Check the garment’s care instructions and test on a small area first. You also don’t need much; too much soap can create unnecessary suds in the washing machine.

Scrub Soap Scum From Tubs and Showers

The same grease-cutting ability that works on food messes can help with the combination of body oils and soap residue that builds up around tubs and showers. Apply diluted Dawn with a sponge or soft brush to compatible bathroom surfaces, then rinse.

Be more cautious with natural stone, specialty tile and other sensitive finishes. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations rather than assuming the same mixture is appropriate for every shower.

Wash Windows With Just a Drop

Window glass can collect fingerprints, cooking residue and other grime that water alone doesn’t always remove. Adding just a small amount of Dawn to water can help loosen the film before you finish the glass with a squeegee or lint-free cloth.

The key is using very little soap. Too much can leave residue and create more work instead of clearer windows.

Spot-Treat Carpet and Upholstery Stains

Diluted Dawn can help with certain water-safe carpet and upholstery stains, especially when grease is involved. Apply a small amount and blot rather than aggressively scrubbing, which can spread the stain or damage fibers.

Always test in an inconspicuous spot first, and avoid saturating the material. Rugs and upholstery can have very different cleaning requirements, so check the care instructions before treating anything expensive or delicate.

Remove Sticky Price Tags and Labels

You finally peel off the price tag, only to discover a stubborn patch of sticky adhesive underneath. On washable, water-safe surfaces, Dawn can help loosen the greasy residue so it’s easier to rub away.

Apply a small amount and let it sit briefly before gently working the adhesive loose. Wash away the remaining soap afterward, and test first before using it on painted, finished or delicate surfaces.

Cut Through Grease Around the House and Garage

Dawn can be useful anywhere greasy residue tends to collect, including kitchen cabinets, washable hand tools, plastic storage bins and some garage surfaces. Dilute it with warm water and use it to loosen grime before wiping or rinsing, as appropriate.

It can also help with fresh greasy spots on compatible concrete, but absorb as much excess oil as possible first rather than washing it toward a storm drain. Dry metal tools thoroughly after cleaning to help prevent rust.

Make a Simple Trap for Fruit Flies

A tiny drop of Dawn can make a simple vinegar trap more effective when fruit flies appear. The vinegar attracts the flies, while the dish soap reduces the liquid’s surface tension so they don’t simply land on top and fly away again.

The trap won’t solve the underlying reason they’re there, though. Remove overripe produce, clean up spills and look for other places where fruit flies may be feeding or breeding.

Wash Greasy Combs, Brushes and Hair Tools

Hairbrushes and combs gradually collect natural oils, styling products and other residue that can leave them surprisingly grimy. After removing trapped hair, you can clean washable combs and brushes with diluted Dawn to help cut through buildup.

Avoid soaking electrical styling tools or brushes made from materials that shouldn’t be submerged. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for those and wash only removable components when appropriate.