Plastic free and palm oil free way to wash dishes without liquid detergent. Set contains:

1. True castile soap bar by Biome because it is made from only olive oil. Handmade in Australia. Castile soap bar can be used for any beauty or cleaning need. It is a very hard soap so it is long lasting and can be grated into soap flakes for cleaning recipes.

2. Redecker pot scrubbing brush is ergonomically shaped for making light work of washing up. Superb quality. Brush measures 8cm in length.

3. Soap holder made from oiled beechwood rods & stainless steel wire and discs. Helps soap last longer by allowing excess water to drain away. Made in Germany.

Please note: the stained nature of this wood may transfer to counter top. Before use, run soap holder under warm water until water runs clear, and dry thoroughly.

How to use a soap bar to wash the dishes

A simple soap was historically used for all body, hair, clothes and household cleaning.

A soap bar produces less suds than detergent, but it cleans just as well in most water. Some hard water may be less effective, though we have tips below.

Detergent is different to soap as it is made from synthetically-produced surfactants (even the natural ones) and has additives to make it stay liquid.

Rub the brush gently on the bar to pick up some soap, immerse dishes and cutlery in a sink of hot water, scrub with the brush. You can also use a dish cloth to wipe off grease.

Use the Biome pot scrubbing brush to scrub away grime.

Rinse dishes in another tub of clean water or with a little vinegar added.

For hard water, add a little bi carb soda to the dish water as it softens the water and helps clean faster. Hard water contains insoluble minerals such as magnesium and calcium which form a soap 'scum' when mixed with fats.

Remember to always use a metal sink strainer on your plug hole to stop food scraps going down the drain. When draining your washing up water, quickly slip the strainer in place after removing the plug.

Some people worry that soap may clog drains, but people have used soap for decades without this issue. For a natural drain cleaner use bi carb, salt and vinegar followed by a kettle of boiling water.

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