Dishwashing liquid for aphids
Soap sprays work on soft-bodied pests, but homemade mixes can harm plants.
What the sources say
Clemson University’s Home & Garden Information Center says insecticidal soaps control many soft-bodied pests. Some plants are seriously injured by soap sprays, hard water reduces effectiveness, and residue in high temperatures can damage plants.
Evidence assessment: University extension: works on soft-bodied pests; plant injury possible. This describes the scope of the guidance we checked, not proof that the remedy works for you.
Cautions
- Some plants are sensitive to soap sprays; test on a few leaves first.
- Don’t spray in hot weather.
- A labelled insecticidal soap is more predictable than kitchen detergent.
No method is given for this entry. The guidance we checked discourages this use or shows it does not do what tradition claims.
Ingredients & category
Sources
- Clemson HGIC: Insecticidal soaps for garden pest control — link and wording checked 30 September 2026
Source-checking is not clinical or veterinary review. Specific historical origin not established from the source reviewed.