Our Dishwashing Liquid tackles grime like a champ, but it’s not designed to kill bacteria. Clean, yes. Antibac, no. 🧪🚫

<article id="does-dw-kill-bacteria" class="promo-article"><p><strong>TL;DR:</strong> We don&#x2019;t make antibacterial claims for <a href="https://koh.com/products/dishwashing-liquid"><strong>Dishwashing Liquid</strong></a>. It&#x2019;s a detergent that lifts grease and food soils so microbes rinse away. If you need <em>sanitising</em>, use heat (dishwasher &#x201C;Sanitise&#x201D;/very hot water) or a food-safe sanitiser.</p><hr><h2 id="so-does-it-kill-bacteria">So&#x2026; does it kill bacteria?</h2><p>No. Our Dishwashing Liquid is formulated to <strong>clean</strong>, not disinfect. Surfactants and enzymes loosen oils, proteins and starches so you can rinse them, and the microbes living in that residue, down the drain.</p><h2 id="when-you-need-sanitising">When you need sanitising</h2><ul><li><strong>Dishwasher:</strong> Use <a href="https://koh.com/products/dishwashing-tablets"><strong>Dishwashing Tablets</strong></a> on a cycle with a final hot rinse (typically &#x2265;65&#x2013;70 &#xB0;C) or the dedicated &#x201C;Sanitise&#x201D; option.</li><li><strong>Hand-washing:</strong> Wash with detergent, then rinse in the hottest water your hands and items safely tolerate, and <strong>air-dry</strong> (microbes dislike dry surfaces).</li><li><strong>Approved sanitisers:</strong> For baby items, illness, or food-safety needs, use a food-safe sanitiser as directed by the manufacturer.</li></ul><h2 id="good-washing-up-habits">Good washing-up habits</h2><ul><li>Change sponges and cloths frequently; wash cloths on a hot cycle.</li><li>Scrape first, wash with detergent, rinse well, then let items air-dry.</li><li><strong>Do not use</strong> Dishwashing Liquid in your dishwasher or with bleach, ammonia or other chemicals.</li></ul></article>

Does Dishwashing Liquid kill bacteria?

Made in Victoria with Aussie pride and a sprinkle of science, our Dishwashing Liquid keeps it local 🇦🇺💚🧪

<p id="isPasted">Proudly Australian-made in Victoria, Australia <span class="fr-emoticon fr-deletable">&#x1F603;</span>&#xA0;</p><p><br></p>

Where is Dishwashing Liquid made?

💧♻️ Safe for grey water systems and tough on dishwasher messes. A nice clean fight 🥊!

<p>Yes, our <a href="https://koh.com/products/dishwashing-liquid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Dishwashing Liquid</strong></a> can be used in homes that reuse grey water when it&#x2019;s used as directed and well diluted in a normal wash.</p><p>Dishwashing Liquid does not contain chemicals known to be harmful for grey-water or septic systems and is independently audited to meet the <a href="https://geca.eco/standards/cleaning-products-cpv3-0-2022/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>GECA Cleaning Products Standard</u></a>. With a balanced pH (~6.5) and readily rinsing surfactants, the used water is suitable for most garden-irrigation setups. <em>Good to know:</em> always follow your grey-water system&#x2019;s manual, don&#x2019;t pour concentrated product directly into the system, scrape plates to keep fats/solids out, and patch-test if watering very sensitive plants.</p>

Can I use Dishwashing Liquid around grey water / bio-cycle / septic tank environments?

Packed with cleaning power and none of the nasties 💪 Our Dishwashing Liquid keeps it gentle, effective, and Aussie-made.

<table class="fr-table-selection-hover"><thead><tr><th style="text-align: left; padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Ingredient</th><th style="text-align: left; padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">What it does</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Deionised Water</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Base solvent; dissolves and disperses all actives evenly while preventing mineral residue.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Sodium Laureth Sulfate</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Primary surfactant; lifts grease, boosts foam and cleans effectively.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Cocamidopropyl Betaine</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Secondary surfactant; stabilizes foam and enhances grease-cutting power.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Glycerine</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Humectant &amp; viscosity agent; protects hands from drying and smooths application.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>MCIT/MIT Preservative</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Antimicrobial guard; prevents bacterial or fungal growth for longer shelf life.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Sodium Formate</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">pH buffer &amp; stabilizer; keeps formula balanced and cleaning performance consistent.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Calcium Chloride</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Water softener &amp; thickener; improves foam in hard water and enhances grease removal.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Lipase</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Lipase enzyme; breaks down fats and oils for deeper degreasing.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Protease + Amylase</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Enzymes that dissolve proteins and starches for smarter cleaning.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Sodium Chloride</strong></td><td style="padding: 8px; font-size: 16px;">Viscosity modifier &amp; foam enhancer; thickens the liquid and improves bubble formation.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>For full safety details, <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1074/1454/files/Koh_Dishwashing_Liquid_BIB_SDS.pdf?v=1738815748" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">download the Dishwashing Liquid SDS (PDF)</a>. Our Dishwashing Liquid comes in at a balanced pH ~6.5.</p>

What are the ingredients of Dishwashing Liquid?

No whiffs or what-ifs, our Dishwashing Liquid skips the scent so your snacks stay centre stage 🍽️

<p id="isPasted">No, we believe food and drinks taste better without fragrances &#x1F609;</p><p><br></p>

Does Dishwashing Liquid have any fumes or fragrances?

4 pumps into a standard sink, then let everything soak 5-10 mins. Let the enzymes do the heavy lifting. 🍽️✨

<article id="dish-pump-dosing-sink" class="promo-article"><p><strong>TL;DR:</strong> For a normal kitchen sink of warm water, use <strong>4 pumps</strong> of <a href="https://koh.com/products/dishwashing-liquid"><strong>Dishwashing Liquid</strong></a> (&#x2248; <strong>16&#xA0;ml</strong>), then <strong>soak for 5-10 minutes</strong> before washing. That pause lets the enzymes break down stuck-on food so you do less scrubbing.</p><hr><h2 id="how-to-use">How to use</h2><ol><li>Fill your sink with comfortably <strong>warm (not boiling)</strong> water.</li><li>Add ~<strong>4 pumps</strong> of Dishwashing Liquid (each pump &#x2248; <strong>4&#xA0;ml</strong>).</li><li>Submerge dishes and <strong>soak 5-10 minutes</strong>. Then wash, rinse and drain as normal.</li></ol><h2 id="why-soaking-works-the-enzyme-bit">Why soaking works (the enzyme bit)</h2><p>Dishwashing Liquid uses a blend of<strong>&#xA0;enzymes</strong> that target common food soils:</p><ul><li><strong>Protease</strong> lifts protein-based marks like meat, egg and milk.</li><li><strong>Amylase</strong> breaks down starchy residues like pasta, rice and sauces.</li><li><strong>Lipase</strong> helps cut through greasy, oily films.</li></ul><p>Enzymes need a little <strong>contact time</strong> to work their best. A short soak lets them unlock the grime, so you can swoosh it away with minimal elbow grease.</p><h2 id="adjust-the-dose-quick-guide">Adjust the dose (quick guide)</h2><ul><li><strong>Small basin / few items:</strong> 2&#x2013;3 pumps (8&#x2013;12 ml)</li><li><strong>Standard sink (everyday):</strong> <strong>4 pumps</strong> (16 ml)</li><li><strong>Greasy pots or lots of baked-on food:</strong> 5&#x2013;6 pumps (20&#x2013;24 ml) or just extend soak time</li></ul><h2 id="pro-tips">Pro tips</h2><ul><li>Give heavy areas (e.g., pan rims) a quick wipe first, then let the soak do the hard work.</li><li>Don&#x2019;t mix with bleach or harsh chemicals, they can inactivate enzymes.</li><li>Each full pump = <strong>~4&#xA0;ml</strong>, helpful if you prefer measuring by volume.</li></ul></article>

How many pumps of Dishwashing Liquid should I use in a full sink?

Gentle on hands 🖐️ Certified safe, but still made for dishes, not your daily hand soap.

<article id="dishwashing-liquid-hand-wash" class="promo-article"><p><strong>TL;DR:</strong> Dishwashing Liquid is dermatologically tested and certified as gentle on skin, but it&#x2019;s formulated for dishes, not for use as a hand wash.</p><hr><h2 id="certified-gentle-but-not-a-hand-soap">Certified gentle, but not a hand soap</h2><p>Dishwashing Liquid has been <strong>dermatologically tested by Dermatest</strong> and holds current certification for being <strong>gentle on skin</strong>. It&#x2019;s also approved by the <strong>Eczema Association</strong> and <strong>Sensitive Choice</strong>, confirming it&#x2019;s suitable for sensitive users during normal dishwashing use.</p><p>However, it&#x2019;s still an <strong>enzymatic cleaner,&#xA0;</strong>the active enzymes that make it so effective at cutting grease aren&#x2019;t designed for frequent use on skin. It also doesn&#x2019;t include the pH balancing or moisturizing ingredients you&#x2019;d find in a dedicated hand soap.</p><h2 id="best-practice-use">Best practice use</h2><ul><li>Use it for dishes and kitchenware only.</li><li>For regular hand washing, choose a <strong>soap or cleanser made for skin</strong>.</li></ul></article>

Can I use Dishwashing Liquid as hand wash?

We're always here via email, care.au@cx.koh.com or fill out the form and we'll be in touch as soon as possible. Our support hours are 9am - 5:00pm AEST Monday to Friday.

How to Koh

Home

Shop

Why Koh

Get Started

Koh AU

Dishwashing Liquid: made in Victoria, tackles grease with ease, fragrance-free for scent-sensitive kitchens, septic- and greywater-safe, and eco-friendly biodegradable formula.

Dishwashing Liquid

Kitchen products 🍽️

Got questions about Dishwashing Liquid? 🇦🇺💧 Aussie-made sparkle, grease-fighting power, fragrance-free formula, and septic-safe shine. Your dishes never looked so good!

What are the ingredients of Universal Cleaner?

Why do you sell the Universal Cleaner in bulk?

Does Universal Cleaner contain palm oil?

Is Universal Cleaner septic safe?

What can I use Universal Cleaner for?

How does Universal Cleaner work?

Is Universal Cleaner chemical free

Does the Universal Cleaner kill bacteria and germs?

Do I need to do a spot test with Universal Cleaner?

What can't you use Universal Cleaner on?

How long does Universal Cleaner last?

What surfaces should I not use Universal Cleaner on?

Is Universal Cleaner safe to use on chopping boards?

Is Universal Cleaner fragrance-free?

What Certifications does the Universal Cleaner have?

Is Universal Cleaner pet-friendly?

Is Universal Cleaner asthma friendly?

Is Universal Cleaner allergy friendly?

Can I use Universal Cleaner on polished marble?

How to clean TV, monitor & laptop screen

Can I use Universal Cleaner in a robot vacuum or mop?

Is Universal Cleaner being replaced?

Is Universal Cleaner vegan?

Can I use Universal Cleaner on wool carpet?

Universal Cleaner

Surface products 🪞

Are Loo Cleaner Tablets safe for septic environments?

How to use Loo Cleaner Tabs

Do Loo Cleaner Tabs have a fragrance?

Should I remove the wrapper on the Loo Cleaner Tab?

What are the ingredients of the Loo Cleaner Tabs?

Loo Cleaner Tabs

What are the ingredients of Bathroom & Shower Cleaner?

How do I use Bathroom & Shower Cleaner?

Are there any surfaces I should avoid cleaning with Bathroom & Shower Cleaner?

Is it allergy / asthma / sensitive skin friendly?

Can I use Bathroom & Shower Cleaner beyond the bathroom?

Does Bathroom & Shower Cleaner have a fragrance?

Can I use it to clean EnduroShield or similar coated shower screens?

Is Bathroom & Shower Cleaner safe to use around pets?

Is Bathroom & Shower Cleaner septic safe?

Can I use Bathroom & Shower Cleaner with a Diamond Sponge?

What makes Bathroom & Shower Cleaner "eco friendly"?

Can I use Bathroom & Shower Cleaner to clean the bowl of the toilet?

How Much Bathroom & Shower foam should I use?

Universal Cleaner vs. Bathroom & Shower Cleaner: What’s the Difference?

Is Bathroom & Shower Cleaner safe for polished stone?

Bathroom & Shower Cleaner

Bathroom products 🚿

Are Dishwashing Tablets septic safe?

What are the ingredients of Dishwashing Tablets?

Can I cut Dishwashing Tablets?

Why didn't Dishwashing Tablet wrapper didn’t dissolve

Can you use Essential Oils with Dishwashing Tablets?

Dishwashing Tablets

Is this the same as Universal Dish Spray?

Does it work on burnt-on grease and oven grime?

What’s the difference between this and the Universal Cleaner?

Can I use it around food?

Is it really non-toxic?

Will it dry out my hands like other degreasers?

Do I need to use Foaming Spray Bottle?

Can I use it on stainless steel?

Does it contain palm oil?

Do I need to rinse it off?

Is it fragrance free?

Can I use it on non-stick cookware?

What should I use to wipe it off?

Is this a multipurpose cleaner?

Can I use it in the microwave or on appliances?

Why does this product exist when I already have Universal Cleaner?

How does this fit into the Koh system?

What's in Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner?

How exactly do I use it?

Is Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner safe for septic and greywater systems?

Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner

What happened to Universal Dish Spray? And what should I use now?

Universal Dish Spray

Laundry dosing by wash size (Sheets vs Liquid)

Why we split Laundry Liquid & Stain Remover (and what changed)

The laundry Stain Removal Guide

How to keep your whites bright with Koh

Can I find Sensitive Laundry Liquid in trial or sample size?

How is the quality and consistency of Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid ensured?

Where is Sensitive Laundry Liquid manufactured?

What kind of research and development went into creating Sensitive Laundry Liquid?

​How many loads are there in a 1.6L Box of Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid?

How does Sensitive Laundry Liquid extend the life of fabrics?

How does Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid make natural fibres feel softer without fabric softener?

How does Sensitive Laundry Liquid help keep clothes whiter and brighter for longer?

Does Sensitive Laundry Liquid contain any fragrances?

Does Sensitive Laundry Liquid deodorise fabrics?

What is Sensitive Laundry Liquid?

What are the ingredients in Sensitive Laundry Liquid?

How can Sensitive Laundry Liquid save me money?

How is Sensitive Laundry Liquid eco-friendly?

Can I use Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid in my auto-dosing machine?

Where should I store Sensitive Laundry Liquid?

How is Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid different from other eco-friendly detergents on the market?

Is Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid suitable for septic / grey water systems?

Can I use Koh Sensitive Laundry for hand washing delicate garments?

Can I use Koh Sensitive Laundry for sportswear and synthetic garments?

Is Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid safe to use this detergent on silk or wool garments?

Does Koh Sensitive Laundry work in front and top loading machines?

What temperature washes can Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid be used for? (cold / hot washes)

Can I pre-wash soak with Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid for heavier soiled loads?

How does the eco-certified formula of Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid benefit the environment?

Do I still need to use a bleach whitening detergent with Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid?

Can I use Koh Sensitive Laundry Liquid for both white and coloured laundry?

Can I find Sensitive Laundry Liquid at Woolworths/retailers/shops?

How much should I use per load of laundry? (dosage)

Is Sensitive Laundry Liquid compatible with Auto-dosing machines?

Sensitive Laundry Liquid

How do I use Sensitive Laundry Sheets?

Are Sensitive Laundry Sheets safe for front loaders, top loaders and HE machines?

Do Sensitive Laundry Sheets dissolve in cold water?

What if Sensitive Laundry Sheets don't dissolve or leaves residue?

Can I use Sensitive Laundry Sheets for handwashing delicates?

Are Sensitive Laundry Sheets safe for septic tanks and greywater systems?

How should I store Sensitive Laundry Sheets and how do I dispose of the packaging?