Bright Citrus & Mint
Concentrated Dish Soap
Elevate your daily sink routine with this Informed Alchemy concentrated dish soap. Our plant-derived blend balances purposeful grease-cutting power with the crisp, uplifting aromatics of pure essential oils. Formulated for effortless home preparation and professional-quality results, it cuts through stubborn residue without harsh synthetic surfactants or unnecessary fillers. Follow the step-by-step method below to bring this staple into your kitchen.
Overview & Specs
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| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Yield | One 16 oz (500 ml) Bottle |
| Batch Size | 501.7 g |
| Aromatic Profile | Bright Botanical (Citrus & Mint) |
| Base | Distilled Water & Sal Suds |
| Shelf Life | Up to 6 Months |
| Skill Level | Beginner (Easy) |
Formulation Components
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| Phase | Ingredient | Function/Purpose | Volume Measure | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Distilled Water | Pure liquid solvent & vehicle | 1 Cup | 234.4g |
| A | Washing Soda | Hydrates hands & adds rich thickness | 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp | 32.2g |
| B | Sal Suds Liquid Cleanser | Primary grease-emulsifying surfactant | 6 Tbsp | 90.0g |
| B | Coco Glucoside | Natural suds-lock booster & thickener | 3.5 Tbsp | 58.4 |
| B | Vegetable Glycerin | Hydrates hands & adds rich thickness | 1/4 cup + 1 tsp | 82.7g |
| C | Lime Essential Oil | Bright, zesty top note | 40 drops | 1.6 g |
| C | Grapefruit Essential Oil | Bitter-sweet, complex middle note | 30 drops | 1.2 g |
| C | Sweet Orange Essential Oil | Juicy, uplifting sweet note | 20 drops | 0.8 g |
| C | Spearmint or Basil Essential Oil | Crisp, sophisticated anchor note | 2 to 3 drops | 0.4 g |
Note: Percentage totals represent exact laboratory scaling.
Where to Source Your Ingredients
Every botanical extract, pure essential oil, and gentle solvent in this formulation can be easily sourced online (such as Amazon or reputable soap-making suppliers) as well as at your local natural grocer. We are currently curating our official Shop the Lab resource to give you direct access to our benchtop-tested ingredients, sustainable packaging, and preferred apothecary tools. In the meantime, look for pure, fragrance-free, cosmetic- or laboratory-grade components to ensure optimal results.
The Method
1. Sterilize & Prep
- Clean and sanitize your workspace, measuring tools, and bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Let dry completely.
- Safety First: Handle dry washing soda gently to avoid airborne dust, and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
2. Phase A | Build the Mineral Base
- Pour 1 cup (234.4 g) of Distilled Water into your mixing bowl.
- Add 2 tbsp + 1 tsp (32.2 g) of Washing Soda directly into the water.
- Stir continuously until the water is 100% clear and the mineral crystals are entirely dissolved.
3. Phase B | The Surfactant Mesh
- In a separate, larger mixing vessel, combine 6 tbsp (90.0 g) of Sal Suds, 3.5 tbsp (58.4 g) of Coco Glucoside, and 1/4 cup + 1 tsp (82.7 g) of Vegetable Glycerin.
- Stir slowly and deliberately with a glass rod or stainless steel spoon until the ingredients are completely unified into a dense, smooth gel base.
4. Phase C | Integration & Infusion
- Pour directly into a sanitized 16 oz (500 mL) amber or opaque, BPA-free bottle (ensure the material is completely non-transparent to protect the botanical ingredients from light).
- Add your essential oils directly into the surfactant gel: 40 drops (1.6 g) of Lime, 30 drops (1.2 g) of Grapefruit, 20 drops (0.8 g) of Sweet Orange, and 2 to 3 drops (0.4 g) of Spearmint or Basil.
- Stir gently for 1 minute to incorporate the aromatics.
- IMPORTANT STEP – Slowly pour your clear Phase A (mineral base) into your Phase B/C (smooth gel) gel in a thin, steady stream.
- Blend slowly until uniform and thick. Avoid whipping or stirring too quickly to prevent excess foam.
- Pour directly into a sanitized 16 oz (500 mL) amber or opaque, BPA-free bottle (ensure the material is completely non-transparent to protect the botanical ingredients from light)
Application & Ritual
- Sensory Aromatherapy Steam: When this concentrated formula hits the hot spray of your sink, the steam instantly vaporizes and releases the active essential oils. The bright zest of cold-pressed lime and grapefruit cuts through kitchen fatigue, while the whisper of sweet mint or basil clarifies the air.
- The “Suds-Lock” Performance: By pairing high-performance Sal Suds with natural Coco Glucoside, this degreaser does not suffer from “flat lather” when tackling grease. The foam remains stable, rich, and active, allowing you to wash an entire sink of dishes without re-dosing.
- Gentle Hand Protection: Formulated with Vegetable Glycerin, this soap acts as a protective humectant barrier to keep hands soft and hydrated rather than tight or dry.
- Multi-Surface Degreasing: An ideal spot-treatment for greasy stovetops, range hoods, and stainless steel backsplashes. Apply a tiny drop directly to a damp microfiber cloth, wipe down the greasy surface, and rinse clean.
Safety & Compliance
- Alkaline Profile: Contains washing soda to elevate the pH for heavy-duty grease breakdown. Always perform a quick patch test on delicate, porous, or vintage finishes before general application. Avoid use on unsealed natural stone or raw, unfinished wood.
- Extra Scrubbing Power: For tough, baked-on grime that needs a little extra physical grit, simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly onto your sponge or cloth alongside a pump of your soap.
- Do Not Mix: Never mix this formulation with other household cleaning agents, especially those containing bleach or ammonia.
- First Aid: In the event of accidental eye contact, flush thoroughly with cool water for several minutes. If skin irritation occurs or if the product is ingested, seek professional medical advice immediately and present this component list.
- Storage & Freshness: Store in a cool, dark place out of reach of children and pets. Keeping it out of direct sunlight preserves the botanical oils and keeps your soap fresh for up to 6 months.
All Purpose Spray | Dish Soap | Laundry Powder | Dryer Ball Spray
Formulation & Safety Disclaimer
The formulations and guidance provided by Informed Alchemy are designed for personal, educational, and home-use purposes only. While our formulations are developed with care and focus on plant- and mineral-derived ingredients, individual results, surface sensitivities, and skin tolerances may vary. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying cleansers to delicate surfaces or materials. Handle raw ingredients with care, adhere to standard sanitization practices, and keep all finished products and raw materials safely out of reach of children and pets. Informed Alchemy assumes no liability for damages, injuries, or adverse outcomes resulting from the preparation, storage, or use of these formulations.
