Finding the right washing up liquid shouldn't be complicated. We've compared the most popular options in the UK based on cleaning power, value for money, and skin-friendliness to help you choose.
🏆 Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: Fairy Original — Excellent grease-cutting, proven formula
- Best Eco-Friendly: Ecover Washing Up Liquid — Plant-based, effective
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Ecover Zero — Fragrance-free, gentle
- Best Value: Astonish Washing Up Liquid — Budget-friendly, decent performance
Detailed Reviews
Fairy Original Washing Up Liquid
Fairy has been the UK's best-selling washing up liquid for decades, and for good reason. The concentrated formula means you need less product per wash, which offsets the higher bottle price. Independent tests consistently show it outperforms competitors on grease removal.
| Size Options | 320ml, 383ml, 500ml, 900ml, 5L |
| Scent | Original (citrus-based) |
| Concentration | High — small amount needed |
| Cruelty-Free | No animal testing on finished products since 2019 |
✓ What We Like
- Excellent grease-cutting power
- Very concentrated — lasts longer
- Trusted, consistent formula
- Good value when buying larger sizes
✗ Considerations
- Contains synthetic surfactants
- Plastic packaging (recycling available)
- Scent may be strong for some
Ecover Washing Up Liquid
Ecover pioneered plant-based cleaning products in Europe. Their washing up liquid uses plant-based and mineral ingredients, comes in recycled plastic bottles, and performs well on everyday grease. It won't match Fairy on burnt-on residue, but handles normal washing admirably.
| Size Options | 450ml, 950ml |
| Scent Options | Lemon & Aloe, Camomile & Clementine, Pomegranate |
| Certifications | Certified B Corp, Cruelty-Free, EU Ecolabel |
| Packaging | 100% recycled plastic bottle |
✓ What We Like
- Plant-based, biodegradable formula
- Recycled and recyclable packaging
- Pleasant natural scents
- Certified cruelty-free
✗ Considerations
- Less effective on heavy grease
- Higher price per wash
- Need to use more product
Ecover Zero Washing Up Liquid
Specifically formulated without fragrance, dyes, or enzymes. Approved by Allergy UK as suitable for sensitive skin. If you experience reactions to scented products or have eczema, this is worth trying.
| Size | 450ml |
| Scent | Fragrance-free |
| Certifications | Allergy UK approved, Cruelty-Free |
| Dermatologically Tested | Yes |
✓ What We Like
- No fragrance or colourants
- Allergy UK approved
- Gentle plant-based formula
✗ Considerations
- Lower cleaning power
- Premium price
- Only one size available
Astonish Washing Up Liquid
A UK brand that punches above its weight. Astonish costs significantly less than premium brands while delivering reasonable cleaning performance. It's not as concentrated as Fairy, so you'll use more, but the per-wash cost still comes out lower.
| Size | 600ml |
| Typical Price | Around £1 |
| Made In | UK (Yorkshire) |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes |
✓ What We Like
- Excellent price
- UK manufactured
- Good for everyday washing
- Cruelty-free
✗ Considerations
- Less concentrated
- Struggles with baked-on grease
- Strong artificial scent
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Eco Rating | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairy Original | Grease cutting | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ecover | Eco-conscious users | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ecover Zero | Sensitive skin | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Astonish | Budget buyers | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
📋 How We Evaluate Products
We assess washing up liquids based on:
- Cleaning power: Effectiveness on grease, dried food, and everyday dishes
- Value: Cost per wash, not just bottle price — concentrated products last longer
- Skin impact: Reported irritation issues and dermatological testing
- Environmental factors: Ingredients, biodegradability, packaging
- Customer feedback: Long-term reviews from verified purchasers
We do not accept payment for reviews. Affiliate links help fund our research but don't influence our recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is expensive washing up liquid worth it?
Often, yes. Premium products like Fairy are more concentrated, so you use less per wash. Calculate the cost per wash, not the bottle price. A £3 bottle that lasts 100 washes is cheaper than a £1 bottle that lasts 30.
Are eco-friendly options as effective?
For everyday dishes, yes. Products like Ecover handle normal grease well. For heavy-duty jobs (burnt pans, roasting trays), conventional products still have an edge.
Can washing up liquid irritate skin?
Yes, especially fragranced products. If you have sensitive skin, try Ecover Zero or wear rubber gloves. Rinse hands thoroughly after washing up.
The Bottom Line
For most households, Fairy Original offers the best balance of cleaning power and value. Buy in bulk for the best price. If you prefer eco-friendly products, Ecover is effective for daily use. Those with sensitive skin should try Ecover Zero.
On a tight budget? Astonish or supermarket own-brands handle everyday dishes well, just don't expect miracles on tough grease.