Industrial & Scientific

The Best Commercial Dish Soap

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the right commercial dish soap is crucial for maintaining hygiene and efficiency in any busy kitchen. The correct formula can not only ensure sparkling clean dishes but also protect staff from harsh chemicals and reduce environmental impact. This guide will help you navigate the options to find the best fit for your establishment.

No. 1
Amazon Basics Commercial Liquid Dish Soap, Long-Lasting Suds, Concentrated Formula, 1 Gallon, Pack of 2
  • LONG-LASTING SUDS: specially designed to tackle stubborn food residue while maintaining long-lasting suds throughout the washing process
  • COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Made in USA of domestic and imported ingredients
  • COMMERCIAL-SIZE VALUE PACK: includes two 1-gallon bottles, ideal for high-volume cleaning needs in kitchens, break rooms, and food service environments
  • COMPARE TO: Dawn Professional Manual Pot & Pan Detergent
  • CAUTION: Causes eye irritation. Keep out of reach of children
SaleNo. 2
Dawn PRO Manual Pot and Pan Detergent, Dish Soap Liquid for Dishwashing by Hand, Bulk Concentrate for...
  • 2X PROFESSIONAL GREASE FIGHTING POWER: More cleaning ingredients per drop vs. Dawn non-concentrated dish soap.
  • TOUGH ON 100% ON EVERYDAY COMMERCIAL GREASE: Dawn Professional is specifically formulated to help remove greasy food soils from pots, pans, utensils, and other wares at your business.
  • COMMERCIAL-GRADE FORMULA: Dawn Professional liquid soap formula features a rebalanced mix of our proprietary surfactants for true commercial dishwashing power.
  • PROPRIETARY SURFACTANTS MIX: Dawn Professional features a proprietary surfactant mix that makes professional grease cleaning fast and easy when washing dishes.
  • MAKES 128 SINKS: Dawn Professional dish soap can fill up to 128 sinks per case based on recommended dosage of 1 oz per 10 gallon sink.
No. 3
Dawn PRO Heavy Duty Manual Pot and Pan Detergent, Dish Soap Liquid for Dishwashing by Hand, Bulk Concentrate...
  • 3X BAKED ON GREASE CLEANING POWER*: Dawn Professional Heavy Duty is designed to cut through the toughest baked on grease, tomato sauce, butter, and more​ *More cleaning ingredients per drop vs. Dawn Non-Concentrated
  • 50% LESS SCRUBBING*: Save time and effort on dishwashing with less scrubbing from active ingredients that do more of the work for you *vs. Dawn Non-Concentrated
  • COMMERCIAL-GRADE FORMULA: Specially formulated with Dawn Professional's proprietary grease-cutting surfactants to take on the toughest pots and pans in the sink
  • MAKES 128 SINKS: Dawn Professional Heavy Duty makes 128 sinks per bottle based on recommended dosage of 1 oz per 10 gallon sink
  • MADE FOR THE HARDEST TO CLEAN ITEMS: Use Dawn Professional Heavy Duty to clean the toughest items in your sink like pots and pans, silverware, serving utensils, baking trays, containers, and trays
SaleNo. 4
Dawn Ultra Original Dish Soap Refill Jug, Large Size Blue Liquid Dishwashing Detergent, Powerful Dish Soap for...
  • REMOVES GREASE ON CONTACT: Dawn Ultra packs a powerful punch of grease-fighting power for a deep, sparkling clean
  • REFILL WITHOUT THE SPILL: Our new and improved jug features an easy-pour spout and comfortable handle to make refilling any Dawn dish soap bottle easier, faster, and less messy *vs. our previous jug.
  • SAME CLEAN, BETTER VALUE: Save money* and save plastic when refilling with our dish soap refill jug (*when comparing $/oz within same sub-brand). You can fill multiple standard or EZ-Squeeze bottles with just one jug of Dawn.
  • SAVES WILDLIFE: Dawn dish soap is the only brand trusted by rescue workers* to clean wildlife impacted by oil spills. (*International Bird Rescue uses Dawn Platinum)
  • CLEANS BEYOND THE SINK: Use Dawn Platinum to pre-treat laundry stains, to clean greasy tools and car wheels, and to remove grease and grime from around the house.
  • AMERICA’S FAVORITE DISH SOAP: Dawn is the #1 dishwashing liquid brand in North America* (*Based on Sales)
  • CONCENTRATED CLEANING POWER: A little Dawn dish soap liquid goes a long way, helping you clean more dishes. The concentrated formula of Dawn Ultra helps you get through more dishes with less dishwashing liquid, making it an efficient dish detergent liquid
  • TRY DAWN PLATINUM: Looking for a dish soap that’s stronger on tough messes? Try New & Improved Dawn Platinum to remove 99% of Grease and Food Residue with less scrubbing than ever before
SaleNo. 5
Dawn PRO Manual Pot and Pan Detergent, Dish Soap Liquid for Dishwashing by Hand, Bulk Concentrate for...
  • 2X PROFESSIONAL GREASE FIGHTING POWER: More cleaning ingredients per drop vs. Dawn non-concentrated dish soap.
  • TOUGH ON 100% ON EVERYDAY COMMERCIAL GREASE: Dawn Professional is specifically formulated to help remove greasy food soils from pots, pans, utensils, and other wares at your business.
  • COMMERCIAL-GRADE FORMULA: Dawn Professional liquid soap formula features a rebalanced mix of our proprietary surfactants for true commercial dishwashing power.
  • PROPRIETARY SURFACTANTS MIX: Dawn Professional features a proprietary surfactant mix that make professional grease cleaning fast and easy when washing dishes.
  • MAKES 128 SINKS: Dawn Professional dish soap can fill up to 128 sinks per case based on recommended dosage of 1 oz per 10 gallon sink.
No. 6
Dawn PRO Manual Pot and Pan Detergent, Dish Soap Liquid for Dishwashing by Hand, Bulk Concentrate for...
  • 2X PROFESSIONAL GREASE FIGHTING POWER: More cleaning ingredients per drop vs. Dawn non-concentrated dish soap.
  • TOUGH ON 100% ON EVERYDAY COMMERCIAL GREASE: Dawn Professional is specifically formulated to help remove greasy food soils from pots, pans, utensils, and other wares at your business.
  • COMMERCIAL GRADE FORMULA: Dawn Professional liquid soap formula features a rebalanced mix of our proprietary surfactants for true commercial dishwashing power.
  • PROPRIETARY SURFACTANTS MIX: Dawn Professional features a proprietary surfactant mix that make professional grease cleaning fast and easy when washing dishes.
  • MAKES 128 SINKS: Dawn Professional dish soap can fill up to 128 sinks per case based on recommended dosage of 1 oz per 10 gallon sink.
No. 7
Ultra Shine 3X Platinum Concentrated Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, 5 Gallon Bucket - Bulk Refill Commercial...
  • 3X Concentrated Grease-Cutting Formula: Delivers 3X more grease-cleaning power per drop, powering through stuck-on food, baked-on grease, oily residue, and tough kitchen grime quickly
  • Cuts Scrubbing Time: Advanced formula loosens grease and food soils on contact, reducing time and effort needed to clean plates, pots, pans, utensils, silverware, and glassware at the dish station
  • Gentle on Hands with Every Wash: Infused with aloe, glycerin, and vitamin E, this dish soap protects skin during repeated use, keeping hands soft through high-volume manual dishwashing shifts
  • Streak-Free Finish on Every Load: Leaves dishes, glasses, and cookware sparkling clean without residue or film, delivering a clear, polished result across all surfaces and vessel types
  • Bulk Size for High-Volume Use: Restaurants, cafeterias, catering operations, and janitorial departments get a full 5-gallon bucket that cuts restocking frequency and keeps dish stations running
SaleNo. 8
Ajax Ultra Liquid Dish Soap Orange Scent, Triple Action, 90 fl oz Bottle
  • One 90 fl oz bottle of Ajax Ultra Liquid Dish Soap Orange Scent, Triple Action (1)
  • This liquid dish soap brings a freshness to your kitchen with its refreshing scent of oranges
  • This orange dish soap provides a pleasant and powerful cleaning experience
  • Our innovative formula cuts grease, leaves dishes sparkling clean, and contains odor fighting fragrance technology (1)
  • This dishwashing liquid is made with zero parabens, and no phosphates
SaleNo. 9
Dawn Platinum Plus PowerSuds Liquid Dish Soap, 51.5 oz. Refill
  • TRAP & LOCK TECHNOLOGY: Dawn PowerSuds dishwashing liquid traps, locks, and removes grease from dish to dish
  • 2X THE SUDS: Dish detergent provides a long-lasting, powerful clean for all your cookware, down to the final glass
  • QUICK-DRYING ACTION: Water sheets off dishes for a spotless, shiny clean
  • TOUGH ON PLASTICS: Even cleans your plasticware with a gentle, effective touch
  • TACKLE THE WHOLE SINK: PowerSuds dishwashing liquid cleans without any dilution. Pots & pans, baking sheets, glassware, and everything else
  • LARGE JUG FOR REFILLS: Save plastic by refilling your reusable Dawn bottle
No. 10
Simple Green Pro Dish Soap 1 Gal
  • Effectively cleans dishes, utensils, glassware, pots, and pans
  • Powerful formula easily cuts through tough grease and grime without harming cookware
  • Removes baked-on and stuck-on food residue
  • Professional-grade formula generates long-lasting suds for less scrubbing
  • Great for hand-washing glassware, pots and pans at restaurants, bars, cafeterias, food trucks, commercial kitchens, bakeries, coffee shops, lunchrooms, and more

Last update on 2026-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Commercial Dish Soap

Understanding Your Needs

Commercial dish soaps are designed for high-volume use and tough grease. Consider the type of establishment you operate: a restaurant with heavy-duty cooking will require a more potent formula than a cafe or office kitchen. Factors like water hardness in your area can also influence performance, with some soaps being better suited for hard water conditions.

Key Features to Consider

  • Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas offer better value as less product is needed per wash cycle.
  • Suds Production: While abundant suds can be satisfying, they aren't always indicative of cleaning power. Some commercial-grade soaps produce fewer suds but are more effective at cutting grease.
  • Rinseability: Efficient rinsing minimizes water usage and reduces the risk of residue left on dishes, ensuring a truly clean finish.
  • Skin-Friendliness: Look for formulas with added moisturizers or pH-balanced ingredients if staff hand-washing is common, to prevent skin irritation.
  • Environmental Impact: Biodegradable formulas and those free from harsh phosphates are increasingly important for eco-conscious businesses.

Types of Commercial Dish Soap

Commercial dish soaps generally fall into a few categories. Manual dish soaps are for handwashing and come in various strengths. Automatic dishwashing detergents are specifically formulated for use in commercial dishwashers, often in tablet, powder, or liquid form, and are designed to work with the machine's cycles.

Comparison Tips

When comparing options, focus on the cleaning performance against common food residues like grease, baked-on food, and starches. Check for certifications or seals that indicate specific performance standards or environmental benefits. Consider the packaging size and dispensing mechanisms, as these can impact ease of use and storage in a commercial setting. Reading user reviews can also provide insights into real-world effectiveness and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between commercial and residential dish soap?
Commercial dish soaps are typically more concentrated and formulated to tackle heavier grease and food residue found in professional kitchens. They are designed for high-volume use and may contain stronger degreasers than residential versions.
How much commercial dish soap should I use?
The amount depends on the product's concentration and the level of soil on the dishes. Always follow the manufacturer's dilution instructions, usually found on the product label, to ensure optimal cleaning and cost-effectiveness.
Are commercial dish soaps safe for the environment?
Many commercial dish soaps are now formulated to be biodegradable and phosphate-free, making them more environmentally friendly. Look for specific eco-certifications on the product packaging.
Can I use commercial dish soap in my home dishwasher?
No, commercial dish soaps are not interchangeable with detergents for home dishwashers. Commercial formulations are designed for specific water temperatures, pressures, and cycles found in commercial machines and can damage home appliances or not clean effectively.
What does 'pH-balanced' mean for dish soap?
A pH-balanced dish soap has a pH level close to that of human skin, typically between 4.5 and 5.5. This indicates it is less likely to strip natural oils from the skin, making it gentler for handwashing.
How do I store commercial dish soap?
Store commercial dish soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent evaporation or contamination and keep them out of reach of children.