Dawn Powerwash has become a cult favorite for tackling greasy dishes, stuck-on food, and everyday kitchen messes. It sprays on as a foam, cuts through grease fast, and honestly feels a little magical. The downside? Those refills can get expensive—especially if you use it daily.
The good news is you can make your own DIY Dawn Powerwash refill at home for just pennies per bottle, using ingredients you probably already have. This homemade version works just as well and can save you some cash!
Why Make a Homemade Dawn Powerwash Refill?
If you’ve ever looked at the price of a Dawn Powerwash refill and thought, there has to be a cheaper way, you’re right.
Making your own Dawn Powerwash refill helps you:
- Save money on cleaning products
- Reduce plastic waste by reusing the original bottle
- Control what goes into your cleaning solution
- Never run out unexpectedly
One refill costs less than $1 to make, compared to $4–$6 in stores.
DIY Dawn Powerwash Refill Ingredients
You only need three simple ingredients for this homemade Dawn Powerwash recipe:
- 1 tbsp Dawn dish soap (original blue works best)
- 1 tbsp rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- Hot water (enough to fill the bottle)
That’s it. No fancy additives, no complicated steps.
How to Make a Dawn Powerwash Refill at Home
Follow these simple steps for the perfect DIY refill:
- Pour dish soap into the empty Powerwash bottle
Use exactly 1 tablespoon. Too much soap can clog the sprayer or reduce foaming. - Add rubbing alcohol
Pour in 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. This helps cut grease and improves drying time. - Fill with hot water
Slowly add hot (not boiling) water until the bottle is almost full. - Gently swirl to mix
Do not shake the bottle. Shaking can create too many bubbles and affect the spray mechanism.
That’s it! Your homemade Dawn Powerwash refill is ready to use.
Does DIY Dawn Powerwash Really Work?
Yes, when made correctly, this DIY Dawn Powerwash refill works incredibly well. The alcohol helps break down grease, while the Dawn soap provides the cleaning power. Many people actually prefer the homemade version because it’s lighter, rinses clean, and doesn’t leave residue.
It works great on:
- Greasy pans
- Air fryer baskets
- Stove tops
- Sink grime
- Bathroom surfaces
Tips for Best Results
- Always reuse the original Dawn Powerwash bottle for best foaming action
- Stick to the measurements—more soap is not better
- Use hot water to help everything dissolve properly
- Label the bottle if you store refills nearby
Making your own Dawn Powerwash refill at home is one of the easiest money-saving cleaning hacks out there. It takes less than two minutes, costs almost nothing, and works just as well as the store-bought version.
If you’re looking for a simple way to cut household expenses without sacrificing convenience, this DIY Dawn Powerwash refill is a no-brainer.

