Dish soap is a staple in every household for cleaning dishes, but did you know that it has a wide range of other uses? From cleaning household items to eliminating pests in your garden, dish soap can be used in a variety of ways. Here are 10 tried-and-true uses for dish soap other than for dishes.

1. Cleaning bathtubs and sinks. Similar to how it cuts grease on your dishes, dish soap is great for removing oils from your skin and soap scum. Ammonium-free dish soap (like Dawn) can also be mixed with Bar Keepers Friend and used with the scrubby side of a microfiber sponge for deeper cleaning to remove rust and hard water stains.

2. Cleaning makeup brushes. Makeup brushes can accumulate dirt, oil, and makeup residue over time. Cleaning them regularly helps to prevent breakouts. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and swirl your makeup brushes in the solution to remove dirt and buildup. Rinse them with clean water and let them air dry completely before use.

3. Laundry stain remover. Grease and cooking oil stains–even grease stains that have been previously washed in the laundry machine–can still be removed! Apply enough dish soap to cover the stained area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then massage it in and watch the grease lift from the fabric! Wash as normal.

4. Cleaning patio furniture. Outdoor furniture can become dirty and covered in pollution, dust, and pollen. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a cloth to clean your outdoor furniture. Wipe down with a clean, dry cloth–voila!

5. Cleaning BBQ grates. Fill a large sink or basin with dish soap and hot water. Remove your barbecue grates and let them soak in the mixture for 20 minutes. All the residue, burnt food, and grease will lift off and make for easy cleaning! This can be followed with some Bar Keepers Friend or a pumice stone to remove any remaining grease stains.

6. DIY multi-surface cleaner. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. This makes a multi-surface cleaner that is safe on even the most delicate of surfaces and countertops and cleans without leaving streaks or residue!

7. Remove oil stains from driveways. Oil stains on driveways can be tough to remove, but dish soap can help. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush and rinsing with water.

8. Fruit fly traps. Add 1-2 inches of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to a jar or container. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap and whisk it up until bubbles form on the surface. The vinegar acts to attract the fruit flies and the bubbles trap them!

9. Aphid and mite killer. Mix 1 part dawn dish soap with 5 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the underside of plant leaves or wherever you see aphids. The soap removes the protective exoskeleton on the insect’s body and dehydrates them without sacrificing the health of your plants!

10. Flea killer. Giving your pet a bath with dish soap to kill fleas. Massage the soap into their fur for 5 minutes or until the fleas start to naturally drop off. The soap will erode their exoskeleton, reduce the surface tension of water, and cause them to sink and drown.