Many individuals rely on Dawn dish soap for household cleaning, yet there are certain things it should never be used for.

Wooden furniture requires special care to maintain its finish and prevent damage. Dawn dish soap, with its strong degreasing properties, can strip the natural oils from wood, leading to dryness and cracking. Additionally, the soap can leave a residue that dulls the finish and attracts dust.

For cleaning wooden furniture, it's best to use products specifically designed for wood care. These products often contain oils and conditioners that nourish the wood and enhance its natural beauty, rather than stripping it away.

Natural stone surfaces, such as granite and marble, are porous and require gentle cleaning solutions to avoid damage. Dawn dish soap can penetrate the pores of the stone, leading to discoloration and weakening of the surface over time. The soap's residue can also dull the stone's natural shine.

To clean natural stone surfaces, it's advisable to use pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically formulated for stone. These cleaners help maintain the stone's integrity and appearance without causing harm.

Cast iron cookware is prized for its durability and ability to retain heat, but it requires special care to maintain its seasoning. Dawn dish soap can strip away the seasoning layer, which is essential for preventing rust and providing a non-stick surface. Without this layer, food is more likely to stick, and the cookware can become prone to rust.

Instead of using Dawn, it's recommended to clean cast iron with hot water and a stiff brush. For stubborn food residue, a paste of coarse salt and water can be used to scrub the surface without damaging the seasoning.

Leather is a natural material that requires gentle cleaning to preserve its texture and color. Dawn dish soap can be too harsh for leather, stripping away its natural oils and leading to dryness and cracking. The soap can also leave a residue that attracts dirt and diminishes the leather's appearance.

For cleaning leather, it's best to use a leather cleaner or a mild soap specifically designed for leather care. These products help maintain the leather's suppleness and sheen, ensuring its longevity.

While Dawn dish soap can be used in some homemade window cleaning solutions, it is not always the best choice. The soap can leave streaks and a residue on glass surfaces, which can be difficult to remove and detract from the clarity of the windows.

For streak-free windows, it's recommended to use a dedicated glass cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water. These options are effective at removing dirt and grime without leaving behind any residue.