I'm always on the lookout for a reliable dish soap that gets the job done. To be honest, I don't have a go-to brand - my preferences change over time, and sometimes I find a great soap only to have it discontinued or reformulated.

Last month, I was shopping at Magnit Kozmetik and noticed that most of the dish soaps on the shelves were Fairy, which I haven't used in ages because, in my opinion, it doesn't clean very well. There were also a few super cheap options with names that meant nothing to me, and AOS in blue.

I wasn't a fan of the blue color - it's just too bright. How much dye is in there? But I didn't have much choice, and I didn't feel like running around to all the nearby stores. So, I decided to give this blue 'miracle' a try.

Dish Soap AOS CrystalFull name: Dish Soap AOS Crystal.

Volume: 450 ml.

Dish Soap AOS A small, standard bottle with a comfortable shape and a dense plastic feel. The special grips make it easy to hold in your hand - it doesn't slip or feel too bulky.

The back of the packaging has all the product information.

IngredientsDescription:

AOS effortlessly removes even the toughest grime and deeply embedded grease without harsh surfactants, SLS, or dyes. The formula is based on natural ingredients for crystal-clear dishes without streaks or residue.

Proven effectiveness against grease and complete water solubility.

The dish soap is suitable for daily use, produces a rich lather, removes grease and food residue, and leaves no residue or streaks. It's an eco-friendly and safe option for families with young children.

Eco-friendly consumption thanks to the capillary dosing system.
The liquid does not contaminate water when it enters the sewer system.

Ingredients:

5% or more, but less than 15%: anionic surfactants; less than 5%: nonionic surfactants, fragrant additive, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salt, peppermint extract, pH regulator, preservative, dyes

I've gotta say, this gel isn't marketed as natural or eco-friendly, and the ingredients confirm that. No beating around the bush here - it's just regular old chemistry.

I only use non-eco-friendly gels for washing dishes, and for washing veggies and fruits, I opt for products with more natural ingredients.

AOS Dish SoapThe cap is a flip-top, and it closes tightly with a satisfying click. It opens easily without risking a broken nail.

Flip-top capThe dosage hole is standard and hassle-free. It's easy to measure out the right amount, and the bottle doesn't leak or spray everywhere.

I poured a bit of AOS into a spoon to get a sense of what it's like.

AOS Crystal Dish SoapConsistency: thick and gel-like.

Color: a deep, rich blue. I checked the photos online, and it looks less vibrant there. Mine's a really bright blue, so maybe the dye concentration varies by batch.

Smell: fresh and clean. Not overpowering at all.

I expect a few things from a dish soap gel:

Easy application,

Good, noticeable foam formation,

Easy rinsing without streaks,

Effective grease and grime removal, and eliminating any lingering odors (like onion or fish).

For washing dishes, I use large, porous sponges. They create great foam and the soap sticks to them nicely, lasting long enough without getting washed away. I've bought those 'coffee ground' sponges from Fix Price a few times - they're good quality and work well with various dish soaps, both gels and liquids.

As soon as I apply AOS to the sponge, it absorbs quickly.

Foam formation: excellent.

I love it when a dish soap gel creates a fluffy foam. It makes it easier for me to see how much soap is on the surface. Although, maybe that's just a matter of personal preference.

It foams up really wellI've gotta say, this stuff spreads like a dream across the surface.

The foam is thick and rich.

It sticks to the dishes like a charm and breaks down all the grime.

I don't have to scrub away at my plates and pans - the chemistry does all the work. Grease gets broken down no problem.

The cleaning solution wipes away super fast. I don't get that feeling like no matter how many times I wipe, the residue is still there.

It wipes cleanAfter I'm done cleaning, if I run my hand over the still-wet dishes, I get a slight squeak.

It neutralizes all the nasty smells - salmon, garlic, onions - this stuff's a lifesaver.

I've found the usage to be pretty economical too. One big drop gives me a noticeable amount of foam, and I don't have to keep reapplying it to the sponge.

There are a lot of positives, but for me, the one downside is the color. It's just too bright, too in-your-face. I didn't like it even when I first saw it on the store shelf. I guess the dye is safe and all, but it just doesn't sit well with me. If it were a bit more muted, I think I'd be a lot happier with it.