Dish soap is designed to remove grease and oil from dishes, so if it doesn't seem to work effectively on greasy dishes, there could be several reasons for this:
Insufficient soap or water: If you're not using enough dish soap or not using enough water to create suds, the soap won't be as effective at breaking down and removing the grease. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of soap to use and ensure you have enough water in the sink or dishwasher.
Cold water: Dish soap is more effective in warm or hot water. Cold water can cause the grease to solidify and stick to the dishes, making it harder to remove. Using warm water helps to melt the grease, making it easier to wash away.
Old or ineffective dish soap: Over time, dish soap can lose its effectiveness, especially if it has been stored for a long time or exposed to extreme temperatures. Using fresh and good-quality dish soap can make a significant difference in how well it tackles greasy dishes.
Type of grease: Some types of grease can be more challenging to remove than others. Animal fats and oils, for example, can be stubborn and require more effort to clean. In such cases, using a dish soap specifically formulated for cutting through grease or using a pre-soak can help.
Residue on dishes: If dishes have a layer of residue or leftover food particles, the dish soap may not be able to penetrate the grease effectively. It's essential to rinse or scrape off excess food before washing the dishes.
Inadequate soaking time: Letting dishes soak in soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing can help loosen the grease, making it easier to clean.
Using the wrong soap: Different dishes may require different types of dish soap. For example, some delicate materials like fine china or non-stick cookware might need a gentler dish soap formula.
To get the best results with dish soap on greasy dishes, ensure you're using enough soap, use warm water, and consider using a high-quality dish soap designed to tackle grease effectively. If you're still having trouble, pre-soaking the dishes or using a specialized degreasing agent may help in getting rid of tough grease.