Dawn Ultra Dish Soap (Original Scent)

Yes, Dawn has been used by wildlife rescue organizations since the late 1970s to safely remove oil and grease from animals like pelicans, otters, and penguins. Procter & Gamble has donated thousands of bottles to organizations including the International Bird Rescue and runs a campaign where purchases help fund wildlife rescue efforts.

Dawn Platinum is marketed as having four times more everyday grease-cleaning power per drop compared to non-Ultra Dawn, featuring a more concentrated formula designed for tough baked-on food. Dawn Ultra is the standard concentrated line and is the one most commonly referenced in wildlife rescue applications.

Dawn Ultra is biodegradable and phosphate-free, making it generally safe for septic systems when used in normal household amounts. The surfactants in Dawn break down readily in the environment, which is also why it is chosen for delicate wildlife cleaning.

While Dawn effectively cuts through grease, it is generally not recommended for regular car washing because it can strip the wax and polymer sealants off your vehicle's paint. Dedicated car wash soaps are pH-balanced to clean without degrading protective coatings.