Which washing-up liquid to use for giant bubbles

Use only Fairy Liquid or Dawn

by Procter & Gamble

Always check the label, as ingredients may change.
The product must contain 15–30% anionic surfactants.
Lower levels or other brands will not work well.

This rule applies to any giant bubble recipe, not just our products. Whatever recipe you find online or anywhere else, it will only work with a Procter & Gamble washing-up liquid (Fairy or Dawn) that contains 15–30% anionic surfactants. We have tested supermarket own brands with the same surfactant level and they do not work.

Fairy liquid advice for making giant bubbles

At the current time we are using these ones:

Fairy Platinum (Antibacterial Blue or Green) Buy on Amazon
Fairy Max Power (Antibacterial Blue or Green) Buy on Amazon
Dawn Platinum (Blue) Buy on Amazon
Fairy Green Original has recently changed its ingredients, so we no longer use it (as of September 2026).

However, manufacturers change ingredients frequently, so you must check the back of your bottle before use.
The product must contain 15–30% anionic surfactants. Lower levels or other brands will not work well.
Please verify the ingredients on your specific bottle — do not assume it will work without checking.

Not in the UK? International brand names

It’s the same Fairy Liquid product, just a different name in different countries. Still check your version/scent has 15–30% anionic surfactants, this is important for giant bubble making.

Dawn: United States and Canada
Yes: Sweden and Norway
Dreft: Netherlands and Belgium (note: Dreft is used for a different P&G laundry product in other regions)