Dish soap and cleaners hidden inflation: +11.1% per unit vs +1.7% official inflation

By ShrinkRadar · Updated 2026-11-05 · Part of the ShrinkRadar Index, recomputed from the case library and official price data on every build

When a dish soap and cleaners pack shrinks, its price per unit jumps. In 20 documented dish soap and cleaners shrinks with shelf prices before and after and an official match (2019–2026), the median price per unit changed +11.1%. Official inflation for the same cases, matched to each one’s category, country and time, was +1.7%: official prices up 1.7%, the ShrinkRadar per-unit price up 11.1% over the same periods.

Dish soap and cleaners
Price per unit at the shrink
median, 20 priced cases with an official match
+11.1%
Official inflation, same cases
same category, country and time
+1.7%
Cases where the per-unit rise beat official inflation
18 of 20
90%
Priced cases
shelf prices before and after
20
From the size cut alone
median, all 48 cases since 2018
+10.7%

Official data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U, Eurostat HICP, Office for National Statistics CPI, Australian Bureau of Statistics CPI. Recomputed on every build. Method and limits.

In one lineBy countryBy yearCasesOfficial seriesMethodCite

Dish soap and cleaners in one line

Each line is computed from the tables below. Copy one with its source.

  1. Dish soap and cleaners: official prices were up 1.7% and the ShrinkRadar per-unit price up 11.1% over the same periods. Packs that shrank cost a median 11.1% more per unit than the pack they replaced, against 1.7% official inflation for the same category, country and time (20 priced cases with an official match, 2019–2026).

  2. In 90% of those dish soap and cleaners cases (18 of 20), the price per unit rose more than official inflation for the same category, country and time.

  3. Across all 48 documented dish soap and cleaners shrinks since 2018, the size cut alone raised the price per unit by a median 10.7%, before any change in the shelf price.

  4. In Germany, dish soap and cleaners packs that shrank were up 11.1% per unit, while official prices (Eurostat HICP) for the same cases were up 2.2% over the same periods (9 priced cases with an official match, 2020–2026, all from Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg).

  5. In United Kingdom, dish soap and cleaners packs that shrank were up 33.3% per unit, while official prices (ONS CPI) for the same cases were up 4.3% over the same periods (5 priced cases with an official match, 2019–2026).

By country

The same comparison for dish soap and cleaners cases by the country they come from, each against its own statistics office. A country needs at least 5 priced cases with an official match; 8 of 10 countries have fewer, and the table says so instead of showing a figure.

Germany (9)
+11.1%per unit+2.2%official
United Kingdom (5)
+33.3%per unit+4.3%official

Price per unit at the shrink (median) Official inflation, same cases (median)(n) = priced cases with an official match

CountryCasesPer unit (median)Official, same casesBeat officialSize cut aloneOfficial data
Germany9 (9 priced)+11.1%+2.2%78%+8.6%Eurostat HICP
United Kingdom5 (5 priced)+33.3%+4.3%100%+11.7%ONS CPI
Netherlands4 (4 priced)Too thin: 4 priced cases with an official match (minimum 5)too fewEurostat HICP
Austria6 (1 priced)Too thin: 1 priced case with an official match (minimum 5)+15.6%Eurostat HICP
Australia2 (1 priced)Too thin: 1 priced case with an official match (minimum 5)too fewABS CPI
Hungary10 (0 priced)No official series for this country+10.3%—
United States8 (0 priced)Too thin: 0 priced cases with an official match (minimum 5)+9.6%BLS CPI-U
Italy2 (0 priced)Too thin: 0 priced cases with an official match (minimum 5)too fewEurostat HICP
India1 (0 priced)No official series for this countrytoo few—
Japan1 (0 priced)No official series for this countrytoo few—

By year

By the year the pack changed. A year needs at least 5 priced cases; thin years are marked. Comparisons spanning several years (1 dish soap and cleaners cases) are left out of this series but kept in the headline and the case list.

YearCasesPricedPer unit (median)Official, same cases (n)Size cut alone
2026 (so far)186+8.0%+1.0% (6)+10.3%
202541too thin—too few
2024113too thin—+11.1%
202310too thin—too few
202274too thin—+7.7%
202122too thin—too few
202011too thin—too few
201922too thin—too few
201810too thin—too few

The 48 dish soap and cleaners cases

Which cases count. All 48 dish soap and cleaners cases that changed in 2018 or later are listed and count in the size-cut figure. The per-unit headline uses the 20 that have shelf prices before and after and an official match (listed first). Left out of the per-unit figure: 28 size-only cases (the source recorded no shelf prices; we never fill one in). Cases without an official match: no official benchmark loaded for this country (12). Not listed: 4 older dish soap and cleaners cases that changed before 2018, outside the range of the official data.

Case (country · when · size)Per unitOfficial, matched
Buster bathroom plug unblocker (UK)
United Kingdom · 2026 · 600 ml → 300 ml (−50.0%)
+33.3%+4.3%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ONS CPI (UK) · 12 months to Jul 2026
Dettol Original Allesreiniger
Netherlands · 2026 · 1500 ml → 1000 ml (−33.3%)
+7.4%−3.2%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (NL) · 2026 average vs 2025 (same 9 months)
Fairy dishwashing liquid (Australia)
Australia · 2026 · 800 ml → 750 ml (−6.2%)
+46.7%+18.7%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ABS CPI (AU) · 2026 average vs 2021 average (same 9 months)
Finish Powerball Ultimate Plus Maxi Pack
Germany · 2026 · 42 pieces → 36 pieces (−14.3%)
+16.7%+0.3%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Jun 2026
Finish Quantum vaatwastabletten (2026)
Netherlands · 2026 · 32 tablets → 31 tablets (−3.1%)
+3.2%−3.3%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (NL) · 12 months to Mar 2026
Scrub Daddy Sponge Daddy dual-sided sponges (UK)
United Kingdom · 2026 · 4 sponges → 3 sponges (−25.0%)
+6.1%+4.3%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ONS CPI (UK) · 12 months to Jul 2026
Somat All in 1 Extra Tabs XXL
Germany · 2026 · 63 pieces → 58 pieces (−7.9%)
+8.6%+1.8%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Jan 2026
Swiffer Duster Mega Pack
Germany · 2025 · 20 pieces → 18 pieces (−10.0%)
+11.1%+2.2%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Jun 2025
Finish Classic XXL dishwasher tabs (Austria)
Austria · 2024 · 77 tabs → 72 tabs (−6.5%)
+20.0%+1.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (AT) · 12 months to Oct 2024
Finish Quantum All-in-one vaatwastabletten
Netherlands · 2024 · 35 tablets → 33 tablets (−5.7%)
+6.1%+1.6%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (NL) · 2024 average vs 2023
Sun All-in-one vaatwastabletten
Netherlands · 2024 · 25 pieces → 21 pieces (−16.0%)
+12.3%+1.6%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (NL) · 2024 average vs 2023
Fairy Original All In One dishwasher tablets, lemon (UK)
United Kingdom · 2022 · 58 tablets → 52 tablets (−10.3%)
+39.4%+12.5%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ONS CPI (UK) · 12 months to Aug 2022
Finish Powerball classic
Germany · 2022 · 82 pieces → 77 pieces (−6.1%)
+6.5%+7.4%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Mar 2022
Love Nature Spülmittel Verbena
Germany · 2022 · 470 ml → 450 ml (−4.3%)
+41.2%+14.2%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Sep 2022
Somat classic
Germany · 2022 · 82 pieces → 77 pieces (−6.1%)
+6.5%+7.4%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Mar 2022
Bref Power WC-Kraftgel gegen 99,9% der Bakterien
Germany · 2021 · 1000 ml → 750 ml (−25.0%)
+33.3%−0.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Feb 2021
Pril Kraft-Gel Ultra Plus
Germany · 2021 · 500 ml → 450 ml (−10.0%)
+11.1%−0.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Feb 2021
Somat Gold Multi Aktiv
Germany · 2020 · 53 pieces → 50 pieces (−5.7%)
+6.0%+2.4%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (DE) · 12 months to Apr 2020
Ecover washing-up liquid, 1 litre bottle (UK)
United Kingdom · 2019 · 1000 ml → 950 ml (−5.0%)
+9.6%−7.9%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ONS CPI (UK) · 12 months to Feb 2019
Fairy All in One dishwasher tablets, 67-pack (UK)
United Kingdom · 2019 · 67 tablets → 60 tablets (−10.4%)
+34.0%−7.9%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ONS CPI (UK) · 12 months to Feb 2019
COOP 4Home cold degreaser spray (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 750 ml → 500 ml (−33.3%)
size only
size cut alone +50.0%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Dawn Platinum dish soap
United States · 2026 · 32 fl oz → 30 fl oz (−6.2%)
size only
size cut alone +6.7%
+2.1%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 2026 average vs 2025 (same 9 months)
Febreze air spray can
United States · 2026 · 8.8 oz → 8.1 oz (−8.0%)
size only
size cut alone +8.6%
+2.1%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 2026 average vs 2025 (same 9 months)
Finish Power Lemon dishwasher tablets 110-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 110 tablets → 100 tablets (−9.1%)
size only
size cut alone +10.0%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Finish Power Lemon dishwasher tablets 94-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 94 tablets → 85 tablets (−9.6%)
size only
size cut alone +10.6%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Finish Quantum dishwasher capsules (Lemon, Fresh) 100-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 100 capsules → 95 capsules (−5.0%)
size only
size cut alone +5.3%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Finish Quantum Fresh dishwasher capsules 46-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 46 capsules → 44 capsules (−4.3%)
size only
size cut alone +4.5%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Finish Quantum Lemon dishwasher capsules 60-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 60 capsules → 55 capsules (−8.3%)
size only
size cut alone +9.1%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Finish Ultimate Plus dishwasher capsules (Lemon, Fresh) 72-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 72 capsules → 70 capsules (−2.8%)
size only
size cut alone +2.9%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Jar All-in-One Yellow dishwasher tablets 46-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 46 tablets → 41 tablets (−10.9%)
size only
size cut alone +12.2%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Swiffer Duster refills
United States · 2026 · 28 count → 24 count (−14.3%)
size only
size cut alone +16.7%
+2.1%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 2026 average vs 2025 (same 9 months)
The Pink Stuff cleaning paste (Hungary)
Hungary · 2026 · 850 g → 750 g (−11.8%)
size only
size cut alone +13.3%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Cascade Platinum Plus dishwashing pods
United States · 2025 · 52 pods → 47 pods (−9.6%)
size only
size cut alone +10.6%
+0.1%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 12 months to Sep 2025
Finish Ultimate Dishwashing Pods
United States · 2025 · 76 pods → 62 pods (−18.4%)
size only
size cut alone +22.6%
+1.5%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 12 months to Jan 2026
Somat Classic dishwasher tablets 80-pack (Hungary)
Hungary · 2025 · 1328 g → 1200 g (−9.6%)
size only
size cut alone +10.7%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Blink dishwasher powder (Müller own brand, Austria)
Austria · 2024 · 1.8 kg → 1.5 kg (−16.7%)
size only
size cut alone +20.0%
+1.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (AT) · 12 months to Oct 2024
Blue Star 10x Effekt toilet tabs (Austria)
Austria · 2024 · 250 g → 225 g (−10.0%)
size only
size cut alone +11.1%
+1.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (AT) · 12 months to Oct 2024
Jif cream cleanser
Australia · 2024 · 700 ml → 500 ml (−28.6%)
size only
size cut alone +40.0%
−0.4%
Cleaning and maintenance products · ABS CPI (AU) · 2024 average vs 2023
Kao Cucute Clear Jokin dish soap bottle (Japan)
Japan · 2024 · 240 ml → 220 ml (−8.3%)
size only
size cut alone +9.1%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Nelsen dish detergent (second cut, Italy)
Italy · 2024 · 900 ml → 850 ml (−5.6%)
size only
size cut alone +5.9%
+3.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (IT) · 12 months to Jan 2024
Somat Classic dishwasher powder XXL (Austria, first cut)
Austria · 2024 · 3 kg → 2.5 kg (−16.7%)
size only
size cut alone +20.0%
+1.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (AT) · 12 months to Oct 2024
Somat Classic dishwasher powder XXL (Austria, second cut)
Austria · 2024 · 2.5 kg → 2 kg (−20.0%)
size only
size cut alone +25.0%
+1.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (AT) · 12 months to Oct 2024
Somat Classic Tabs XXL (Austria)
Austria · 2024 · 72 tabs → 66 tabs (−8.3%)
size only
size cut alone +9.1%
+1.5%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (AT) · 12 months to Oct 2024
Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
United States · 2023 · 19.4 oz → 18 oz (−7.2%)
size only
size cut alone +7.8%
+6.0%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 12 months to May 2023
Dawn Ultra dish soap
United States · 2022 · 7 fl oz → 6.5 fl oz (−7.1%)
size only
size cut alone +7.7%
+9.5%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 2022 average vs 2021
Nelsen dish detergent
Italy · 2022 · 1000 ml → 900 ml (−10.0%)
size only
size cut alone +11.1%
+6.1%
Household cleaning and maintenance products · Eurostat HICP (IT) · 2022 average vs 2021
Vim dish soap bar (India)
India · 2022 · 155 g → 135 g (−12.9%)
size only
size cut alone +14.8%
no official match
no official benchmark loaded for this country
Lysol wipes
United States · 2018 · 19.7 oz → 17.7 oz (−10.2%)
size only
size cut alone +11.3%
−1.3%
Household cleaning products · BLS CPI-U (US) · 12 months to Mar 2018

Official series used

Each dish soap and cleaners case is matched to one official series for its country. A broad match means no series exists for exactly this category, so the nearest wider one is used.

Official seriesProviderCases matched
Household cleaning and maintenance products DE:CP05611Eurostat HICP (DE)9
Household cleaning products CUUR0000SEHN01BLS CPI-U (US)8
Household cleaning and maintenance products AT:CP05611Eurostat HICP (AT)6
Cleaning and maintenance products UK:L7F8ONS CPI (UK)5
Household cleaning and maintenance products NL:CP05611Eurostat HICP (NL)4
Cleaning and maintenance products AU:40067ABS CPI (AU)2
Household cleaning and maintenance products IT:CP05611Eurostat HICP (IT)2

Method and limits

Two measures per case. Size cut alone = old size ÷ new size − 1: what you pay more per unit if the shelf price did not change. Price per unit = (new price ÷ new size) ÷ (old price ÷ old size) − 1, from the shelf prices the source recorded. Official benchmark: the 12-month change of the matched series in the month the case was reported, or the annual-average change for cases with only a year, or the source’s own comparison period. Every case counts once and figures are medians; there is no spending weighting.

Limits. These are documented shrinks, not a random sample: sources report packs that got smaller, and the consumer agencies behind most priced cases usually report them when the price per unit rose. So the page shows how big the hidden rise is when dish soap and cleaners shrinkflation happens, not how common it is. Official indexes already count a smaller pack at the same price as a price rise when the item is in their sample. Full method, thresholds and data refresh: ShrinkRadar Index method.

Cite this page

ShrinkRadar, “ShrinkRadar Index: dish soap and cleaners hidden inflation”, https://shrinkradar.com/shrinkflation-index/dish-and-cleaning/, accessed 2026-11-05. Data: ShrinkRadar case library; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U; Eurostat HICP; Office for National Statistics CPI (Open Government Licence v3.0); Australian Bureau of Statistics CPI (CC BY 4.0).

Share

XRedditFacebookBlueskyEmail

Shared links show this card (PNG, 1200×630) with the headline numbers.

More on dish soap and cleaners

Other categories in the Index

Closest to a figure (priced cases with an official match now, of 5 needed): Baby 4, needs 1 more; Household 4, needs 1 more; Oral Care 4, needs 1 more; Tissues 4, needs 1 more; Feminine Care 3, needs 2 more; Shaving & Razors 2, needs 3 more; Cat Litter & Pet Supplies 1, needs 4 more; Deodorant 1, needs 4 more; Bags, Foil & Wrap 0, needs 5 more.