My friends, I feel like I’ve been holding out on you. I have long had this Green Guide as a printed resource to hand out at events, but I am finally getting a digital version posted to share with you all here. This guide was one of the earliest tools I created to answer a some of the most oft-asked questions:
- How do I use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Magic Soap?
- How do I use Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner?
- How are the uses for the Castile Magic Soap different from the uses for the Sal Suds?
- Where do I begin going green?
The Green Guide
This is a “Let’s start with the basics” guide. If you are just starting your green journey, this guide’s for you. If you have just come across Dr. Bronner’s products, this guide’s for you. If you’ve used Dr. Bronner’s for just one thing and didn’t know its versatility, this guide’s for you. If you are introducing a friend to Dr. Bronner’s products, this guide’s for them.
Download or print the Green Guide in the sidebar to the right. Available in English and Spanish!
This Green Guide differs from my Usage & Dilutions Cheat Sheets in that this here combines the most popular Castile Magic Soap and Sal Suds uses into one sheet. I have long had the individual Cheat Sheets as a more thorough reference guide for the uses of five different Dr. Bronner’s products, and when you’re ready for them, I highly recommend expanding your knowledge of dilutions and uses. Then, when you’re ready for more beyond that, there’s my book Soap & Soul, which is a Dr. Bronner’s companion guide and great way to deepen your understanding of the science behind green home and body care.
But for now, start with this summary, this condensed overview. I hope it helps you take the next step forward in reducing and simplifying the products in your daily body care and home routines. Fewer products means fewer ingredients to track. Simpler products means less exposure to problematic vapors and residues.
I would enjoy hearing what’s new to you on this guide and what changes you are making in your routines.
Sal Suds cleaner shows >60% biodegradation after 28 days per ISO 14593.
These dilutions are calibrated specifically for Dr. Bronner’s Castile Magic Soaps; other castile brands likely contain a different concentration of soap to water, usually less than Dr. Bronner’s, which will impact the efficacy of the dilutions.
Can I use for wood floors ?
Hi Aquilina – You can use either Magic Soap or Sal Suds on your wood floors! Just be sure not to leave any standing water as that can warp the wood. If you’d like to read more about mopping with Dr. Bronner’s you can check out my article here: https://bit.ly/GreenCleanFloors
What would be some suggestions for a cleaner to eliminate limescale (hard water) cleaning in my shower?
Hi Melissa – There are a couple options for getting rid of limescale, but they depend on what sort of material the shower is. If it’s something soft or sensitive like marble or limestone, it might be best to look for a product specifically targeted to limescale. However, if the shower is something more durable such as acrylic or manufactured tile, you can dissolve with a vinegar solution. Dilute kitchen vinegar in half with water and spray the scale. Let it sit a few minutes, then scrub it off.
Will sal suds take remove lanolin from wool? Still trying to understand when you would use Sal suds over castile
Hi Gracie – Sal Suds is a better degreaser than Castile, so it would be more able to remove lanolin. I’m not sure if that’s what you want it to do. If you don’t want that, I’d opt for the Castile, which is milder. It’s what I use most on washable wool.
Hello Lisa, what is your opinion about washing hands with Sal Suds. Would that be a bad idea?
Hi Tamim- The main concern with Sal Suds is that it can be drying to skin. It’s so good at picking up oils, it can pull them out of your skin too. If using it for hands, I recommend a very light dilution to help minimize any possible dryness.