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 Soap?
- How do I use Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner?
- How are the uses for the Castile 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 Cheat Sheets in that this here combines the most popular Castile 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 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.
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.