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There is a lot of overlap here with the Castile Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet because the products can often be interchanged. It is largely a matter of personal preference, but the Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner is more clean-rinsing in hard water situations, and is slightly more effective on grease and tough stains. As with the Castile soaps, these recommended dilutions are not set in stone. You may have dirtier stuff, larger sinks, a larger washer, etc., and may need to tweak these amounts to your own situation.
Sal Suds, Sal Suds, how do I love thee?
I use it for…
Clothes, towels & sheets
Halloween costumes
Tile & bamboo floors
Carpet
Granite, quartz, marble, tile
Painted walls & shelves
Plastic trash cans
Makeup brushes
Dishes
Lunchboxes
Stainless steel water bottles
Brita water filter pitcher
Plastic cooler
Exterior of small kitchen appliances
Stainless steel appliances
China
Glass vases
Pottery
Cork trivets
Rubber oven mitts
Wood, bamboo & plastic cutting boards
Dog & cat bowls, carriers & collars
Windows
Cars, inside and out
Finished, sealed, or painted wood
My grill (aka bar-b-que)
Outdoor metal & plastic furniture
Plastic toys
Plastic storage bins
Paint brushes
Wicker baskets
Artificial greenery
Painted MDF
Microsuede
Toothbrushes & brush holder
Porcelain bathroom fixtures—toilet, tub, sink, handles, faucets
Metal doorknobs
Plastic light switches & covers
Diaper changing pads
Silicone parts of my breast pump
My plastic nasal irrigator
Nylon camping tents
Beach balls, rafts & pool toys
Fruits & veggies
Trumpets, saxophones & trombones
All this to say, I use Sal Suds A LOT! In fact, it might be more efficient to list what I don’t wash with it. The long and short of it is, if it’s not on this list, then I probably didn’t think of it. Sal Suds is safe for any surface or material that can get wet (but it’s not meant for people or animals—it can be drying). However, if you have something that’s iffy, do a spot test.
Dilutions
Dishes (Handwashing): ½ – 1 ½ tsp. (2.5 mL to 7.5 mL) Sal Suds in a large sink of water. Or 1 drop Sal Suds for one pot, more if needed.
- So I don’t use too much, I keep a bottle of diluted Sal Suds by my sink: ½ c. (120 mL) of Sal Suds in a quart (1 L) of water. A small squirt in a pot or a larger squirt for a sink.
- With All-Purpose Spray: Using a Sal Suds Spray to Clean Dishes
Laundry: 1 to 1 ½ Tbsp (15 to 22 mL) for a large load in a top loading washer. Optional: For extra whitening/brightening, add ½ c. (120 mL) baking soda to wash cycle and/or 1c. (240 mL) vinegar to rinse cycle. Double these amounts for standard (non-HE) washers.
Pretreating Laundry Stains: Pre-measure Sal Suds for load. Apply some or all directly to stain(s). Let sit 30 minutes or more. Add remaining Sal Suds to washer. For broad stain, spray with a solution of half Sal Suds/half water.
Handwashing Delicates: ½ capful (½ Tbsp. or 7.5 mL) Sal Suds in about 1 gallon (4 L) of water. Swish gently. Let soak 10 minutes. Swish again. Rinse with clean water. Gently press out excess water with a towel. Hang clothing or lay flat to dry.
Mopping (Wood, Laminate, Vinyl, Stone & Tile): 1 tsp. (5 mL) Sal Suds in 1 gallon (4 L) of hot water. Dunk mop (microfiber, preferably) and wring thoroughly. On wood and laminate, avoid excess water and mop up wet areas.
- For smaller areas, add 1/8 tsp. (0.6 mL) Sal Suds to a quart (1 L) of water in a squirt bottle.
- Mopping Floors with Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap and Sal Suds
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray: 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) Sal Suds in a quart (1 L) of water. Hint: Put water in the bottle first. Spray and wipe with a damp cloth. Optional: Add ¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) tea tree essential oil. Use on any surface that is safe in contact with water.
- Tips to make & use: GIY (Green It Yourself) All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
- Countertops & Tile: Spray and wipe with a damp cloth.
Cleaning Stone with Castile Soap and Sal Suds - Microsuede: Spray and scrub with a gentle circular motion.
Cleaning Microsuede - Wood: Painted or Sealed (not waxed)—Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Wood: Making It Shine
Window Wash: (aka Sal Suds Lite) ½ tsp. (2.5 mL) in a quart (1 L) of water. Spray and squeegee. Follow with a spray of pure club soda, or half vinegar/half water, and squeegee.
Stainless Steel Appliances & Sink: Spray appliance with All-Purpose Spray. Wipe with a soft damp cloth in the direction of the grain. Spray sink and sprinkle with baking soda from a shaker. Scrub then rinse.
- Appliances: Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances with Dr. Bronner’s
- Sink: Cleaning A Stainless Steel Sink
Toilets: For best results, empty toilet. Spray bowl thoroughly with All-Purpose Spray, or sprinkle 2-3 drops of Sal Suds directly on toilet brush. Sprinkle baking soda on a brush, scrub bowl. Let sit 10 minutes. Turn water on. Flush.
Fruit & Veggie Wash: 1 drop of Sal Suds in a bowl of water. Dunk and swish the produce. Rinse in clear water.
Oral Appliances & CPAPs: Removable retainers, nightguards, etc. & dentures: Wet device. Add 1-2 drops of soap to a soft toothbrush. Brush gently, then rinse. CPAP mask, tubing, and headgear: Submerge in a warm water with a small squirt. Allow to sit 30 minutes, then wash, rinse, and towel dry. Allow to air dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Pressure Washer/Carpet Cleaner: In cleaning solution chamber, fill with water and add 1 drop of Sal Suds. Add 1c. (240 mL) vinegar to rinse water (optional). Use All-Purpose Spray on carpet spots (use sparingly).
Upholstery: Spray a wet (not dripping) cloth lightly with All-Purpose Spray. Gently rub cloth on the spot. Rinse area with a second wet cloth. Blot with a dry cloth to extract moisture. For large areas, use a carpet cleaner (above). Always spot test first.
Cars: ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) Sal Suds in 3 gallons (12 L) of water for exterior. Use All-Purpose Spray on interior surfaces and leather seats. Wipe with damp cloth.
- Exterior: Car Washing with Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
- Interior: Green Cleaning Car Interiors with Dr. Bronner’s
Patio Furniture: ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) Sal Suds in a bucket of warm water. Wash with sponge, microfiber cloth or stiff brush. Wipe with damp cloth.
Additional Uses
• Camping gear
• Musical instruments
• Paint & makeup brushes
• Grills
• Lunch boxes
• Water bottles
• Kids clothing
• Bedding
• Doorknobs
• Cutting boards
• Refrigerators (inside & out)
• Glass vases
• Pottery
And so much more!
Not sure when to use Sal Suds or when to use Castile Soap? Head over to my blog post, Sal Suds or Castile Soap—Which to Use?
If you have SLS concerns, check out this blog post: There is no Cancer Risk from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
Further reading
- Sal Suds or Castile Soap – Which to Use?
- Bar Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet
- Dilutions Cheat Sheet for Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
- GIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Sal Suds cleaner shows >60% biodegradation after 28 days per ISO 14593
This dilution and many more are in my book, Soap & Soul: A Practical Guide to Minding Your Home, Your Body, and Your Spirit with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, available now in hardback on DrBronner.com or at your favorite bookseller, and as an eBook and audiobook (read by me!) from wherever you download or listen.
I had posted in the Castile Soap section but I think I probably should have posted here. Trying to figure out if used when cleaning the bathroom, does it disinfect? Used to using bleach and chemicals and need to substitute with green products. Do I need an essential oil that would act as a disinfectant? Thanks!
Hi Lisa – Yes, both the Castile soap and the Sal Suds will disinfect your bathroom, but I personally opt for the Sal Suds. For added reassurance, add 20 drops of pure essential tea tree oil to your spray bottle for added disinfecting, antibacterial powers. It looks like you already know the dangers of bleach, but I just read this article last night and my concern was renewed, http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health. EWG has excellent information about the healthfulness of cleaners, green and otherwise. Look around there.
This paragraph in particular:
“Repeated exposure to chlorine bleach has been linked to respiratory damage and wheezing as well as nose and eye irritation. Bleach fumes consist of a complex mixture of toxic, carcinogenic and irritating gases, including chlorine, chloroform and carbon tetrachttp://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_healthhloride (Medina-Ramon 2005; Odabasi 2008). Spanish scientists have documented increased risk of symptoms of obstructive lung disease in domestic workers who regularly use bleach (Medina-Ramon 2006). Bleach cleaners applied as sprays may be more likely to cause respiratory irritation and are of particular concern for work-related asthma (Medina-Ramon 2005).
The risks of bleach are not limited to those who clean for a living. A 2009 study from a 13-country research team found that people who used bleach at home four or more times per week were more likely than non-bleach users to suffer lower respiratory tract symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath (Zock 2009).”
Can you please compare (or direct me to info on) the differences in usage of the liquid castile soap and Sals Suds? It seems they both can be used on most jobs but are there ones that each should not be used?
Hi Karen – You have reminded me that I need to write a post about this one. There is a lot of overlap in their usages. In the meantime, here some quick differences:
Castile soap is designed for the body but works fabulously on everything else.
Sal Suds is not meant for the body and works fabulously on everything else.
For cleaning shiny surfaces, such as dishes or cars, Sal Suds is better especially if you have hard water. The castile soap can leave a film behind because it reacts with the minerals in hard water.
Sal Suds is slightly better at removing tough stains in the laundry or on carpets.
Castile soap is made from organic ingredients. Sal Suds is a detergent, albeit mild and non-toxic, but therefore can’t be organic.
Castile soap kills and deters ants and bugs so is good if you’re battling that.
Sal Suds is even more concentrated than the Castile, so you use half the amount in the dilutions.
I hope that gets you started! Let me know if you have more questions about them.
There seem to be a lot of unanswered questions. Is this board/forum not monitored? I have a question about Sal Suds and thick covering of grease, but hesitate to ask as there seem to be few answered questions.
Hi Phyllis – I’ve been out of the loop for a bit, but I am working to get caught up! Fire away.
Hi all – For mopping I have been using the Swiffer WetJet Spray (http://www.amazon.com/Swiffer-WetJet-Spray-Cleaner-Starter/dp/B00008MOQA/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1454181448&sr=1-5&keywords=swiffer) but want to replace the original liquid on the container for Pur-Castile Soap or Sal Suds. Any recommendation ins respect the dilution? Any other recommendation in respect to that? Thanks in advance.
I have read Roseanna’s comment from November 11, 2015, where she said castile soap is thin and hard to use as hand pump soap.
Cindy on January 19, 2016, suggests using a foaming pump bottle and diluting the castile soap with water.
I do not question either suggestion and am happy to find their comments and instructions.
I am confused after reading both.
Could someone explain, please.
I have plain Bronner’s Castile. If I find it too drying, what can be added? I read almond oil. Could coconut oil (thick or fractionated) be used? Aloe Vera?
Thank you.
Hi Christine – Dr. Bronner’s Castile does not work well in regular pump dispensers. As Roseanna says, it is too thin, and also, it will dry inside the pump and clog it. Instead, I recommend Cindy’s suggestion to use a foaming pump dispenser. Try a dilution of 1 part soap to 3 parts water. Adding oil directly to the soap will only bind up the soap because the soap will attach to the oil. Better to use a follow-up moisturizer. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut lotion is a light lotion for regular use.
Hi
I’ve read on several blogs the use of oil (like vegetable glycerin) helps preserve the soap. Can I just use soap and water then?
Soap and water is all you need in the foaming pumps. Adding oil or glycerin would not help preserve the soap. The soap already has a preservative in it – tocopherols (vitamin E).
Thanks a bunch!
I am a newbie and would like to know if Sal Suds would be safe and effective to use for cleaning soft vinyl windows? We have a screened in porch with soft vinyl windows that get filthy with dirt and water spots. We have tried cleaning with mild detergent and water to avoid any damage to the vinyl, but not only does it take forever to clean, it also leaves dirt behind. Any advice?
HI Marilyn – Sal Suds is exactly what I would use for soft vinyl windows. If I’m picturing your set-up right, I’d use a bucket of warm water with about 1-2 tsp. of Sal Suds. Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the windows with this solution. Then, dry the windows with a second microfiber cloth.
Can I use Sam’s Suds our the castile soap in the dishwasher? This is literally the last of the chemicals I need to expunge from my household!
I don’t recall having read anything about using Sal Suds to clean your oven before, but for me cleaning the oven holds the title of ‘worst job’ and I hate having to use those really harsh and pungent smelling cleaners which you have to leave on for hours and ensure you don’t end up burning your skin. After a friends mom put her oven on self clean and ending up with a kitchen full of firemen I decided, however tempting that sounded, I would avoid that option. Today I decided to give it a go with a drop of Sal Suds on a scrubbing sponge and I have to say my oven came up spotless. Now my oven is not overly dirty because I have to have a clean oven, but it cut through the usual spills and grease with ease and once cleaned with Sal Suds, I wiped it over with a magic sponge and it was all done in less than 10 minutes, totally clean. I have never known one product to be so versatile and it makes a nice change to just have one product in the cupboard instead of 5 or 6.
Fantastic, Mirry! Oven cleaning is definitely one of those tasks I avoid as well. I need to post about this, but another trick to help with really stubborn grime is to put a bowl of vinegar water (half and half) in the oven and bake it at 450 for 30 minutes and then turn it off but leave it closed for another hour or so. It will really have loosened what’s baked on the oven.
Hi,
I am looking for a cleaning solution for cloth diapers and cloth inserts,. Will this soap work for that and if so exactly how do I use it? If so, can i use it handwash then user the dryer?
Yes! But machine drying misses out on the excellent whitening power of the sun, when there is sun! Since Sal Suds is so effective and clean rinsing, it makes a great option for cloth diapers.
I am interested in the measurements for using the Sal Suds for cloth diaper laundering. Would it be the same as the laundry dilutions above? Does the vinegar and baking soda still apply?
Thanks
Hi Britt – I did not use cloth diapers, but if I did, I’d up the amount of Sal Suds to 4 Tablespoons ( 1/4 cup) and keep the vinegar and Baking soda. Let them dry in the sun, if you live where winter is sunny since the sun has great bleaching and deodorizing powers. Otherwise, a dryer is fine.
Hi!
The use in laundry is instead of detergent (like say Gain) or as a laundry detergent booster in addition to detergent?
Thanks!
Sal Suds works instead of another laundry detergent. If you need a booster, try the baking soda or vinegar options.
Thanks a bunch!
Is diluted sal suds safe for marble countertops?
New to Dr. Bronner’s and am loving it. Do I need to use fabric softener with Sal Suds and is it okay to use on a wood floor?
Hi Jeri, you don’t need to use fabric softener with Sal Suds or when using any other type of laundry detergent. I haven’t used it in over 20 years and my clothes come out soft and fluffy and I haven’t had problems with static cling. With fabric softener I found it left a residue on my clothes and it prevented my towels from absorbing water as well as they should. By eliminating fabric softener you’ll save money and you’ll help the planet by creating less waste. : ) If you should have a problem with static cling you can wad up some tin foil and put it in the clothes dryer. I know it sounds crazy but Google it. It actually works! If you used scented fabric softener and liked how it scented your clothes you could always buy some essential oils, put a few drops on a cotton round/ball and throw it into the dryer with your clothes. As for your wood floors, Sal Suds works great on sealed wood floors. If your floors are unsealed, you might want to wait for Lisa to answer that. Happy cleaning!
Jeri, I use sal suds on my wooden floors. I have a shark duo and so I fill up the water bottle first and depending how dirty my labs have made the floors with their muddy paws and drool I either use one or two drops of sal suds, added AFTER I have filled the bottle with water (don’t add first it gets very bubbly) and my floors come up great. I always use the buffing pad after I’ve washed them and it comes up nice and shiny. I cannot tell you about the laundry as have not tried that yet. Just remember though with sal suds that you don’t need much at all, it’s very good at what it does with just a drop, too much and you will have a house full of bubbles.
In having a hard time with my Sal Suds on countertops. I have diluted it as you instructed, perhaps even more, and it is so bubbly and soapy. It leaves soap all over my counters which makes streaks, and then I have to rinse thoroughly with water. I’m at the point where I’m using about 1/4 teaspoon in a quart and this is still happening…
Hi Lisa, We are starting to go greener and I am so excited… can you tell me how to make hand soap for the bathroom? I wondered if the lavender castille soap, diluted would work? Can you give me an idea of how to make it? I am definitely going to try Sal Suds too!
Hi Ann, I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s castile soaps for years for household cleaning and disinfecting, face/body wash, shampoo and of course hand soap! I’ve used peppermint, lavender, and tea tree but they’re all great to use. The great thing about using these soaps for a hand soap is that you don’t need specific measurements. I use about 1/3 to 1/2 castile soap and 2/3 to 1/2 water respectively but you can always use more or less depending on your preference. Because it’s not a very viscous fluid it easily runs off of one’s hands when washing. Most people will put soap on their hands and proceed to rub their hands together under the water. With castile soap it’s best to first wet your hands then pump the soap on and rub your hands together and wash, and then run under the water. I’ve had people ask me if I’d put water in my soap dispenser and I had to explain I had castile soap in it. If you put the soap on your hands and then put your hands under running water the soap will just rinse right off. If you use it as I described you’ll find it creates a great lather. In fact, if you use increase the soap to water ratio a bit it makes a fantastic, luxurious lather for shaving. You’ll find Dr. Bronner’s is great for just about anything. They’re great products to experiment with! I’m actually going to make my first batch of home made laundry detergent using Sal Suds using Lisa Bronner’s recipe/directions. Happy green cleaning!
A foaming pump makes the most awesome hand soap with the regular castile soap. Thinning the soap is important. Here is how I do it. I filter and boil my water first. You can also use distilled water. I put a teaspoon of oil in the bottle first for moisturizing, but not necessary. I used sweet almond oil. You use one part soap to 4-5 parts water. For 12 ounces, this means 10 oz of water and 2 oz of soap. Pour warm water in the bottle first and then add the soap. This way you don’t get a lot of bubbles. I am currently using the Almond liquid soap. I plan to order the Baby unscented version and add the scents or oils I want. I love tea tree oil. This is so economical. A 32 oz bottle of soap should last a very long time. I bought a foaming soap dispenser at Walmart, but my favorites came from TJ Max by InterDesgn for $6.99 and they are glass. My plan is to order the Sal Suds to make my own dish soap, and multipurpose cleaner.
Hi. I used sal suds in spray bottle hi strength on ants in the house and accidentally inhaled it. Is it toxic or are there any bad effects
thank you
I’m not the expert but I think you don’t need to worry about toxicity or bad effects – that’s why you chose Dr Bronner’s! Good for you! I hope Lisa will soon have time to confirm here.
I like cleaning my make up brushes with woolite laundry detergent but the ingredients are harsh and I want to use an all natural detergent. Any tips on using this for make up brushes??
How much $ do your sell the Sal Suds for.?
Thx
https://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/category/SALSUDSCLEANER.html
Can Sal Suds be mixed with the liquid castile soaps?
Can I use Sal Suds in the dishwasher?
Hi Penny – We don’t recommend it. However, you will find other customers who have found success in various formulas using the Sal Suds. We have also heard and experienced stories of bubbles pouring out around the sides of the washer, though, and general dishwasher unhappiness. It’s on our “to-do” list to figure out one of these days. In the meantime, definitely use Sal Suds for all your handwashing dishes.
Does the cleaners remove germs and bacteria?
Hi Sarah – Yes! It does an excellent job of it.
Hello Sarah! I don’t know or can’t claim the Dr. Bronner’s kills germs or bacteria but I know that it cleans these things away. Since changing from store bought home cleaners, and using Dr. Bronner’s soap and water, my family’s health / immune system is no longer or as much compromised. Before switching, I was always at the Dr.s offices because my family was sick with something. It’s now very rare that my family becomes ill, and it’s usually only due to new surroundings, such as when my children went out of town to go to college. The secret to Dr. Bronner’s, is simply to use it. I clean my whole home with it. Hope this helps to answer your question. Have a great day!
I was wondering about using the Sal Suds in my dishwasher. I use it for laundry and now want to try in the dishwasher because it does so great with everything else. Does anyone have a recipe? I saw a link above, but it is no longer active. Thanks!
Can vinegar be used with Sal Suds? I know you have posted that it should not be used with Castile Soap as they neutralize each other but can I use vinegar in a recipe WITH Sal Suds instead of as a second step?
I don’t know if anyone else has shared this, but I wanted to share that I’ve had success with thickening the Sal Suds for use in a dishwand. I put measured our 1/4 cup sal suds into my pyrex. Then I added 1/8 tsp salt. I mixed this together with a fork until it formed a thick gel. Then I added around 1/4 cup cold water. (I would measure it out and slowly add the water, whisking with a fork until you reach the desired consistency.) It seems rather flexible though, as I added too much water at first, which I correct with a bit more sal suds and a dash of salt. So far it seems good, though I’m keeping an eye on it for separation or hardening. But so far, so good. Just thought I’d share since I’ve seen others ask about it before.
Can you tell me exactly what you use to clean makeup brushes? I have both Sal Suds and Castile Soap but not sure which to use and what else to mix how much with. THANK YOU!!
Hi Lisa, I have a lot of questions as well as those above that are from 2014. How can I find your replies to these? Have they answered aomewhere else? I am excited about your product and want to start ridding of my toxic cleaners. Thanks, Cindy
Hello! Does this have a neutral pH? We have Piedrafina countertops in our bathrooms and they recommend a neutral pH cleaner for them. Would this be ok on them?
Thank you!
Sal suds ph 8.9
Soaps 9.0 so not ph neutrao
Well, this started off promising but then no one was answered. Kinda boring and frustrating reading a bunch of unanswered questions. I’m disappointed and expected more from this company. All it does is make me wonder why she (Lisa) didn’t want to answer some of these questions.??? Hopefully she’ll get around to it soon. Until she does I’m on hold with my order. Sorry, but some of the questions asked are important to me.
lisa –
I have extremely oily skin/hair and I tend to sweat a lot. As a result, most soaps and body washes do not get me adequately clean. One day I tried sal suds; it worked like a charm, and I have been using it as a body wash ever since. besides the claims that it can dry skin out, is there any reason that I should be wary of using it daily as a body wash/shampoo?
thanks.
Can you use vinegar with sal suds? I know you don’t with regular castile soap(good article by the way!!!)
Are there any homemade dishwasher soaps using Dr. Bronner products?
I was wondering if Sal Suds can be used with bleach?
what about using in the dishwasher? i saw this on dr. bronner site: https://www.drbronner.com/media-center/international/united-kingdom/press-releases/soaking-clean-create-your-own-organic-dishwasher-detergent-with-dr-bronners-magic-liquid-soaps/
about how to use castile soap. but can sal suds be used too for dish liquid? if so, which is better to use, dr. bronner’s castile liquid soap method as described in above link, or the sal suds? thanks
Hello Lisa!
I always enjoy your blog. My question has to do with windshield wiper fluid. This truck I just bought calls for Optikleen concentrated fluid that you mix with distilled water. It’s GM recommended. I guess it’s been around for quite sometime but I have never heard of it. I caught a post in a forum where they mentioned what the ingredients were and said you could make your own rather than pay there steep price that it was made up of alcohol, distilled water and a surfactant. Sal’s Suds came to mind as the surfactant when I seen this. What do you think? Do you know anyone that has done this? Thanks for you in put always.
Sincerely,
Brenda Frank
Just a note to let you know the many reasons I love Bronner’s products. I swim 4-5 days a week. I do a mile a day in the pool. I wear goggles, caps and earplugs and Sal suds has really helped me out. 1st I use it in my laundry, one of those measuring cups from drink mixes for one really large load in cold water, I add 1/2 cup white vinegar in the last rinse. We have very hard water, with iron, it stains everything, but so far,(over a year) so good. 2nd I use Sal Suds for my dish washing and general cleaning. I add 1/2 tsp Sal suds and 4oz vinegar to a spray bottle , I pour water in slowly from a pitcher and add a couple of drops of tea tree oil. I spray my dishes, fill sink with hot water, let soak a bit, drain sink, wipe dishes and rinse under hot water, using a machine, I just spray dishes and put vinegar in rinse cup. 3rd, for the swimming, every day in the shower I scrub my cap with a couple of drops of sal suds, then rinse, next I use a defoliating wash cloth and scrub the inside of my goggles with sal suds (our eyes sweat too, and dead skin….ugh) then the outsides and rinse well. I keep them in my locker wrapped in a towel, I do not dry them, been wearing them for over a year. The ear plugs I use are silicone disposables. I use each pair a week and toss them on Friday. As for the cap and goggles I wash them in my hand every day with a couple of drops of sal suds then rinse really well. I roll them up squirt them with a 50/50 mix of alcohol and white vinegar. I have very sensitive skin and most things annoy me, I am sensitive to chlorine. I use the peppermint castile for everything else, including my hair. Bronner’s really is a great product. I use 2 gallons of Sal Suds a year and and a gallon of peppermint lasst me for 2+ years.
Hi Lisa,
Is the Sal Suds safe for use to clean baby (newborn/infant) toys/play mats/activity gym etc? Baby is pretty much licking everything. Is the cleaner non-toxic?
Thanks
Lisa, I am curious as to whether or not Dr. bronners Castile soaps (peppermint, tea tree, etc.) will work as effectively at home cleaning as Sal Suds? I am highly allergic to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is the second ingredient in Sal Suds, so I wanted to just use the liquid Castile soaps for everything including laundry and floors… Please let me know if this will work?
Thanks
Veronica
Can I use diluted Sal Suds on my carpets without rinsing? My carpet cleaner doesn’t have a tank for rinse water. Thanks!
Can I clean my carpet with Dr. Bonners black shoes faded on it and I have tried everything but is still on the carpet canI use Dr.Bonners on the carpet ?
HI Doris – Yes, Sal Suds is exactly what I use on my carpets. Check out these posts I’ve written about it: Sal Suds on my Carpet has Left Me Speechless and Cleaning Carpets with Sal Suds.
Where is Lisa? Nothing since April, hope all is okay.
Hi Lisa,
Can you add a Sal Suds soft scrub recipe to your cheat sheet? (And maybe one for the castile soap cheat sheet as well?)
Also, since Sal Suds is a detergent, not a soap, does that mean it is harsher, and I should possibly be wearing gloves when using it (esp when mixing it, since I may touch the concentrated formula?) I don’t quite understand the difference between soap and detergent yet… If soap is safer than detergent, and Sal Suds is a detergent, how does Sal Suds fit into the category of non-toxic DIY cleaning supplies? Are things like Dawn and Palmolive detergents too (even though I think of them as soap)?
Thanks!
Hi Lisa,
I’m a house cleaner and have been using Sal Suds for years and loving it. Somebody asked me yesterday about using it on marble floors. I checked your list above and don’t see that listed. I think the issue is with acid cleaners and I know Sal Suds is mildly alkaline. But can you tell me about using it on marble floors? Thanks.
Is this animal safe? I have cats, dogs, reptiles and birds. (I live in a zoo) Reptiles and birds are sensitive to fumes and absorb toxins, both chemical and plant, through their skin. My parrots in particular are easily effected by exposure to the wrong thing. I will also take this question to my parrot groups on Facebook. Thanks!
Karin, we have 5 parrots, a dog, a cat, a hedgehog, and a bearded dragon lizard. No problems. I won’t use anything but SAL Suds and Poop-Off around the birds.
Hi,
I’ve been using the sal suds as a dish wash and all purpose spray for 2 days since I got it in few days ago, it work great and do a good job at home, but I find out it is a bit too strong for my skin, after I use it I feel so dry on my hand, is that normal?
I do a ½ cup in 946ml water for hand dish wash, and I do 1 TBSP in 946 ml water for all purpose spray.
Carol
Hi Lisa,
Can it be used to clean keyboards, monitors and PC equipment devices and accessories from the outside (plastic)?
Hi Lisa, I’m a huge fan of your baby mild castile soap and use it in a lot of ways around the house including bathing my baby with it. I was also planning to buy Sal Suds for laundry, dishes etc but happened to read one of the reviews in amazon which said that coco betaine was named the allergen of the year in 2004 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Is it really that bad or can I use it for washing my baby’s bottles, clothes etc and what precautions should I take to ensure that it can’t cause any harm to the baby ?
Hi Lisa,
I am interested in trying to be more “green”. I’m wondering if this sals suds soap kills germs? I want to make sure if i am using it to wash hands after touching raw meats and for washing dishes and such that it will kill the germs… Thanks!
Happy to come across this today, I have a huge bottle and aside from all purpose cleaner had no idea what to use it for
Hi Sergio – I would absolutely just use Sal Suds on all these different floors. For that greasy kitchen floor, maybe up the Sal Suds to 1 Tbsp. in your 3 gallon bucket – you’ll know if that’s too much because you’ll have leftover bubbles and no more grease for it to bond with. Sal Suds is equally effective on plain old dirt. Fiddle with that ratio until it is effective without extra bubbles. It will not harm the concrete nor the finish on it.
All the best,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
So far so good with the sal sud’s. I’m trying to use it as the sole household cleaner of a very large meditation campus. I don’t see anything about concrete here. We have a large concrete kitchen(treated with something that makes it look green.I don’t know what it’s treated with..), and 2 large concrete Dining rooms with long concrete breezeways. We currently use Simple green Pro HD on the kitchen and FGS conditioner on the breezeways. It’s confusing having three floor cleaners at the center. One for residences(sal sud’s),one for kitchen, and one for dining room makes training difficult as each course the student’s themselves mop when they finish a course. What do you say about Sal suds on concrete, and if it’s safe long term, what dilution would you use for a greasy/grimy kitchen floor and soiled-by-dirty-shoes dining rooms and breezeways?
I am a fan of your product and would love to make it the ALL purpose cleaner of the center instead of different products for each area.
Sincerely,
Sergio- western MA
Hi Janie – Yes, the pure castile soap does react with the minerals in hard water. Here’s a nifty little video I did that demonstrates this: http://lisa.drbronner.com/?p=365. In washing our bodies, this isn’t really a problem. However, in washing shiny surfaces around the house, or in the laundry, it can leave a residue. Sal Suds does not have this issue and if your water is particularly hard, would be the best option for household purposes.
Hi PaulaLyn – Yes, the Sal Suds is a fabulous option and I think you’ll love the results. As you’ve said, vinegar is a no-go because its acidity eats soft stones, which are very popular nowadays. However, using the Sal Suds spray with a not too stiff scrub brush works really well. You can also sprinkle on some baking soda (which is alkaline) to add some extra scrubbing power.
HI Josianne – Yes, the Sal Suds would work well on the Diva Cup. You would just need a drop or two in the cup, or if you wanted to do it in a sink, add a couple drops of Sal Suds to a sinkfull of water.
All the best,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I am wondering: is the Sal Sud soap safe to use to clean the Diva Cup? If so how should I dilute it?
Thank you,
Josianne
Hi,
I am not sure about the sal suds for the diva cup, but I use the unscented baby mild Castile soap (dr. Bronner) and it works great.
I wouldn’t use it for you Diva Cup as Sal Suds contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is a carcinegen.
Hi Maiken – I’m glad you brought this up. There is such a lot of mix-up out there between Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its cousin Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is in our Sal Suds, but it is not a carcinogen. Check out this article I wrote about this very question: There Is No Cancer Risk from SLS. Please let me know if you have any questions about it.
Sal Suds would be an excellent way to wash a Diva Cup as it is very effective and clean rinsing. The Castile, as Corrina points out, is another great option. I too would use the unscented.