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Dr. Bronner's

Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet

Sal Suds - Dr. Bronner's product

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.  

Download Now!

Sal Suds Cheat Sheet

Sal Suds, Sal Suds, How do I love thee?

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Hoja de Dilución

Sal Suds Limpiador Multiusos Biodegradable

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Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Nichole- Yes, adding essential oils is a great way to customize the scent.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Joy- Yes, Sal Suds is both effective and exceptionally clean rinsing.

Fatima says:

Hello! Is there a dilution that could be used for a dish washing machine? Thank You! 🙂

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Fatima- Our soaps are great for hand washing dishes, but unfortunately, we don’t recommend them in the dishwasher. They are just too bubbly and can seep out through the seal. The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) is a great place to research alternative products. Products are ranked ingredients, impact on the environment, and so on.

Fatima says:

Hello! Thanks for the information! Maybe in the future there will be a version that can be used as dishwasher detergent! 🙂

Linda B says:

Hi Lisa. I love Sal Suds! Is it safe to use to clean eye glass lens that have special coatings for anti glare and photo grey? Thanks!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Linda- If the recommendation for cleaning your lenses is to use a mild soap or detergent, then yes. Speaking for standard lenses and sunglasses, they are easily cleaned with a couple of drops on each lens, then rinsed.

Sergio says:

Hi Lisa,
Thak youfor Dr. Bronner’s Products! I love Dr. Bronner’s SAL SUDS and Castille Liquid Soaps! I have used SAL SUDS since the 80’s when I worked in a wholistic preschool program–over 30 years ago. Smelling the SAL SUDs always brings me back to that time–a good time! I did try brushing my teeth with the Lavender Castille Liquid and I tried the Castille Liquid Peppermint soap. They’re not bad. There is a slight soapy after taste. The Lavender is a little more harsh than the peppermint taste. I have also tried the SAL SUDs to brush my teeth…I like the pine/spruce taste. Any chance that the Pine/Spruce be made into one of the Castille Liquid Soaps (LOVE the scent–reminds me of Christmas) or at least a toothpaste with the Pine/Spruce flavoring? Thanks, Sergio

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Sergio- It’s always a treat to hear from long-time customers! Thank you for your suggestion of a pine/spruce Castile soap scent and toothpaste. I’ll pass those along!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Amanda- The Castile soap is neither non-ionic nor a detergent. Sal Suds is a detergent, but is not non-ionic. Both the soaps and Sal Suds are ionic surfactants, more specifically amphoteric. I hope that helps! Let me know if I can answer further questions.

PJ Schuler says:

I am a recent convert to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. It is a huge learning curve, but Dr. Bronner’s and Sal Suds, and your blog and videos, have guided my transition, and I am very grateful. I gave my niece literally all of my laundry and cleaning supplies after my first load of laundry with Sal Suds. I will convert her eventually. I now use the castile soap and Sal Suds exclusively in my home.

In just a month and a half I cannot stand the smell of other cleaners or even the scents in some other “green” hand soaps. They are too strong and “fake.” It was a lot easier to retrain my brain about the smell of clean than I thought it would be. My only hurdle thusfar is convincing myself that I don’t have to have a sink full of suds to get my dishes clean, that it is the Sal Suds in the water that is doing the cleaning. I am currently using one squirt from an old (regular) hand soap bottle. Is that too much?

Thanks again to your family, and especially to you, for helping to educate people on how to adopt a more Earth-friendly lifestyle.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi PJ- It’s great that you’re “going green” and I’m glad my blog has been a resource for you. That’s exactly my hope! For dishes, 1 1/2 tsp. of Sal Suds in a large sink of water is plenty. This is not something I’ve every measured, I’d guess that’s roughly what is dispensed from your pump.

Dana says:

When using Sal Suds on surfaces like the shower, toilet and sink- is it spray and wipe, or spray wipe and rinse?
Thanks!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Dana- It’s spray and then wipe with a damp cloth. That will pick up the Sal Suds, along with the grime.

Mary Gillespie says:

We have a water softener and for my floors I use1 teaspoon in 2 gallons of water and it’s still sudsing like crazy. If I only use a half a teaspoon, so hopefully it cuts the suds down, will that be effective for Cleaning? I also put in a few drops of Teatree oil for disinfecting.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Mary- Sal Suds is bubbly stuff! Yes, half a teaspoon in 2 gallons of water will be effective. My fancy trick is to add Sal Suds to the water rather than vice versa.

Hannah Carlton says:

For the all purpose spray, could I use the doTERRA on guard oil in conjunction with the melaleuca and sal suds?

Whitney Richards says:

Should I use the all purpose spray recommendation to make squirt mop spray? I do not mop with a bucket so 3 gallons is out of the question.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Whitney- A (re-purposed?) squirt bottle is a great way to mop! You want a more diluted solution than the All-Purpose Spray for mopping. For a quart of water, add 3-4 drops of Sal Suds. Squirt floors and mop. I like a flat microfiber mop head for this, but any kind will work.

Jennifer Ybarra says:

My sal suds became hard. Is there anything I can do to bring it back to it’s original consistency?

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Jennifer- Solid white Sal Suds is an indication that the product has gotten cold. It is still safe and effective. To return it to its liquid state, reheat the bottle gently in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water.

The best dish soap says:

[…] our list. However, to use Sal Suds like a normal dish soap in a squirt bottle, you pre-dilute it. According to Lisa Bronner, the granddaughter of the Dr. Bronner, an 8-to-1 water-to-cleaner ratio will work best. Or, you can […]

The best dish soap – CapitolZero says:

[…] our list. However, to use Sal Suds like a normal dish soap in a squirt bottle, you pre-dilute it. According to Lisa Bronner, the granddaughter of the Dr. Bronner, an 8-to-1 water-to-cleaner ratio will work best. Or, you can […]

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Itzel- Sal Suds can be drying to hands, especially with repeated use. Instead, I recommend our Pure-Castile Soap. It is designed for the body and equally as effective as Sal Suds.

Environmental Responsibility - Reducing Waste Part 8 DIY says:

[…] An essential household item when trying to reduce waste is Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. Dr. Bronner’s defines Sal Suds as a biodegradable, concentrated, all purpose cleaner. It works great all around the house and has quickly became a staple in my home over the last year. I found it useful for making DIY dish soap, it’s very effective at removing germs and bacteria. Previously, I had Mrs. Meyers biodegradable dish soap but once I found this recipe from Live Simply, I created my own. Find the recipe by following the Live Simply link. Visit Lisa Bronner’s website for more uses of Sal Suds and dilution cheat sheets. […]

Environmental Responsibility - Reducing Waste Part 7 DIY says:

[…] An essential household item when trying to reduce waste is Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. Dr. Bronner’s defines Sal Suds as a biodegradable, concentrated, all purpose cleaner. It works great all around the house and has quickly became a staple in my home over the last year. I found it useful for making DIY dish soap, it’s very effective at removing germs and bacteria. Previously, I had Mrs. Meyers biodegradable dish soap but once I found this recipe from Live Simply, I created my own. Find the recipe by following the Live Simply link. Visit Lisa Bronner’s website for more uses of Sal Suds and dilution cheat sheets. […]

Kim Chu says:

Hi Lisa:
I am a newbie in the world of Castile soaps.
I am so thrilled at having discovered you!
Although not listed on your “Cheat Sheet”, I have tested out 1:1 ratio water:castile dish washer detergent (recommended by some website). WOW!!! Cleaned the greasiest of greases! At 1Tbsp per load…what a bargain!

I read someone’s experience using Sal Suds for the dishwasher was a sudsy disaster.
Seeing that Sal Suds has even better grease cutting ability and seems to use a lower dilution rate, I wanted to experiment mixing the two (Sal & Castile) to create the dish washer detergent.
Chemically speaking, do you foresee a problem with this?

Also, I would like to make a big jug of hand dish soap mixture- using Sal Suds.
(Currently, my dish soap is dispensed from a large jug and tube located under my sink.)
What would be the shelf life after mixing with water?
Would you recommend adding vitamin E to improve its longevity? (Or even to Castile soap)
If so, how much would be an effective quantity per volume?

Thanks in advance,
Kim :)))

PS: Just to share with you-
Once I get a workable system in place, I will pass on the knowledge to my family members and friends and help them implement your products into their lives too!
Less toxins-healthy body, better environment!

Thank You for all that you do!!!!
🥰

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Kim- I am sorely behind in responding to your comment – my apologies! It’s great to hear you are using our soaps and having success. You may very well have figured a dilution for your under-sink soap dispenser. A good dilution to use there is half water and half Sal Suds. The shelf life would be about a month, probably longer. If you don’t use it up in that amount of time, mix up a smaller batch.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Kim- Sal Suds is gentle and exceedingly clean-rinsing when it comes to cleaning around pets. In fact, customers who own birds and reptiles tell us it a safe and effective cleaner for cages and enclosures.

Kim Stafford says:

Any tips for getting mold and mildew stains out of colored outdoor concrete?I tried the sal suds with my oreck buffer but didn’t totally remove all the green. Was hoping to not have to use the power washer~very time consuming.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Kim- Because concrete is not smooth, a buffer may not get into all the nooks and crannies. A pressure washer with 1 drop of Sal Sads should get at them, as would working a stiff brush into those tight spots. Another thought is a dilution of vinegar and water, as vinegar is a mild acid.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Sandy- Sal Suds is a great cleaner for almost any household purpose, with the only notable exception being that it should not be used in the dishwasher unless you’d like to have a bubble party on your kitchen floor! Because Sal Suds is so bubbly, there is a risk of causing damage to your dishwasher because it gets overfilled with suds.

March Update on WOTY - Alignment - THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG says:

[…] bathroom (with tea tree essential oil) and kitchen (with orange essential oil) cleaning sprays with Sal Suds and I am so impressed. I just now realized that my commercial bathroom cleaner was leaving a film […]

Jessica Cooper says:

I have been transitioning to a cleaner household and am curious about use in the dishwasher, as I hate washing dishes by hand?
Love Dr B toothpaste as well, I have dental issues and have notice a drastic change to my dental health!

Thank you

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Jessica- I’m glad the toothpaste is working so well for you! About the dishwasher, I’ve not had success with using Sal Suds in the dishwasher. It’s more bubbly than conventional dishwashing detergent. There are other readers here, though, that have come up with formulations that work for them, and I invite them to share their tips on this thread. If I figure it out, I’ll definitely post about it. The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) ranks products by ingredients and such. That’s a good resource to research products.

Marie Roy says:

Peut-on faire son savon liquide corps-cheveux avec du sal suds et quelle serait la recette

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Marie- Sal Suds is our household cleaner and not meant for body care. Castile soap is made for the body – hands, face, body and hair. It is very concentrated, so a couple of drops or a small squirt is all you need.

George Schwartz says:

Sal Suds is our favorite soap for washing clothes, dishes and hands. I absolutely love the scent of Sal Suds—I wish the scent was available for other soaps too.

We use the peppermint organic sugar soap as a body wash because it feels super moisturizing and luxurious. I’ve tried countless brands and types of body washes and soaps; the Organic Sugar Soaps are by far the best.

Thank you so much!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi George- It’s great to hear both the Sal Suds and Peppermint Sugar Soap are working for you! I’ll pass along your request for a Castile soap with Sal Suds’ fresh, pine-y scent.

Cathy says:

Hi Lisa 🙂
1. What is the “shelf life” of Dr Bronners soap once diluted into a foaming soap pump dispenser? I just bought a 12 ounces foaming soap pump dispenser and I am concerned I will not be able to use up the 12 ounces before the product becomes “less effective”?
2. Also, when using diluted Sal Suds with water in a spray bottle, what is the “shelf life” of the Sal Suds?
What is the timeline of it becoming less effective when the Castile Soap is diluted?
3. Will either soap develop bacteria the longer it sits (2 wks, 4 wks++) diluted in a foam pump or a spray bottle?
4. What kind of water is recommended? Is purified water best or is just tap water ok?

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Cathy- Bacteria comes from the water, not the soap. Soap can take care of some bacteria, but the longer it sits, the great the chance of bacteria accumulating. Distilled or filtered water help to extend the longevity of your solution. Personally, I haven’t had the dilution in my foaming pump dispenser go bad, even diluted at one part Castile soap and three parts water. Use your nose as a guide. If it starts to smell bad, it’s time to dump it. Sal Suds is really stable when diluted. I’ve found the All-Purpose Spray lasts at least a month, probably longer but I run out of it. With either a foaming pump dispenser or the spray, if you go through it rather slowly, make smaller batches so it doesn’t sit around.

Marjorie says:

I use lavender Bronner’s soap, diluted one part soap to five parts of water, in foamers in both of my bathrooms and kitchen and we always use it up before it changes in any way. I do give the bottle a swirl each time before I use it to be sure that it’s mixed and stays a consistent concentration through the entire volume. I’ve tried other soap but Bronner’s is the best!

Karena says:

Obviously, I can’t promise anything, but I can tell you that I keep the Dr Bronner’s Castile soap (diluted between 5 and 10 to 1) in a foaming dispenser in my spare bathroom – it probably takes at least 6 months to use up an average-sized soap bottle in that rarely-used bathroom, and I’ve never seen any indication that it has gone bad.

Green Cleaning and Household Harmony | Going Green with a Bronner Mom says:

[…] how to make an All-Purpose Spray, and what to use for mopping, toilets, dishes, laundry. Print my Sal Suds and Castile Dilution Cheat Sheets and post them inside the cleaning […]

Maida Skaljic-Nur says:

How much soap should I put for a 250 ML (8.5 oz) bottle? It is a foaming dispenser.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Maida- Use a ratio of 1 part Sal Suds to 10 parts water. With that sized dispenser, fill with water and add 1.5 Tbsp. Sal Suds.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Greg- For large or particularly grimy load of laundry, use 2-3 Tbsp. of Sal Suds. For a smaller or not-very-soiled load, use 1-1.5 Tbsp Sal Suds. If you use an HE machine, you’ll want to cut these amounts by half, as an HE machine uses less water than a top-loader. I’m sorry for the confusion – my initial response was to your question on the Castile Soap Cheat Sheet blog post.

greg says:

I need to ask the same question again because your answer is not satisfactory.
I want to know how much sal suds for exactly 2 lbs of laundry.
I’m going to wash only one very expensive and hi-end quality piece of cloth that weights 2lbs.
I got sal suds particulary for this reason.
I’m not going to wash large, medium or small loads of laundry that is why I need precise dose for only one piece of cloth.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Greg- Aha! Now I understand. What is it you’re wanting to launder and what type of fabric is it? That will help me to provide the specifics you’re looking for.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Greg- For 1 or 2 pair of jeans, use 1/2 Tbsp. Sal Suds.

greg says:

I did use 1/2 tbsp for 2 pairs of jeans, washed in he machine and cold water and I’m very disappointed.
the jeans remain as dirty as they were before washing and all stains remained untouched.
But to make it clear, they were not extremely soiled and stained, just normal everyday wear dirt.
They were better washed, 3 times better, when I used persil liquid wash that is unbeatable until this day.
This very first time I used sal suds because I believed in hype.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Greg- I’m sorry to hear that, but glad you found something that else that works.

Karena says:

For Greg or anyone else who reads this comment, I just want to say that it may take a few tries to figure out the exact amount of soap you need per load – it is kind of impossible for someone on the internet to know exactly how soiled your clothes are, how much water your machine uses, etc. I had figured out the exact amount that I needed on my old washing machine, but now that I was forced to replace it (unfortunately – I loved the old one, hate the new one), I still haven’t worked out exactly how much soap I need to use. But I know the Sal Suds worked better than anything else in my old machine, so I’m still working on it . . .

Anyway, having said that, maybe for some reason it just isn’t the best solution to your problem, but that doesn’t mean that it’s “hype” – it works great for a lot of people.

Diane Blanchard says:

I think this was asked or commented on already, but I’m hoping the Sal Suds would be a safe cleaner to use to wash my car. I’m very concerned about what gets sent downstream to our oceans. Let me know. Thx

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Joy- The Sal Suds All-Purpose Spray (1 Tbsp. in a quart of water) will do a quick clean. If the leather needs to be nourished, make a natural leather polish of 1/3 c. vinegar with 2/3 c. olive oil and 1/2 tsp. pure essential lemon oil. Shake this up and rub it on with a soft rag.

Melissa says:

Just found this and so excited to try all these uses! I currently use the Castile soap in foaming pumps for hand wash and love it. Didn’t know the other possibilities that I was missing out on.

12 of the Best Green Cleaning Products says:

[…] Sal’s Suds can pretty much be used to clean anything in your home except for humans. It is more drying that Castile Soap, so for things like hands, hair, face, pets, etc… use Castile Soap instead. […]

Elizabeth says:

I’m disappointed this product has Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in it. I thought Dr. Bronner products were free of sulfates.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Elizabeth- SLS does not, and never has, appeared in our personal care products. Concerns about sulfates revolve around three issues. First, that SLS can be petroleum sourced. Yes, but the SLS in Sal Suds is coconut-derived. Second, testing on animals, a practice that Dr. Bronner’s does not engage in. And third, SLS as a possible skin and eye irritant. SLS is not recommended in personal care products, and I avoid those products containing it. It is an ingredient in Sal Suds, our household cleaner, because of its ability to generate copious suds and through grime. I dive deeper into SLS here on my blog: https://www.lisabronner.com/there-is-no-cancer-risk-from-sls-sodium-lauryl-sulfate/

Sophie Ismail says:

Hi Lisa,

I tried your dish soap recipe…it wasn’t in the gel like thick consistency – is there anything I cna do differently to get that consistency? It was watery when i tried this ratio – 1/2 c. (120 mL) of Sal Suds in a quart (1 L) of water.

Please let me know.

“Dishes (Handwashing): 1/2 – 1 1/2 tsp. (2.5 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: 1/2 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.”

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Sofie- You can use it straight, but use very little as it is concentrated. Diluting Sal Suds does create a thinner consistency that takes some getting used to, but it is still effective.

Gabriela says:

This is the recipe I use to have a dish soap-like consistency (it’s for 18-20oz container):
1 cup sal suds
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup of filtered water
2 tsp. citric acid
4 tsp. salt
20 drops of essential oil

In a bowl, mix warm water and salt. In another bowl, mix sal suds, vinegar, and citric acid. When salt is completely diluted, start incorporating the mix from the sal suds bowl (you can add essential oil in this step). I use a drop of two of food coloring because I like how it looks. This recipe is the closest to regular dish soap, and the performance is even better. I use orange essential oil so it goes well with the vinegar (gives a clean/citrus smell).

Emily says:

Hi there. Do you have to rinse Sal Suds? If I were to wash my floor with a dilution, would I then need to go back and rinse it with water? Thanks!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Emily- The dilution for floors is diluted enough that there’s no need to go back and rinse. Because the All-Purpose Spray is more concentrated, spray then wipe down with a damp cloth.

Lynne Z says:

Are all of your Castile soaps equal when it comes to laundry? I typically use the peppermint but could I use any of the scents with equal success? Thx in advance!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Lynne- They sure are! Grab whichever scent sounds good at the moment.

Helen says:

Hi Lisa – can I use a Sal Suds solution to kill ants and other bugs on my outdoor plants? If so, what dilution? Thank you.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Helen- I’ve not tried Sal Suds on insects but recently heard from one reader that it worked on ticks, so it just might be effective on other insects. If you give the Sal Suds a try, I’d be interested to know how it worked out. I typically make an insecticidal spray with Castile soap. You can find that video here: https://www.lisabronner.com/spraying-for-garden-pests/ (Keep an out for an updated version soon.)

wayne says:

Hi do you think this would work as a cleaner for gym equipment? I was thinking of switching over to a vinegar water mix but perhaps this is better? I’m just a little worried about drying out the vinyl/leather surfaces.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Wayne – Yes, I think the Sal Suds would work great for gym equipment. It would do a great job at removing all sorts of grime, and would be safe on the leather and vinyl. The All Purpose Spray would likely be your best bet, or you could make a bucket of wash water with a dilution of 1/2 tsp in a gallon of water. Dunk in your cloth, wring it out and wipe things down.

Claude says:

Hi,
For the dishwashing liquid recipe…
Dish washing by hand:
Pre-diluted: (my preference) ½ c. Sal Suds in a quart of water in a squirt bottle…
Is this 1/2 a cup of Sal Suds? It just seems like a lot. So I wondered if the ‘c’ might stand for cap full.
Thank you,
Claude

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Claude – Thank you for pointing out this confusion. We are clarifying on a new Cheat Sheet that will be up soon. What I keep by my sink is 1/2 cup of Sal Suds in a quart bottle filled with water. This is what I use for a sink full of dishes. I put a squirt of this dilution in the sink and it ends up helping me use less overall. There’s probably about 1/2 teaspoon of Sal Suds or less in that squirt I use.

Diana says:

On the Sal Suds bottle it says for general cleaning 1.5 teaspooons per gallon of water (so 4 quarts) which means 0.375 of a teaspoon for a quart. On your recommendation you have 1 tablespoon per quart of water. Why are these so different?

Also for the washing dishes the bottle says 1.5 teaspoons for a sink of dishes and your recommendation is 1/2 t. I quite honestly just squirt some in, but I was interested as to why there are differences?

And lastly pre-diluted is your preference for hand washing dishes vs using the all purpose. The all purpose (your recommended dilution) is 1 T per quart and the pre-diluted 4 T per quart. Is this why your prefer pre-diluted? The all purpose doesn’t have enough suds in it to start?

Thank you!!!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Diana – I so appreciate your reading both of these so carefully! We’ve had several readers point these differences out in the past couple weeks. As far as why the difference, on my blog, I just share what I do at home, but I was not the one who wrote the label. Just for curiosity, we were trying to track down who did, and came up short, so I’m thinking it may have been my dad, well over 20 years ago. I think his solutions were a little too strong, though. We are revising the label now for the next printing, but it will be some time before these new labels make it on to store shelves.

Here’s what the new labels will say:
How to Use Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
1. All-Purpose Cleaning Spray: 1 Tbsp. per quart of water; spray & wipe with damp cloth.
2. Laundry: 2-3 Tbsp. per large load (half for HE machines); apply undiluted to stains.
3. Dishes: ½ – 1 ½ tsp. in a sink full of water or 1 drop per pot.
4. Mopping: ½ tsp. per gallon of water.
5. For car washing, patio furniture and large jobs, ½ Tbsp. per 3 gallons of bucket of water.
6. Fruits & Veggies: 1 drop in a bowl of water.
7. Fill pressure washer/carpet cleaner with water and add 1 drop.
8. Wash hard and soft surfaces – carpets, stone, wood, glass, stainless steel – anything that can get wet!

As far as using the All Purpose spray for dishwashing, if I’m just washing one thing that’s not too grimy, like a cutting board for fruit or something, that spray is great. I think when I wrote that, I still had kids in highchairs, so I was often washing the high chair itself. Generally I’m washing more cooking pots or something greasy, and as you said, I like the greater concentration of the 1/4 c. in the quart. Like you, in practice, I just squirt some in until I like the amount of bubbles I get. I’ve had to quantify it for the blog, though.

I hope that helps!

Esther says:

Is there way to use Sal Suds or Castille soap in the dishwasher with/without dilution ? what would be the best dilution if so ?

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Esther- We don’t recommend either. You will find other customers who have found success in various formulas though. We have also heard stories of bubbles pouring out around the sides of the dishwasher. In the meantime, definitely use Sal Suds or Castile soap for all your handwashing dishes.

dorothy bartlett says:

Does anyone know if it would work to kill fleas like the castile soap does? Can we use it as a spray to kill bugs? Is it harmful as a flea shampoo for dogs?

Thank you!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Dorothy- Sal Suds can be irritating to the skin, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Castile is designed for the skin and makes a great dog shampoo.

dorothy bartlett says:

Thank you so much Ms. Bronner for taking the time to answer my inquiry. I appreciate it.
Without using it on flesh, do you know if it will kill bugs, like sticktight fleas and mange mites? That was one of my question.

Thank you again.

dorothy

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Dorothy- I’ve not found Sal Suds to be as successful as the Castile, but I did recently hear from a customer who found it killed ticks. If you give it a go, please let me know how it worked.

dorothy bartlett says:

Dear Ms Bronner,
Thank you so much for your reply.
I was wondering, because I have sticktight fleas as a problem, and they are terrible. They are like ticks in a manner, so maybe I will try it, and if it works, I will let you know!

I love your castile soap. I just bought 2 gallons of the peppermint. I use it all the time.

Pax et Bonum,
dorothy

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Jess- It sure is. With stone, the concern is acidic solutions, but this is alkaline.

Kestrel says:

Thoughts on using a dilution to clean my bearded dragons enclosure and decor? I’m trying to find a natural way to do it that does not require bleach (often recommended but I would rather not pollute water and risk left behind toxins).

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Kestrel- Not ever having had a reptile in our household, I’ve not had experience with this myself. However, we have heard from customers that used Sal Suds for reptile and bird enclosures with no problem.

Tiffany says:

Hi Lisa, I love Sal Suds! I’ve been using it for everything. I like putting tea tree oil in the mopping solution. I would also like to use tea tree and other essential oils for the all purpose spray and in my laundry. What amounts and scent combos do you recommend for those? Thanks!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Tiffany- That’s great that you love Sal Suds! You can add 1/2 tsp, about 20 drops, of essential oils to a quart of the Sal Suds All-Purpose Spray. I’m afraid essential oils won’t have much effect in your laundry though. Sal Suds will grab onto the oil molecules and wash them away. To scent clothes, use a sachet in your dryer or place in drawers and cupboards.

Dave Lee says:

Hi, As a recent UK convert to Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap and Sal Suds, I have a question about Sal Suds All-Purpose Spray. A few hours after making a bottle of solution, it went cloudy and then finally cleared but with a white precipitate at the bottom of the bottle. Is this normal or could there be an issue with dissolved minerals, etc., in the water supply. I live in a hard water area and the water is chlorinated to 0.5 ppm, but not fluoridated. I do not get this issue when diluting to dish washing strength. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Dave- It could be a matter of temperature. Sal Suds turns white and cloudy in colder temperatures, although this doesn’t affect its efficacy. Is the solution cold by chance?

Dave Lee says:

Hi Lisa, The solution was made using lukewarm water and the ambient temperature is 64-68°F, so not cold. Since my post, I have been doing some more research and found an article referring to detergents reacting with dissolved compounds in water. I have made up a solution using deionised water and it has remained crystal clear, so I guess that’s the issue. Thanks for replying to my post.

Lynne says:

Hi,
Well, it’s clear I can use Sal Suds on hard surfaces. Any suggestions regarding natural stone tile in the shower and grout?

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Lynne- The Sal Suds All-Purpose Spray (1 Tbsp. Sal Suds in a quart of water in a spray bottle) is fine to use on natural stone and grout. The issue with natural stones like marble and limestone is that they’re soft and they dissolve in acids. This is why vinegar or any sort of acidic cleaner is out of the question. Dr. Bronner’s products are alkaline, and thereby are safe for these surfaces.

Alex says:

Hi I was wondering if anybody knew if you could wash shoes with this???

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Alex- Yes, if they are a material that can get wet, such as canvas or nylon. I use a semi-stiff brush or nubby rag, like microfiber, with some diluted soap – 1 drop of Sal Suds in a cup of water. If you have any concerns, test in an inconspicuous area first.

Dustin Blythe says:

How do you recommend I dilute Sal Suds for use on a car interior (vinyl, plastic)?

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Dustin- The Sal Suds All-Purpose Spray, which is 1 Tbsp. Sal Suds added to 1 quart of water, does an excellent job on car interiors. Sal Suds is great on the exterior too – 1/2 Tbsp. in a bucket of water.

About Lisa Bronner

My grandfather was Dr. Bronner, my family makes soap, and I share ways to use it plus tips on greener living.

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