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.
Click here to download the Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet.
Sal Suds, Sal Suds, How do I love thee?
I use it for…
Clothes
Towels
Sheets
Halloween costumes
Tile Floors
Carpet
Granite
Painted walls
Painted shelves
Plastic trash cans
Make Up brushes
Dishes
Lunchboxes
Dog bowls
Dog carriers
Dog collars
Windows
Cars
Car leather
Finished wood
Wood cutting boards
Plastic cutting boards
My grill (aka bar-b-que)
Outdoor metal furniture
Outdoor plastic furniture
Plastic toys
Stainless steel appliances
Paint brushes
China
Glass vases
Pottery
Beach balls
Diaper Changing pads
Wicker baskets
Artificial greenery
Painted MDF
Microsuede
Plastic storage bins
Tooth brushes
Tooth brush holders
Porcelain bathroom fixtures – toilet, tub, sink
Metal doorknobs
Plastic light switches and covers
Cork trivets
Rubber oven mitts
Silicone parts of my breast pump
My plastic nasal irrigator
Brita water filter
Plastic cooler
Stainless steel water bottles
Exterior of small kitchen appliances
Nylon tents
Fruits and veggies
This list doesn’t name every possibility but shows that there is very little that can’t be cleaned with the Suds. 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:
Laundry: 2-3 Tbsp. (30-45 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 1 c. (240 mL) vinegar to rinse cycle. Halve these amounts for 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 lighter stains, spray with All-Purpose Spray (below).
Handwashing Delicates: 1/2 capful 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.
All-Purpose Spray: 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) Sal Suds in a quart (1 L) of water. Hint: Put water in the bottle first. Optional: For extra antimicrobial punch, add 1/4 tsp. (1.25 mL) tea tree essential oil. Use on any surface that is safe in contact with water.
Sal Suds Cleaner in a Spray Bottle
- 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
Stainless Steel Sink: Spray sink with All-Purpose Spray and sprinkle with baking soda from a shaker. Scrub then rinse.
Toilets: For best results, empty toilet. Spray bowl thoroughly with All-Purpose Spray, sprinkle baking soda on the brush, scrub bowl, let sit 10 minutes, turn water on, flush.
Pressure Washer/Carpet Cleaner: In cleaning solution chamber, fill with water and add 1 drop of Sal Suds. Add 1 c. (240 mL) vinegar to rinse water (optional). Use All-Purpose Spray on carpet spots (use sparingly).
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.
- Interior: Cleaning Interior Windows and Mirrors
- Exterior: Making Exterior Windows Sparkle
Fruit & Veggie Wash: 1 drop of Sal Suds in a bowl of water. Dunk and swish the produce. Rinse in clear water.
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.
- With All-Purpose Spray: Using Sal Suds to Clean Dishes
Mopping (Wood, Laminate & Stone Flooring): ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) Sal Suds in approximately 3 gallons (12 L) of hot water. 20 drops tea tree oil (optional). Dunk mop (microfiber, preferably) and wring thoroughly. On wood and laminate, avoid excess water and mop up wet areas.
Cars: ½ Tbsp. (7.g 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: 1/2 Tbsp. (7.5 mL) Sal Suds in a bucket of warm water. Wash with sponge, microfiber cloth or stiff brush. Wipe with damp cloth.
Download a one-page copy of the Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet.
If you have SLS concerns, check out this blog post: There is no Cancer Risk from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
i no longer buy it in a 32 oz. bottle, i buy it buy the gallon, it’s only me and my husband that live here now, i use sal suds for everything, i also use a lot of eucaltypus, peppermint, no scent, and citrus soap, i love the toothpaste, i live for Dr. Bronners. thank you Lisa for all the tips
Hi Robin- Its great to hear our products are working out for you!
[…] For dishes, we love Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. It’s plant-based and biodegradable, and while a single bottle may not look like it can go very far, it’s concentrated and can be easily diluted for dozens of purposes. Here’s a dilution cheat sheet. […]
I have every product Dr. Bronner’s sells. I have they are all excellent I love all the cleaners to the Scents every single one. I’ve been green cleaning for years and Dr. Bronner‘s is the most important thing I use. I don’t have a company I just use it at home every single day
This is one of the best cleaners I have ever had better than bleach Lysol it’s all good do you breathe it in and out breeze in poison
Can you use Sal suds in the dishwasher? If not, what do you recommend for the dishwasher? I don’t want to use harsh chemicals.
Hi Sabrina- Sal Suds is great for many things, including hand washing dishes – but unfortunately, we don’t recommend it for the dishwasher. It is so bubbly that it can leak out the seams. Check out the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) for a recommendation. They rank products based on ingredients, environmental impact, and such.
Hello, What is the shelf life of the all purpose spray with sal suds after being made? Thank you!
Hi Abby- I have found the All-Purpose Spray with Sal Suds lasts at least 2 months – probably longer, but I run out of it before then. If it smells “off” to you, dump and remake. Consider making in smaller batches if needed.
Can it be used as an oven cleaner?
Hi Ellie – Yes, it works well as an oven cleaner. Because oven grime can be rather stubborn, give it some time. For really stubborn grime, try a baking soda and water paste – let it sit for 10 minutes. Then wash off with Sal Suds.
Hi! I just discovered Sal Suds but I have two dogs. Is this product safe to use for all household cleaning purposes with animals? I know essential oils have been known to cause issues in animals and noticed this has some essential oils in it. TIA!
Hi Nicole- My 2 dogs and 2 cats can attest to the fact that 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.
What is the PH of sal suds?
Hi Joanna- The pH of Sal Suds is 11.0-11.5.
How do I make foaming hand soap?
Hi Janis- Mix up 1 part Castile Soap to 3 parts water. Quick and easy!
Hi! My soft scrub always thickens up and I can’t squeeze it out. After a few mins it’s like concrete. Any tips? I’m using Sals suds and follow the directions per the video. Help!
Hi Jessica – Try reducing the amount of baking soda and increasing the amount of water. I’ve found that I need to do that when I make it with the Sal Suds instead of the Castile.
Can I use the Cleaner to wipe down my wood kitchen cabinets?
Yes! It works great on wood.
I live in the North West and my house stays pretty cold, we also have a septic system. I was just about to mix up some Sal Suds and the jug is sold like coconut oil. If I warm it up to dilute with water and use it to clean the bathrooms will it re-solidify in my septic tank? It’s currently 25 outside. I’m concerned.
Hi Mrs. Beasley – You are exactly right that it is the coconut oil source of the ingredients in Sal Suds that causes it to turn white and solid in low temperatures. Setting it in a sink of warm water will reliquify and clarify it. Or if you can scoop out what you need, that works as well. Regarding the impact in your septic tank, the freezing temperature of a liquid is an average of each of the components in the solution at their respective concentration. So if you mix 1 Tbsp. of Sal Suds in 1 qt. of water to make the All Purpose Spray, the solution is mostly water, and the freezing point of this solution will be very close to water’s, or 32 F. The coldest your ground would be at the depth of your septic tank, even in the heart of winter in snowy climates, is around 50 F. I hope that helps!
Hello! I appreciate this information, I just wished I looked for it sooner. I thought this product was just pine scented Castile, and I’ve been using as a bubble bath, hand wash, and to clean wooden utensils, and I barely diluted! I’m wondering if this is okay, I’m mostly scared about my wooden utensils.
Hi Sarah – No long term harm done! Sal Suds is great on wooden utensils – that’s what I use myself. However, the ingredients in Sal Suds are so great at picking up oils, that they can be too drying for our skin. The Castile Soap has a better blend for our skin. The ironic thing is, most conventional bodywashes have ingredients that are even more drying than the Sal Suds, but usually they have other ingredients that leave residues on our skin to cover that up. For a hand wash with the Castile (and Citrus and Almond are my favorites) combine 1 part soap and 3 parts water in a foaming pump. I’m curious to know what you think of the Castile once you try it. And if you like the pine, you can take the Unscented and add some drops of a pine or spruce essential oil to it.
Hi Lisa!
I am new to Sal Suds and would like to know the best way to use it for cleaning makeup brushes as well as shower doors? I want to make sure I use the appropriate amounts.
And I just want to confirm that the diluted version of your dishwashing liquid is good for everyday handwashing?
Thank you so much!
Hi Marilyn- Sal Suds is exceedingly versatile! Use one drop of Sal Suds per makeup brush. Wet the brush well. Use 1 small drop on each brush. Gently rub Sal Suds through the bristles, then rinse in a bowl of clean water. For shower doors, use an All-Purpose Spray – that is 1 Tbsp. Sal Suds added to a spray bottle with 1 quart of water. Spray and wipe with a damp cloth. Dishes can be washed with 1/2 – 1 1/2 tsp. Sal Suds in a large sink of water. Or 1 drop Sal Suds for one pot. Use more if needed.
[…] If you have hard water – use sal suds in place of castile soap. This is our biodegradable household cleaner which doesn’t react with hard water. It rinses cleanly and leave surfaces sparkling. No more film on the tub or towels! For it’s multitude of uses, see the Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet. […]
Wow, sal suds is amazing, I used a squish of it in hot water with a bit of baking soda and got my shower door that had 22 years of hard water build up clean!! I had tried everything in the past, nothing worked. AMAZING. I am a new customer and will now be a forever customer… Thanks Lisa.
Hi Patti- Welcome to the Dr. Bronner’s family! Thank you for the testimonial!
Can you spray this or the castile soap on a couch as a deodorizer? I’m looking for a more natural spray to deodorize my couch that has 6 animals on it all the time without washing my cushions multiple times a week. Thanks!
Hi Nina- While I agree our soaps smell great, you wouldn’t want to spray on fabrics without rinsing it off. But I do recommend mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oils into baking soda which is a great natural deodorizer on its own. Mix with a fork, sprinkle on fabrics and carpets, then vacuum up. (Spot test this first for desired results.) For a general room freshener, put a stovetop potpourri on or spritz a bit of our Lavender Hand Sanitizer into the air.
Can I wash my dog with a diluted formula?
Hi Ola- Castile Soap is preferred for bathing pets, since it’s more gentle on skin. Wet dog, apply soap (amount based on size of your pup and thickness of its coat), massage through coat, then rinse.
Will it get mold off leather seats?
Hi Pam- Yes, it would. Spray the leather, wipe with a soft damp cloth and be sure it fully dries.
Hi Lisa, would you have a recipe to cut black mildew on my sidewalks? Also, my brick front porch has a failed sealer on it.. it has a whitish look.. is their a recipe that would help remove that? Maybe with a power washer or scrub brush…
Hi Debbie- I think your power washer will come in handy with the sidewalks. Try one drop of Sal Suds in there with the water, and afterwards you may need to wash off suds. I really don’t have knowledge about removing sealer on bricks. I would not expect any of our products to be intense enough to strip that.
Hi can this be used for teeth retainers or dentures?
Hi Jef- Yes, you can use Sal Suds for this. Rinse well after cleaning. My grandfather (Dr. Bronner) used the Peppermint Castile to clean his own dentures.
What recipe do you use to clean the outside of the toilet? The seat, the lid, the handle? What recipe do you use to clean the bathroom faucet and sink, for example? I am concerned about germs like STREP. We had to disinfect with Clorox wipes because my child would get repeated STREP, but now we can’t find disinfectant anywhere. I can’t find tea tree oil.
Hi Sara- I recommend an All-Purpose Spray made with either 1 Tbsp Sal Suds or 1/4 cup Castile Soap in a spray bottle with a quart of water. Spray and wipe with damp cloth. For an extra microbial punch, add a few drops of Tea Tree essential oil. Check out my blog post, Green Cleaning the Bathroom, for more cleaning tips: https://www.lisabronner.com/green-cleaning-your-bathroom/
Hello, can this product be safely used on marble countertops? They are not as tough as granite!
Thank you!
Hi Maureen- Marble is gorgeous and makes for a beautiful home. The issue with natural stones like marble is that acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, can etch the stone. Sal Suds (and also our Castile soaps) are alkaline, even with the addition of essential oils. Use the All-Purpose Spray, which is 1 Tbsp. Sal Suds in a quart of water. For a little more on stone, see my blog post here: https://www.lisabronner.com/cleaning-stone-with-castile-soap-sal-suds/
Hi! Can I use this as a disinfecting spray? I was thinking for furniture, toys and just an all purpose to replace my current aerosol that I use. Thank you!
Hi Sheriden- The term “disinfectant” is regulated to apply only to EPA-registered products that chemically destroy disease-causing pathogens or other harmful microorganisms when applied to hard surfaces. Sal Suds and our Castile Soap are effective cleaners, but not EPA-registered chemical surface disinfectants, because they do not kill germs. Instead, detergents and soaps, including Sal Suds and our Castile Soap, work effectively by latching to dirt, germs, and grime and rinsing them away, leaving clean surfaces behind. This is why they are so effective for washing hands. During this time of COVID-19, the CDC recommends a two-step process of cleaning then disinfecting. For cleaning, they are recommending a general household cleaner or detergent and water – Dr. Bronner’s products fit this bill – prior to the second step of disinfection with an EPA-registered product. For more information about disinfectants visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html
Does Sal Suds contain ANY coconut components ? Family member highly allergic.
Hi Peggy- Yes, the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is derived from coconut oil. I’m sorry not to be able to help.
Well, I am jumping in with both feet on this product based on all the reviews. I am going to start using Sal Suds in my cleaning business. Lots of hard water deposits to clean, so I hope this helps make work less tiresome! Just received my two bottles…maybe I’ll be graduating to a gallon shortly.
Hi Roxey- Excellent! Your clients are lucky to have you! You might find some helpful tips my blog post, My Cleaning Cabinet, as well: https://www.lisabronner.com/my-cleaning-cabinet/
Can I used diluted Sal Suds on my hibiscus plants to get rid of aphids — without harming the plant?
Hi Bonnie- I haven’t personally tried a garden spray with Sal Suds, although it should work. I use a spray with 1 Tbsp. Castile Soap and a quart of water. There’s more detailed information over here on my blog: https://www.lisabronner.com/castile-soap-spray-for-garden-pests/
I mix it with washing soda for a great laundry detergent that’s safe for our grey water pits. Keep it by the sink for dishes. No more harsh chemical cleaners for us.
Bathtubs and tile showers are not on the list for Sal Suds.
Is there a problem with using it to clean these?
Do the oils vaporize to be overpowering in a small space?
The Suds clean, but they do not disinfect, correct?
Thanks!
Hi Lauren- You’re question is very timely! I have a blog post on cleaning bathrooms planned for later this year. The Sal Suds All-Purpose Spray is excellent on bathroom counters, shower, tub and the toilet (more on that here, https://www.lisabronner.com/toilet-cleaning-with-dr-bronners-video/). For additional scrubbing power, sprinkle a little baking soda or whip up the GIY Soft Scrub. Sal Suds doesn’t emit fumes like conventional cleaners, but if you have an issue, adjust the nozzle of your spray bottle to a targeted spray. Our soaps don’t disinfect because they don’t kill. They work by grabbing onto and rinsing away dirt, germs and grime. If you like, add 20 drops of pure essential tea tree oil to your spray bottle for added disinfecting, antibacterial powers.
Hi! I have read a lot of comments on using this for hand washing. I have my own regular soap dispenser. Do I dilute it??
Hi Tiffany- Sal Suds is our household detergent, and while it is safe on skin, it can be drying. Our Castile Soap, with it’s blend of oils (coconut, olive, palm, jojoba, and hemp) is designed to be the most nourishing to our skin. For hand washing, use foaming pump dispenser with 1 part soap to 3 parts water.
Hi Lisa,
May Sal Suds be used in the dishwasher? Thank you,
Bree
Hi Bree- Sal Suds is a great cleaner for almost any household purpose, with the notable exception of the dishwasher. Because Sal Suds is so bubbly, there is a risk of causing damage to your dishwasher because it gets overfilled with suds. To find an alternative, check out the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org). They rank cleaning and body care products based on ingredients, environmental impact, and such.
Love this stuff. Hubs washed our cars last weekend with Sal Suds and I’ve used it to make a no scrub daily shower spray.
I do wonder if it could be used with a power washer. And, if so, how much soap to how much water?
Hi Jean- Sal Suds works great in power washer. Add just a couple of drops to the solution chamber.
Can you use Sal Suds around pets, in particular cats? I”m wondering about the essential oils in it. Thank you.
Hi Cheryl- The behavior of my two cats – who very much enjoy sleeping on freshly washed bedding, gobbling from their food dishes, and lounging on the clean tile flooring without a care in the world – leads me to believe they are not sensitive to Castile or Sal Suds. Cute cat habits aside though, Sal Suds is used diluted and then rinsed off. Sal Suds in particular is very clean rinsing, leaving no reside behind.
Hello,
Can you tell me approximately how much a gallon of Sal Suds last for the number of people in your family for laundry? Do you use an HE machine?
Also how long a 32oz bottle lasts you for making dish washing soap, multi purpose cleaner and Sal Suds lite?
Thank you.
Hi Cheryl – Great question! I go through a gallon of Sal Suds roughly every 2 1/2 – 3 months. I don’t have an HE washer, so I’m using more there. As you can tell from the cheat sheet, I’m using the Sal Suds for nearly all my laundry, nearly all my housecleaning, dishes, car washing, whatever else needs washing and whatever GIY tests I’m working on for the blog. I don’t use quarts, but I guess dividing that by four, I’d go through a quart every 3 weeks-ish.
Can either Castile soap or sal suds be used on fabric car convertible tops?
Hi Susie- Sal Suds is the best option here because it rinses so cleanly.