sal suds

Sal Suds Dilutions Cheat Sheet

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable All-Purpose Cleaner can clean just about any surface that can get wet! Compared to our Castile soaps, there's quite a bit of overlap when it comes to the variety of its uses. Because the products can often be interchanged, it's mostly a matter of personal preference, but the Sal Suds All-Purpose Cleaner is more highly concentrated and more clean-rinsing in hard water situations and slightly more effective on grease and tough stains.

Even though it's safe on skin, we don't recommend using it on people or animals as it can be drying. As with our Castile Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet, these recommendations are not set in stone and we encourage you to experiment. That said, here are tried and true mixing instructions to suit any of your cleaning needs!

Download a one-page copy of the Sal Suds Dilutions Cheat Sheet

Table of Contents

Household Dilutions Guide for Sal Suds All-Purpose Cleaner

Laundry:

1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons. (15 to 22 mL) for HE washers. Optional: For extra whitening/brightening, add 1/4 cup (60 mL) baking soda to wash cycle and/or 1/2 cup (120 mL) vinegar to the rinse cycle. Double these amounts for standard washers.

Pre-treating 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 1:1 Sal Suds, water dilution.

Handwashing delicates:

1/2 capful Sal Suds in about 1 gallon (4 L) cold 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.

sal suds all purpose cleaner laundry

Cloth diapers:

Use 1 tablespoon (15 mL) Sal Suds for HE washers. Wash per manufacturer recommendation with cold or hot water. For extra whitening and odor-removal, add 1/2 cup (120 mL) baking soda in the wash cycle and/or 1/4 cup (60 mL) in the fabric softener compartment. Double all amounts in standard washers.

All-Purpose Cleaning Spray:

1 tablespoon (15 mL) Sal Suds in a quart (1L) of water. Hint: Put water in first. Spray and wipe down with a damp cloth. Optional: For extra antimicrobial punch, add 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) tea tree essential oil. Use on any surface that is safe in contact with water—stone countertops & tile; wood (painted or sealed, not waxed); children’s toys; metal surfaces; microsuede; and more!

Ovens, sinks, tubs & showers:

Spray with the All-Purpose Cleaning Spray and sprinkle with baking soda. Clean with a brush or cloth, then rinse with hot water.

Stainless steel:

Spray with All-Purpose Spray and sprinkle with baking soda from a shaker. Wipe in direction of the grain, 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.

Carpet cleaner:

In cleaning solution chamber, fill with water and add 1 drop of Sal Suds. Add 1 cup (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.

Window wash (aka Sal Suds Lite):

1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) Sal Suds 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.

Fruit & veggie wash:

1 drop of Sal Suds in a bowl of water. Dunk produce and swish. Rinse in clear water.

Dishes (handwashing):

1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL to 7.5mL) Sal Suds in a large sink of water. 1 drop Sal Suds for one pot, more if needed. A small squirt in a pot or a larger squirt for a sink.

sal suds all purpose cleaner laundry

Mopping (wood, laminate, vinyl, stone & tile flooring):

1 teaspoon (5 mL) Sal Suds in 1 gallon (4 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.

Outdoor Dilutions Guide for Sal Suds All-Purpose Cleaner

Cars:

1/2 tablespoon (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:

1/2 tablespoon (7.5 mL) Sal Suds in a bucket of warm water. Wash with sponge, microfiber cloth or a stiff brush. Wipe with damp cloth.

Pressure washer:

Add 1 drop Sal Suds mixed with water into the solution compartment. Because it’s biodegradable, it won’t harm landscaping.

Additional Uses

  • Camping gear
  • Musical instruments
  • Paint & makeup brushes
  • Grills
  • Lunch boxes
  • Water bottles
  • Kids clothing
  • Bedding
  • Beach balls
  • Pet gear
  • Doorknobs
  • Light switches
  • Cutting boards
  • Refrigerators (inside & out)
  • China
  • Glass vases
  • Pottery

And so much more!

Download a one-page copy of the Sal Suds Dilutions Cheat Sheet

Para descargar la Hoja de Dilución en Español haz clic aquí.

If you have SLS concerns check out this post:

Sal Suds cleaner shows >60% biodegradation after 28 days per ISO 14593.

Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner

Dishes-floor-laundry-more—the ultimate multi-purpose household cleaner! 

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