Update May 2022 —I’ve added a few uses to both the Sal Suds and Castile Soap Cheat Sheets. Plus: All four Cheat Sheets are now available in Spanish! (See the side bar to download or print.)
Dilute! Dilute! OK!* But how much? Here is a quick reference. None of this is a hard and fast rule. If your stuff is really dirty or your water is really hard, then you may want to use more than the recommended amount. However, this should get you started. You’ll notice that for some applications, I recommend pre-diluting the Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap—combining the soap with water in a container. For other applications, the soap is diluted by the water present in the situation. It’s a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that if you predilute, you are also diluting the preservation system (tocopherols – vitamin E), so the shelf life drops. Use within a couple weeks. And yes, there are 18+ uses here.
* Long time Dr. Bronner’s users will remember this expression from the old labels.
Body Uses
Face: 2-3 drops on wet hands, applied to wet face.
Body: One small squirt on wet hands or washcloth, applied to a wet body.
Foaming Pump Dispenser: Dilution of one part soap to 3 parts water.
Wipe-Off Castile Body Wash Spray: Use when running water isn’t an option due to illness, large cast or bandage, or when hiking, camping, etc. Combine 1 ½ tsp. (7.5 mL) soap and 1 c. (240 mL) room temperature water in a spray bottle. Spray body wash lightly on skin, and wipe with a wet (not dripping) cloth. Dry skin.
Makeup Removal: Wet face and lather several drops of soap into hands. Massage into skin. Rinse.
Hair: A couple drops for close-cropped hair or up to ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) for long hair, either worked directly into very wet hair or pre-diluted in a cup of water. Follow with a capful of Dr. Bronner’s Citrus Organic Hair Rinse diluted in one cup (240 mL) of water or dilute apple cider vinegar in half with water.
Bath: Completely depends upon water amount, but approximately 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) soap in an average sized tub. (Doesn’t bubble, but still cleans.)
Shaving: Face—10 drops; Underarms—3 drops; Legs—½ tsp (2.5 mL); Work to a lather in wet hands, apply to area.
Teeth: 1 drop on a toothbrush. (Yes, it tastes like soap.)
Oral Appliances: Removable retainers, nightguards, etc. & dentures: Wet device. Add 1-2 drops of soap to a soft toothbrush. Brush gently, then rinse.
Foot Bath: ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) in a small tub of hot water.
Clearing Congestion: 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) Peppermint or Eucalyptus Castile soap in a bowl of steamy hot water. Breathe in mist with a towel draped over the head.
Household Uses
Dishes (Handwashing): Pre-dilute 1:10 with water. Squirt on a scrub brush. Alternatively, add 1-2 Tbsp. (15-30 mL) Castile Soap in a large sink of water. Use a small squirt of soap for one pot, or more if needed. To avoid water spots in hard water conditions, dry dishes by hand.
Laundry: 2–4 Tbsp. (30–60 mL) for HE washers. Add ½ c. (120 mL) vinegar to the rinse cycle. Optional: For whitening/deodorizing, add ¼ c. (60 mL) baking soda to wash cycle. Double these amounts for standard washers.
Handwashing Delicates: 1 capful (1 Tbsp. or 15 mL) Castile Soap 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 or lay clothing flat to dry.
Mopping (Wood, Laminate, Vinyl, Stone & Tile Flooring): 2 ½ Tbsp (38 mL) of soap 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 2 tsp. (10 mL) Castile Soap to a quart (1 L) of water in a squirt bottle.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray: 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) soap in 16 oz. (500 mL) water. Spray and wipe with a damp cloth. Optional: For extra microbial punch, add ¼ tsp. (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); plastic toys and such; stainless steel; sinks & toilets; and more!
Windows: ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) soap in 16 oz. (500 mL) water. Spray and squeegee. Follow up with pure club soda, or half vinegar/ half water and squeegee.
Toilet: Predilute 1:4 with water in a squirt bottle. Add ¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) tea tree oil. For best results, empty toilet. Spray or squirt 2-3 drops of Castile Soap directly on toilet brush. Sprinkle baking soda on the brush, scrub bowl, let sit 10 minutes, turn water on, flush.
Other Uses for Liquid Castile Soap
Fruit & Veggie Wash: 1 dash (approx. ¼ tsp.) in a bowl of water. Dunk produce and swish. Then rinse in clear water.
Dog Washing: Wet dog thoroughly. Massage in enough soap to create a good lather. (Amount varies based on size, hair type, and overall dirtiness.) Really massage it in down to the skin. Your dog will thank you for it. Rinse thoroughly.*
Cleaning Makeup Brushes: Wet the make-up brushes in water. Add 1-2 drops soap to the bristles. Massage in gently for 10+ seconds, then rinse. Repeat as needed until water runs clear.
Plant Spray for Bugs: 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) in a quart (1 L) of water. Optional: Add ½ tsp. (1.25 mL) cayenne pepper or cinnamon. Spray plants twice daily in the cool of the day until infestation clears.
Ant Spray (Not on plants): ¼ c. (60 mL) Tea Tree Castile Soap in a quart (1 L) of water. (This concentration will burn plants.)
I’ve tried to keep this short and sweet. If you have any questions, please ask away!
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’re interested in using the Castile Bar Soap for house cleaning, check out my Bar Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet.
Further reading
- Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet
- Sal Suds or Castile Soap – Which to Use?
- GIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
- Bar Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet
*Avoid using the Tea Tree scent to wash your pets, as tea tree oil can be toxic to them.
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.
Can you please help with rust in toilet. My husband said to buy acid. Help please
Hi Nona – Your husband is on the right track. Acids such as vinegar and lemon juice will dissolve rust. You can spray it on and let it sit for a few hours. If that’s not sufficient, consider turning the water to the toilet off and emptying the bowl (by flushing it with the water turned off). Then sprinkle the bowl lightly with salt and then scrub moderately with half lemon. Another natural option is to mix 2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Spread this over the stains with a cloth or sponge and let sit for a couple hours. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse.
All this about soap and cleanliness; has anyone read CLEAN by James Hamblin? It’s very interesting on the topic and history of cleanliness and health. But hey, when I do use soap; I use, and recommend Bronner’s. When I don’t; I love dirt under nails, dog hair on clothes and the smell of horse for cologne. That’s me.
Oh my, diluted soap can go ‘bad’?? I’ve been diluting soap for a foam dispenser for some years and I dilute much more, like 1:5-6+. It’s enough to get foam, if not I add more. If it’s foaming well, sometimes I try just adding more water. I guess diluting more, would cut the ‘shelf-life’ more? I’ve never noticed ‘bad’ soap but guess that my house goes way past any recommended longevity. Frankly, I am most often just using water – maybe a habit of not wanting to use what’s typically offered, when not at home. But home, I also use water only and our dispenser is often neglected. I don’t remember the last time I filled them. If soap goes ‘bad’ and I haven’t known it, is that a ‘problem’? I read and loved the suggestion of adding Vit E, but do I need that? I guess trying vit E and refilling my dispensers might be in order?
Hi Dean- Our Castile Soap is naturally preserved because of its alkalinity, and we also add Tocopherols (vitamin E) as an extra preservative. However, when you dilute the soap, you are diluting the preservative. The issue is that bacteria in the water might eventually get into the solution and there wouldn’t be enough preservative to combat it. After diluting the soaps with water, the typical shelf life would be about a month. Follow your nose – if it is smelling off, then dump and remake. If you find you don’t go through it fast enough, mix-up a smaller batch.
Use as an ant spray; what again, does it do about ants?
Eliminates their ‘trails’, did I hear? Or does it keep them away,
or kill them? Ever use garlic with it, like the tea tree in the soap? (wondering, particularly with vegetables)
You might have an article on it; let me know.
Oh, did I hear that it only worked when wet, or does it dry and leave an ant deterrent?
Hi Dean- Here’s my blog post on ant spray: https://www.lisabronner.com/it-actually-works/. It both eliminates ants and their trails. I find it works best when allowing it to sit for a bit before rinsing or wiping off.
How much do you put in a bathtub along with alfalfa for detoxing from COVID-19
Hi Betty – This is not a use with which I am familiar. While our soaps are excellent body cleansers, we have not tested them specifically on COVID-19 or combining it with alfalfa. I do not foresee a negative reaction between the Castile soap and alfalfa, but again, this is not something I have done. However, we do know that Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soaps are effective cleaners, and work by attaching to dirt, germs, and grime and rinsing them away, leaving clean surfaces behind.
I have some castile soap in a dispenser in the bathroom for washing my hands. Every day it gets an oil bubble that clogs the pump. How do I fix this? Do I need to dilute it?
Hi Siobhan- We don’t recommend using our soap in a regular dispenser for just this reason. It tends to clock and squirt out in unexpected directions. Instead, use a foaming pump dispenser and dilute 1 part soap with 2 parts water. Works beautifully!
What is ratio to use to make foaming soap for dispensers
Hi John- Start with 1 part soap and 3 parts water, and adjust to your preference.
Hi Lisa, I am a long time Dr Bronner user/believer! I normally use Sal Suds in my All Purpose Cleaner, but have recently started using the Castile soap. If I use the full recommended 1/4 cup ratio of soap, I end up with a too sudsy mixture that needs to be wiped down a few times. 1/8 of a cup seems to work for me, but I am wondering I’d I will still get the cleaning/ disinfecting power. I would love your advice ,
Thanks.
Hi Judi- It is perfectly fine to reduce the concentration to what works for you. Differences in water types can impact the solution – for example hard water requires slightly more soap – and also your surfaces may be more lightly dirtied. The cleaning power also comes from length of contact. So if a surface is particularly grubby, spray it and let it sit for several minutes (even up to 10) before wiping. This gives the soap more time to work.
Hi Lisa. I use 3-1 dilution for foaming hand soap. However, in as little as a week, the solution will start to smell mildewy. I tried using a stronger concentration, but that ends up clogging the dispenser. Are there any preservatives you recommend that I can add to my solution to help it keep longer, and what amount should I use? Thanks.
Hi Shozo- The typical shelf life is 2-3 weeks. Try distilled water to extend the shelf life of your dilution. You can also nick open 1-2 vitamin E capsules and squeeze in as a preservative.
Sorry, one more question, if we do use Bragg’s ACV, whats the recommended dilution ratio? And how much should be used for shoulder length hair?
Hi Sam- Any ACV will work as it’s the pH that is doing the work. There’s no health benefit to unfiltered ACV in this use, and if it’s too unfiltered though, you may end up with bits of apple pulp in their hair. For my long, thicker hair, I use about 1/2 cup ACV diluted with another 1/2 cup of water. Depending on the thickness of your hair, start with about half that amount and adjust from there.
Thank you for your response on my previous question! After reading your “From Shampoo to Soap – My Story,” we decided to give Castile Soap as shampoo a try. My question is, what’s the difference between using apple cider vinegar vs Dr. Bronner’s Citrus Hair Rinse as the acidic rinse? Which do you think is better for those with psoriasis on scalp, and do you have any advice for them? Thank you in advance!
Hi Sam- The Dr. Bronner’s Citrus Hair Rinse contains Shikakai powder which provides more moisture to hair than simple Apple Cider Vinegar, which just balances the pH. For scalp psoriasis, my brother battles this and he’s told me that the key is moisture, moisture, moisture, so of these two options, the Citrus Rinse would be slightly better. But give both a try and see what works best. However, my brother says he has had use a medicated shampoo. Of our soaps, the Shaving soap – which is a thicker version of our Sugar Soap – is our most moisturizing. Another step that we are learning may help is pre-conditioning, prior to shampooing, with hemp oil, such as explained in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOyCJs4FKOQ. I hope this helps!
Hello, I’d like some advice on the clouding issue please. I used cooled down boiled water (considered distilled), however there’s clouding within just a few days. I understand it’ll still work/clean the same, however my family is concerned whether or not the soap is considered gone “bad” since we use it for dishes, vegetables, body, etc. Please advise, thank you.
Hi Sam- Boiling water removes bacteria water, but not minerals and salts. To do that, you’d need to capture the steam and condense it back into a liquid – thus, distilling it. The cloudiness you’re seeing is the Castile Soap, a true soap, reacting with the minerals in hard water. The typical shelf life of diluted soap is about a month, so your solution is likely not bad. If it smells off though, it’s time to dump. Both distilled and RO (reverse osmosis) water make a clean solution. Here’s an easy test for hard water my dad used to do: https://www.lisabronner.com/using-soap-to-test-for-hard-water-video/.
Hello!
Is it possible to use either Sal Suds or Castile soap in the dishwasher?
Hi Jen- Sal Suds and Castile Soap are both great for hand washing dishes – but unfortunately, we don’t recommend them 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.
I leave in a hard water area and when I dilute castile soap I have precitate forming at the bottom of the bottles? anything I can add to stop this?
Hi Monica- What you’re noticing is the result of a true soap, like our Castile, reacting with the minerals in hard water. The solution is still effective, and there’s nothing that can be added to remedy this. However, some consumers like to use distilled or RO (reverse osmosis) water for a clearer solution.
Thanks so very much this will help me alot .I also like you use Dr Bronners Castile soap all the time but you have given me more ideas and how much to use.
Hi Helen- Excellent! Glad you’re finding this helpful!
Hi there! How much do I put in a 16oz bottle for an all purpose cleaner?:) Thank you!
Hi Jillian- Use 2 Tbsp. (or 1/8 cup) Castile Soap in 16oz of water. Spray surface and wipe with a damp cloth.
What is best ratio of pure-castile soap and water for making foaming soap in ten or 16 oz foaming soap dispenser?
Hi Annie- A dilution of 1 part soap to 3 parts water is a good place to start. For an 8 oz. container, that’s 2 oz. soap and 6 oz. water, or 4 oz. soap and 12 oz. water for a 16 oz. container. You can add more or less soap to your preference.
I would like to know what is the ph present in the heal soul product?
Hi Idoya- The pH of Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is 9.3 ± 0.6. Heal Soul and Heal Earth are two of our limited-edition special labels, and the soap inside is our same Castile Soap formulation. For more on pH, skin and our soaps, see my blog post, https://www.lisabronner.com/skin-health-ph-and-dr-bronners-soap/
Quick question, I was wondering if you portability us. The heal soul, helps with depression and anxiety as a air freshener like in a wax Bruner I have anxiety bad and if I could how would I go by doing this???
Hi Jamie – The soap does not do well in a wax burner because the water content would quickly evaporate and leave solid soap in the burner. The best aromatherapy option is to set aside some time for a good soak in a tub with a squirt of your favorite Dr. Bronner’s.
Hi! Is Castile soap safe to
Use with microfiber cloths? (Will it weigh down/clog the fibers?)
Thank you! I’ve been a happy Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap user for years!
Hi Christina- It’s always great to hear from long-time customers! I’ve found the grabbiness of micofiber cloths works well for cleaning. If laundering them with Castile Soap, use 1 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle (1/2 cup in an HE machine) to keep them absorbent.
What’s the measurements for making a 12oz or 16oz shampooo that will not be thin🤷🏽♀️
Hi Nicol- Putting Castile Soap in a foaming pump dispenser will essentially give it that thicker feeling you’re after. Start with 1 part soap and three parts water, and add more or less soap to your preference. Our Organic Sugar Soap is thicker than the Castile Soap and is great on hair, especially if it’s on the dry side. Adding most oils or thickeners will change the efficacy of the soap, because the soap molecules will be busy chasing those ingredients, instead of your hair and scalp.
Hello. This is my first time using the Lavender castile soap. Will be trying as a body and hand wash. I have 2 kids(10 and 7). Is it ok for them to use aswell? Also, do I need to dilute for either of those uses?
Hi Liz- Excellent! Castile Soap is made for bodies and hands of all ages. For body, use a small squirt on a washcloth or in hands. For handwashing, a drop or 2 will do, but I find it more convenient – especially with kiddos – to keep a foaming pump dispenser with 1 part soap and 3 parts water next to the sink.
Hi, I need a safe and natural eyelid cleaner, what would be your recommendation. Look forward to your reply
Hi Janet- For regular, non-medicinal cleaning of the eyelids, the Tea Tree Castile Soap is a great option. You want to be sure to keep your eyes closed, but the Castile is a very gentle cleanser even for such sensitive skin. The tea tree essential oil is good for balancing skin that is either too oily or too dry. Pure coconut oil is also great for lifting makeup, including mascara and eye liner – gently rub pure coconut oil over the eyelids and wipe with a soft cloth. Then wash with the Tea Tree Castile. If you need extra moisture, use a bit of pure coconut oil afterwards.
THANK YOU!! 🙂
Why must the soap be diluted?? Whats the issue with full strength
Hi Brendan – There’s no danger with using the soap full strength – just the potential for waste. You might use more than you need and run through it faster. I don’t predilute when I wash my face, but I only use 2-3 drops, or in the shower, I use a small squirt. But if you pre-dilute, it’s easier to get a small amount.
[…] it’s your dog, your sinks, or your floors. You can find details of all these uses on this Castile Soap Dilutions Cheat Sheet. Because Castile soap is a true soap, it reacts with the minerals contained in hard water (add […]
Hello – my entire family has pretty sensitive skin and we recently tried your Castile soap to make hand soap and we’re loving it so far! I’m trying to get my kids to use it as a body wash next. I have the unscented baby Castile soap but want to add some essential oil of my choosing. Can you tell me what the ratio should be for soap and oil when using it as a body wash? Thank you!
Hi Savy- I replied earlier, but some comments were lost. I’m responding again, so others can benefit from your question. I’m glad to hear our Castile soaps have been helpful to your family! The ratio for essential oils very much depends on which essential oil you’re using. They vary in intensity. Although I don’t usually predilute the Castile for body washing, instead letting my wet washcloth dilute the small squirt I add, you can predilute it in order to add your own essential oils. Perhaps try a 1:10 dilution. In a 16 oz. bottle, start by adding 10 drops of your essential oil. If that is not strong enough, add a few more at a time and swirl to achieve your desired intensity.
Hi Lisa!
I picked up several products this evening and ready to jump on board the clean train! I used the lavender castile soap this evening for shampoo and just picked up the lavender hair cream (smells so good), salsuds, peppermint sugar soap, tea tree castile soap and pure castile soap! I can’t believe I’ve been missing out this entire time!
A couple questions:
For the castile soap –
1.) I have an HE washer so I was wondering the proper ratios.
2.) How much would you put for a small, medium and large load?
3.) For heavy steins on clothes such as spaghetti steins, mud etc how do you go about getting them out? (Have a 5 year old and it happens quite a bit)
4.) For whites that you want bright what is your regiment?
Unrelated to the castile soap questions –
5.) What makeup brand do you recommend?
Hi Emily- Welcome to the Dr. Bronner’s family! You’ve got a great variety of products there! You’ll find my video on laundry helpful (https://www.lisabronner.com/green-laundry-care-with-dr-bronners-video/). In a nutshell, use 1/4 cup Castile Soap for a regular load, less for a small load. With Castile Soap, you want to use 1/2 cup vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. Sal Suds is slightly more effective on stains. Dab a small amount directly onto the stain and rub gently into the fabric. For stubborn stains, let sit before washing. For whites and grubbier loads, I often throw in 1/4 cup baking soda. When it comes to makeup, I look for make-up with three criteria: absolutely no animal testing, no problematic ingredients, and looks good. Fortunately, as consumers have demanded this, more make-up brands have arisen to comply. I generally have a blend of Honeybee Gardens, Jane Iredale, Gabriel, and Mineral Fusion.
Hello!!
Could I use the Castile soap all purpose spray to clean my yoga mat?
Based on what I’ve read I was thinking of spraying it, waiting a few seconds and then wiping it off with a cloth.
Any recommendations?
I’m relatively new to Dr. Bronner’s products but I’m truly enjoy them (even with us being on well water-I’m trying to make it work). I just ordered your unscented body balm, shaving soap and lip balm.
Love your products!!!!!
Hi Esmeralda- Welcome! There’s an excellent article on the Dr. Bronner’s All-One blog that goes over how to safely and effectively clean yoga mats. The author, Bri, is a Dr. Bronner’s employee who has been teaching yoga for many years. https://www.drbronner.com/all-one-blog/2019/07/clean-yoga-mat-dr-bronners/. In hard water conditions, such as with well water, you may prefer Sal Suds for your household cleaning and laundry. It doesn’t have the same reaction with the minerals in hard water as the Castile Soap. You may also find my article on soap scum helpful: https://www.lisabronner.com/scum-scum-go-away/
Hi can you tell me does the (c) represent cap or cup.
Hi Cassie- It stands for cups. Sorry for the confusion!
Hi,
When I dilute Dr. Bronner’s soap and use it as hand wash in a foaming bottle, the solution always gets cloudy, and sometimes, over time, it turns a little reddish. What can I do to prevent clouding and color change?
Thanks!
M
Hi M- I’m not entirely sure what would cause the reddish tinge, but it is possibly a result from minerals in the water. Try making the mixture with distilled water and see if that improves it. My other guess is maybe there is a piece of metal on the bottle that is corroding and coloring the water.
Putting cayenne pepper into the insecticidal plant spray … just clogged the wonderful plant mister that I’ve been using for years … and the backup one that I just bought from Amazon. Perhaps you should try some of these things before you just blithely add them to the list.
Hi Elaine – I’m so sorry to hear of the clog. I hope that taking the pieces apart and soaking them will help clear them out. There are such a variety of sprayers available, and you are correct that not all work the same. I use a much more mundane housecleaning spray bottle. It doesn’t spray a fine mist. Even without the cayenne pepper, the soap alone is insecticidal.
what about washing vehicles? I love how its eco friendly and rinses easily, was thinking it would be ideal for washing my vehicles? However, my husband brought up a couple good points of caution so I thought it be best to ask.
Hi Kacie- Castile Soap won’t harm car paint and such, but for vehicles and other shiny surfaces I prefer to use Sal Suds, our biodegradable cleaner. Castile Soap reacts with minerals in hard water and can leave hard water spots on shiny surfaces, whereas Sal Suds doesn’t have that reaction. Use about 1/2 Tbsp. Sal Suds in a bucket of water. Check out this blog post for more on car washing: https://www.lisabronner.com/car-washing-with-dr-bronners-sal-suds/
[…] olive, hemp, and jojoba oils. It comes in a dilutable formula (there’s even a helpful dilution cheat sheet), so each bottle will go a long […]
“This works out to .2 -.3 oz/ 5-8 mL per pound of laundry or .4 – .6 oz/ 11-18 mL per kg of laundry. ”
When should I use more soap and when should I use less? 11-18mL/kg is quite big of a range.
I’m asking because I know that too much- or too less- soap(detergent) diminishes the cleansing power.Why is the range of soap that can be used for the same amount of load so big?
Hi Sun – The amount needed varies based on how soiled the fabrics are. Start with the low end of the range, and increase as needed. Using too much will not diminish the cleaning power of the soap. However, you will run through your soap faster than you may need to.
Hi Lisa,
My husband is looking for a product to clean his CPAP machine. I told him about your product and to use the recommended dilution mixture for the all purpose cleaning purposes. Would that be a fair statement? He’s very nervous about ruining his machine. I told him that he just needs to make sure that he rinses it thoroughly. Any suggestions or words to assure him not to worry?
Hi Pat- If the manufacturer recommends a mild soap or detergent, then yes, Sal Suds is safe for cleaning the tubing, mask and such. It’s mild, effective, and rinses exceedingly clean so no residue will be left behind.
Should floor be rinsed after using Dr Bonner’s)
Hi Jean- There’s no need to. The mop is grabbing the Castile Soap, which is holding on to dirt and germs, and in effect, rinsing it away.
Hi Lisa,
I’m thinking of getting the Lavender Liquid Soap. Do i have to dilute it with water if I’m gonna use it as body and handwash?
Hi Grace- Our soaps are very concentrated, and a little goes a long way. Rather than diluting, I use a small squirt in hands or on a wet cloth for body. 2-3 drops cleans hands, or mix it up in a foaming pump dispenser at a ratio of 1 part soap to 3 parts water.
How much laundry in weight is “a large load in a regular washer”?
I’ve heard that many people had trouble adjusting the amount of soap needed for doing laundry… would you be so kind as to post on how much castile soap in mL/oz is needed per lb/kg?
I use a front-load washing machine with a maximum load of 9kg.
Hi Sun- Thank you for bringing this to my attention. If your machine is not high efficiency, use 3.5 – 5.5 oz. or 100-160 mL of the Pure-Castile soap. If your machine is high efficiency, reduce these amounts by half. This works out to .2 -.3 oz/ 5-8 mL per pound of laundry or .4 – .6 oz/ 11-18 mL per kg of laundry. Again, for HE machines, divide these numbers by half.
Hi, Recommendations to use with baby (baby bath)?
Is there a difference between the pump soap and liquid soap?
Thank You
Hi Sarah- I prefer the Pure Castile with babies because there are fewer ingredients and less to track if they have sensitivities. Here’s a breakdown I wrote of the differences between the Sugar (pump) and Castile soaps: Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile vs. Sugar Soaps. Also, this article may be helpful: Using Castile Baby Mild Soap on Babies.
Very helpful thank you.
Hi Bec- I’m glad you found this helpful.
To be honest I’ve never known how to use this soap. I just read the cheat sheet. That helped.
Hi!
I made foaming soap with castile soap and essential oils but then I was wondering how long does it last since the preservative gets diluted so it doesn’t grow bacteria.
Hi Ana- It has a shelf life of 2-3 weeks or so.
Can you use Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap diluted in a Automated rechargeable Foam Dispenser, if so,
What is the ratio water to soap?
Hi Deborah- A good ratio to start with is 1 part soap to 3 parts water. You can then add more or less soap to your preference.
Thank you I am using peppermint and lavender.I love it .I want to neaver be without it.
when diluting the castile soap, what kind of water can we add? Tap water? Boiling water that is cooled down? Or distilled water from supermarket?
Hi Nicole- Any kind of water is fine, but some people choose to use distilled water for a clearer solution. Castile Soap reacts with the minerals in hard water making for a slightly cloudy, although still effective, solution.
Aloha! I received a bottle of the Lavender soap and i was wondering could this be used in my garden? I know the regular soap diluted is supposed to get rid of bugs but i wasn’t sure if i could use this one as well.
thanks!
Hi Lisa- Any of our Castile Soaps can be used in the plant or bug spray dilutions. It’s the soap, not the essential oil, that’s doing the work here.
Want to use Castile Soap in a foaming soap pump dispenser and I would like to know what the dilutions would be for castile soap and water?
Hi Sharalyn- A dilution of one part soap to three parts water is a great starting point. From there, feel free to add more or less soap to your preference.
Not helpful – dilutions cheat sheet should be ratios not “a drop or two on a wash cloth”
Some people would want a lot of suds, while others want to use as little as possible. It’s like when you’re reading a good recipe and it says “a pinch”. Same idea. Personally, I like about 2, sometimes 3 drops on a wash cloth for my face. The peppermint one is great!
Hello ! I hope this message finds you well! I have been dabbling around with going green. Now I am ready to make things in my home that I use on a daily basis, but now I’m going to GIY… Thank you so much for posting all this and letting me see how simple It truly is. I’m on the fence with essential oils. There are so many types out there. What type of essential oils do you use as your add in?Thank you.. I hope you have a blessed day
Hi Chelse- It’s great to hear you’re taking some green steps. It is a journey, so no worries on not having it all figured out at the get-go. I don’t use as many essential oils as others. I know there are a ton of benefits which others can tell you more about. I mostly use them for the fun of it, which means I use the scents I like. Mostly that’s sweet orange oil (my favorite) or lemon. I do add some Tea Tree essential oil to my mixtures to boost the antimicrobial action. The soap/Sal Suds has enough action on their own, but sometimes it makes me feel better to add that little extra kick.
Hi Lisa. Can I check how often do I need to change the castile foam soap bottle? Will the plastic bottle degrade over time?
Hi Cheryl- The many different types of plastic all degrade differently, so there is no one rule. If your plastic is starting to discolor or become cloudy, that is a sign that is started to degrade. I have found the best luck for foaming pumps with ones made out of glass mason jars with pump lid attachments.