Cleansing can be exhausting, especially when you have to remember which products belong where and which ones contain harsh chemicals. Storing multiple cleaners can also be tricky, particularly in compact spaces. That's why discovering an $11 all-in-one soap – Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds – that handles everything from laundry to dishes is remarkable.
This soap excels in hard water, cutting down the need for distilled water while ensuring a thorough clean, regardless of location.
Here's how this soap operates and my top five recommendations for using this cleaning tip to maximize its potential as a space-saving and cost-effective alternative.
The $11 Soap That Does It All
16 fl. oz.Dr. Bronner's Siberian Fir & Spruce Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
Sal Suds is safe for both people and pets when used properly, containing no artificial colors or scents. It comes in packaging made from 100% recycled plastic.
For two years, I've used Dr. Bronner's Castile soap in Almond scent, available at Walmart, but I've now switched to Sal Suds, its more concentrated and robust version.
Dr. Bronner's is a brand I trust, having used it reliably at home. Conversations with Lisa Bronner, the granddaughter of the founder, reinforced my confidence in their versatile 'magic soap'.
In her book Soap & Soul, available at Amazon, she highlights the power of natural soaps that are effective yet gentle. This is crucial when striving to reduce toxins in your home.
Lisa explains that 'Sal Suds, being a detergent, has a stable molecule that resists hard water, preventing residue on various surfaces. Plus, it's more concentrated than pure Castile soap, making it last longer and work better on stains.'
One 32-ounce bottle yields the equivalent of 64 bottles of all-purpose cleaner, 64 efficient laundry loads, or 128 car washes, all from a single bottle.
Top Ways to Use Sal Suds
While the applications for this non-toxic soap seem endless, here are five standout uses from Lisa's book that I find particularly handy.
These tips make Sal Suds the ideal choice for eliminating harsh chemicals and simplifying cleaning supply organization.
1. Stain Treatment and Laundry
This simple swap replaces harmful laundry products.
Laundry supplies often dominate my storage space. Using separate products for detergent, softener, and stain treatment complicates under-sink organization.
Fortunately, you can create your own laundry detergent using Sal Suds, consolidating three products into one.
For large HE loads, Lisa recommends one to one-and-a-half tablespoons of Sal Suds in a cold water cycle, effective in both hot and cold water.
This allows skipping harsh biological cleaners and hot washes while still achieving excellent stain removal.
For standard machines, increase to two to three tablespoons; 'the machine will dilute it,' she advises, adding it to the detergent drawer.
Sal Suds is also suitable for washing comforters, which Castile soap cannot handle.
For stain removal, mix equal parts water and Sal Suds, testing on a hidden area for delicate fabrics. For deeper stains, apply Sal Suds directly.
Let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes before laundering as usual.
2. Cleaning Fresh Produce
Sal Suds is safe for food prep, making meal prep effortless.
Washing fruits and veggies often requires yet another specialized cleaner. Sal Suds eliminates the need for this additional bottle.
In Soap & Soul, Lisa notes that Sal Suds effectively removes pests, dirt, and wax without leaving residue (it won't eliminate absorbed pesticides, so buying organic is best).
To clean produce, add one drop of Sal Suds to a bowl of water, scrub gently with a produce brush, available at Walmart, rinse, and dry.
Washing produce with a mild soap and drying it promptly can double its shelf life, a tip I learned from my grandmother.
3. Multi-Surface Cleaner
This multipurpose spray simplifies cleaning tasks.
This is the most straightforward yet impactful use. Sal Suds can readily replace multiple cleaning sprays, although you'll still need an antibacterial option like Attitude.
To create a cleaner, mix one quart of water with one tablespoon of Sal Suds in a glass spray bottle, available at Walmart. Shake well and apply with a microfiber cloth.
You can use this DIY solution to:
- Clean stainless steel
- Wipe down kitchen sinks
- Clean brass instruments like trumpets
- Wipe kitchen counters
- Scrub stove grates
- Maintain ovens
And that's just the beginning.
4. Outdoor Cleaning
Sal Suds is more eco-friendly than many commercial cleaners.
Sal Suds is also ideal for outdoor cleaning, minimizing the need for harsh products in your shed.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO at Cabana, shares that he uses Sal Suds for pressure washing patios, cleaning outdoor furniture, and maintaining pool equipment.
'It's biodegradable, so it won't harm plants like chemical cleaners do, and I don't worry about it affecting my lawn,' he adds.
For general cleaning, mix half a tablespoon of Sal Suds into a gallon of water. For pressure washing, add one drop of Sal Suds to the full water reservoir.
5. Dishwashing
Sal Suds is safe for food prep surfaces and can clean the sink afterward.
My final favorite use is for handwashing dishes. Lisa notes that 'Sal Suds excels at cutting grease and withstands hard water.'
'It's biodegradable, so it won't harm the environment, whether your drainage goes to a sewer, septic, or grey water system. Use one drop per dish or a squirt in the sink,' she adds.
Sal Suds is also effective for cleaning cast iron without affecting its seasoning.
What to Buy
32 oz bottle
Sal Suds is free from artificial dyes and fragrances. This large bottle can create 64 bottles of multi-purpose cleaner, saving chemicals, water, and plastic with just one swap!
Editor's pick
This book explores the incredible uses of Dr. Bronner's soap range while addressing how to avoid greenwashing, harmful ingredients, and understanding cleaning labels.
Pack of 12
Switch to reusable microfiber cloths instead of single-use towels. Wash them with Sal Suds without fabric softener and air dry for repeated use.
FAQs
Does Sal Suds Expire?
When stored correctly, with the cap closed at room temperature, Sal Suds can last about three years from the manufacturing date, which is usually on the label's bottom.
Why Did My Sal Suds Solidify?
If exposed to cold, Sal Suds may solidify. Move it to a warmer area and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to restore its consistency.
Meet the Experts
Lisa Bronner is the granddaughter of Dr. Emanuel Bronner, the founder of Dr. Bronner's Soaps. She is a consumer advocate and speaker on health and eco-friendly living.
Jeremy Yamaguchi is the CEO of Cabana, a premier pool service company. He brings extensive experience in outdoor service, especially concerning lawns, patios, and pools.
Interested in trying Sal Suds' gentler counterpart? We've compiled the best ways to use Castile soap at home to help you get started.
