Does Castile Soap Kill Germs? & How to Use Dr. Bronner Soap
If you want to buy just one soap that can clean your hair and your toilet then I would recommend Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Magic Liquid Soap. There was a time when I would buy one bottle and use it for everything. Now I get one for the body and hands (usually lavender) and Sal Suds for the rest of the home. In this post I will outline pure castile soap uses and how to use Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap. And for a bonus I will also talk about Sal Suds, a biodegradable detergent home cleaner.
Sal Suds – The Ultimate Multi-Purpose Biodegradable Cleaner
Sal Suds is often confused with Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, but it isn’t technically soap—it’s a concentrated, biodegradable hard-surface cleaner made from plant-based surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate derived from coconut oil, not saponified oils. True soap is created through saponification, the chemical reaction of fats or oils with an alkali that produces fatty acid salts (soap molecules) and glycerin, which is exactly what you get with Castile Soap.
Because Sal Suds relies on surfactants rather than soap salts, it does not react with minerals in hard water to create soap scum, allowing it to rinse away cleanly and making it especially effective for laundry, dishes, and tough household cleaning.
While Castile Soap shines for skin, body, and gentle cleaning tasks, Sal Suds is formulated as a stronger, all-purpose detergent that’s still biodegradable, environmentally safe, and mild compared to conventional cleaners—giving you the best of both worlds depending on whether you’re cleaning your body or your home.
Sal Suds Uses:
Dishes (including ceramic and stainless steel)
Laundry (including delicates)
Mopping Floors
Window Cleaning
Toilets
Tile
Upholstery Fabrics
Carpets
Countertops
Produce Rinsing
Pet Washing
Pest Control for Plants
A common question is: Can you mop with castile soap? You technically can, but because it reacts with minerals in hard water it can leave behind a filmy residue on floors. For streak-free, effective mopping, Sal Suds is the better choice—it rinses completely clean and cuts through dirt and grease without leaving buildup.
Sal Sunds is made with plant‑based surfactants and essential oils like fir and spruce, and contains no synthetic dyes or fragrances. It achieves over 60% biodegradation in 28 days, certified cruelty‑free and packaged in 100% post‑consumer recycled bottles.
Sal Suds Dilution Guide
Hand‑washing dishes: ½–1½ tsp in sink water, or even just one drop for a single pot.
Laundry (HE): 1–1½ tbsp per load. Double for standard machines.
Delicates (hand wash): ½ tbsp in 1 gallon of water. Soak 10 min, gently swish, rinse.
All‑purpose spray: 1 tbsp per quart of water—spray and clean surfaces like tile, wood (sealed), toys, etc. Add a splash of lemon essential oil if you want a clean smell.
Mopping floors: 1 tsp per gallon of hot water. Add a splash of lemon essential oil if you want a clean smell.
Windows: ½ tsp per quart of water, squeegee, then follow with vinegar on a clean dry cloth.
Produce wash: Just one drop in a bowl of water, rinse thoroughly.
Car exterior: ½ tbsp per 3 gallons of water.
Avoid mixing with — vinegar (reduces cleaning power), lemon juice (unstable), alcohol (ineffective), hydrogen peroxide (use separately), borax and baking soda.
How to Use Dr. Bronner Castile Soap
Castile soap is a pure and made from vegetable oils (olive, coconut, hemp, jojoba, etc.), vegan, biodegradable, and often organic. Dr. Bronner’s blends include coconut, palm, olive, hemp, and jojoba oils. Its natural, surfactant-driven chemistry binds dirt, oil, and water effectively—and without synthetic additives like parabens, phthalates, or BPAs.
Benefits of Castile Soap:
Gentle on skin yet powerful cleaner
Very concentrated—just a little goes a long way, saving money and waste (although I use it in it’s concentrated form).
Vegans love that it’s entirely plant-derived and biodegradable.
Dr. Bronner Uses:
Washing Hair
Face Wash
Body Wash (including private areas (don’t use peppermint for that))
Hand Washing (if you are using a foaming dispenser dilute 1/3 castile soap with 2/3 water)
Shaving
Makeup Removal
Teeth Brushing
Cleaning Retainers & Dentures
Precautions:
Castile can be drying or alter facial skin’s pH (usually it’s ~9 vs skin’s 5.5), potentially triggering oil overproduction or breakouts for some.
Does Castile Soap Kill Germs?
Another common question is: Does castile soap kill germs?
Castile Soap doesn’t contain synthetic antibacterial agents like triclosan, but it does effectively remove dirt and germs from surfaces and skin. Soap works by breaking down oils and lifting away microbes so they can be rinsed off with water, which is why handwashing with plain soap has been shown in studies to reduce germs as effectively as antibacterial soaps.
While Castile Soap doesn’t “kill” germs in the same way disinfectants do, it does wash them away, making it an excellent choice for everyday cleaning and personal care without the harsh chemicals.
If you need to disinfect (for example, after handling raw meat or during illness), you’ll want to follow up with a true disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or another EPA-approved solution.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, both Sal Suds and Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap simplify life while keeping it clean and green. I love that I can reach for just one (or two) bottles and cover every cleaning and body-care need in my home. Fewer products mean less clutter, less waste, and more peace of mind knowing what I’m using is safe for my family and the planet.
Let Us Know
Have you tried Sal Suds or Dr. Bronner Castile Soap? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
The Research
2024 — Özokan
Development of Natural Castile Soaps from Vegetable Oils
Castile soaps are believed to be natural, 100% biodegradable, non-toxic surfactants and in some cases, they have antimicrobial properties. Researchers assessed viscosity, pH, appearance, and conducted microbiological tests. The findings showed no microbiological risk during shelf life, a two-year shelf life, and excellent solubility in water, qualifying these formulations as safe for both personal and household cleaning use.
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