Dilutions Cheat Sheet for Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap


Dilute! Dilute! OK!* But how much? Here's a quick reference. None of these soap dilutions are meant to be exact amounts. If what you're cleaning is really dirty or your water is really hard, then you may want to use more than the specified amount. That said, these Pure-Castile Liquid Soap dilutions should get you started.

Table of Contents

You’ll notice that for some applications, we recommend pre-diluting the soap—which usually involved combining the soap with water in a separate container. For other applications, the soap is diluted directly by the water in the shower or faucet. It’s a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that if you pre-dilute, you are also diluting the preservative, so the shelf life will decrease. Use the pre-diluted mixture within a couple weeks or mix up in smaller batches. And yes, there are 18+ uses here! * Long-time Dr. Bronner’s users will remember this expression from the old labels.

Download a one-page copy of this cheat sheet here.

Descargue la hoja de dilución en Español aquí.

Body Uses

dr bronner's dilutions cheat sheet

Face:

2 or 3 drops of soap on wet hands, applied to wet face.

Body:

One small squirt of soap on a wet washcloth, applied to a wet body.

Foaming Pump Dispenser:

Dilution of one part soap to 3 parts water.

Wipe-Off Castile Body Wash Spray:

Combine 1 1/2 tsp. (7.5 mL) and 1 c. (240 mL) of Castile Soap and 1 c. (240 mL) room temperature water. Lightly spray onto skin and wipe off with clean, damp cloth. Use when bath or shower is not an option.

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 Dr. Bronner’s Citrus Organic Hair Rinse or diluted apple cider vinegar.

Bath:

Completely depends upon water amount, but roughly 2 Tbsp. soap in an average sized tub. (Doesn’t bubble, but still cleans).

Shaving: 

Face – 10 drops; Underarms – 3 drops; Legs – ½ tsp; Work to a lather in wet hands and then 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

household uses dr bronner's castile soap

Dishes (Handwashing):

Pre-dilute 1 part soap with 10 parts water. Squirt on a scrub brush and scrub dishes. 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:

1/3-1/2 c. (80-120 mL) soap for a large load in a regular washer. Add 1 c. (240 mL) vinegar to the rinse cycle. Optional: For whitening/deodorizing, add 1/2 c. (120 mL) baking soda to wash cycle. Halve these amounts for HE washers.

Handwashing Delicates:

1 capful (1 Tbsp. or 15 mL) 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 & Stone Flooring):

½ c. (120 mL) of soap in 3 gallons (12 L) of hot water. Dunk mop (microfiber, preferably) and wring thoroughly. On wood and laminate, avoid excess water and mop up wet areas.

All-Purpose Cleaning Spray:

¼ c. (60 mL) soap in a quart (1 L) of water in a spray bottle. Optional: For extra microbial punch, add ¼ tsp. (1.25 mL) tea tree essential oil.

Windows:

1 Tbsp. (15 mL) soap in a quart of water in a spray bottle. 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. Squirt bowl thoroughly, sprinkle baking soda on the brush, scrub bowl, let sit 10 minutes, turn water on, flush.

Other Uses:

Fruit and Veggie Rinse:

1 dash (approximately 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. Really massage it in down to the skin. Your dog will thank you for it. (Amount varies based on size, hair type, and overall dirtiness.) 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! Oh, and if you haven't purchased yours yet, we invite you to do so at our online store. Our top selling Pure-Castile Liquid Soaps are peppermint, lavender and baby unscented.

Download a one-page copy of this cheat sheet here.

Descargue la hoja de dilución en Español aquí.

Peppermint - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

The original 18-in-1 magic soap!

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