Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds is a concentrated surfactant-based cleaner made with sodium lauryl sulfate derived from coconut and palm kernel oil. Unlike castile soap, it is formulated to work well in hard water and rinses cleanly without leaving residue. It is genuinely biodegradable and one of the more transparently formulated conventional cleaners available.

The main concern is its essential oil content — specifically fir needle and Siberian fir oil. These are natural but can be sensitizing for people with fragrance sensitivities, asthma, or reactive airways. During application, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, the fragrance can be noticeable. If anyone in the household is fragrance-sensitive, a fragrance-free alternative is a better fit.

Always dilute Sal Suds before use. For general surfaces, about 1 tablespoon per quart of water is effective. For floors, as little as 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water is sufficient. Using it undiluted can leave a residue film, may strip wax or sealant from floors, and increases skin and inhalation exposure to the essential oils. Rinse any surface that contacts food or is handled by children.

For storage, keep in the original container away from heat and direct sunlight. Sal Suds is biodegradable, but concentrated amounts should not be poured directly into storm drains or natural waterways. If you need a fully fragrance-free option with comparable cleaning performance, Branch Basics Concentrate or a simple castile soap dilution are the closest alternatives.