Sal Suds Dish Soap
The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly, Non-Toxic Grease Fighter!
Introduction: Why Make Your Own Dish Soap?
Dreaming of sparkling dishes without harsh chemicals? This DIY Sal Suds Dish Soap recipe is your answer! It’s safe, affordable, and leaves your plates, pots, and pans squeaky clean—without toxic residues. Even if you’ve never mixed a cleaning product before, don’t worry! I’ll walk you through each easy step, explain every tool and ingredient, and share special pro tips for the best results.
What This Recipe Is Good For
- Cleans dishes, glasses, silverware, pots, pans, and more
- Powerful degreaser—cuts through oil and stubborn food residue
- Gentle on hands (when paired with moisturizing oil)
- Non-toxic, safe for kitchen use, and eco-friendly
- Leaves dishes and sink smelling fresh
Shopping List: Everything You Need To Buy
Assuming you have nothing at home, get:
| Item | Amount Needed | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds | 1 small bottle | Main cleaning and grease-fighting ingredient |
| Distilled Water | 1 quart | Ensures purity, prevents streaks and spoilage |
| White Distilled Vinegar | 1 small bottle | Boosts cleaning, cuts grease, rinses clean |
| Jojoba Oil | 1 small bottle | Adds skin-friendly, gentle moisture |
| Essential Oil (Lemon, Grapefruit, Pine) | 1 small bottle | Freshens and adds antibacterial benefits |
| Kosher Salt | Small container | Optional—thickens soap and boosts cleaning |
| 16 oz Bottle (pump) | 1 | For dispensing dish soap easily |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | 1 set | For accurate liquid and dry ingredient measuring |
| Small Funnel | 1 | To pour ingredients into the bottle without mess |
| Label or Masking Tape & Marker | 1 of each | For dating/naming your dish soap |
Ingredient Benefits for Your Body and Kitchen
- Sal Suds: The star. Cuts grease, lifts food, and leaves dishes truly clean.
- Distilled Water: Keeps your soap clear, fresh, and helps it last longer.
- White Distilled Vinegar: Breaks down fats, helps prevent spotting, and neutralizes odors.
- Jojoba Oil/Olive Oil: Moisturizes your hands so they won’t dry out with daily dishwashing.
- Essential Oils: Lemon, grapefruit, or pine oils add freshness, mood boost, and extra antibacterial power.
- Salt: Optional, helps thicken the soap naturally.
Kitchen Tools & What They Do
- Squeeze Bottle (16 oz): Where your finished dish soap lives. Squeeze the soap out—no mess!
- Funnel: Cone-shaped, makes pouring liquids into small bottle openings easy.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Help you measure ingredients exactly for best results.
- Label/Tape & Marker: So you know what’s in your bottle and when it was made.
Step-by-Step Recipe: “Squeaky Clean Sal Suds Dish Soap”
1. Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
Set everything out on a clean kitchen counter. Make sure your squeeze bottle is clean and dry.
2. Add Sal Suds
- Place your funnel in the bottle’s opening.
- Measure ¾ cup of Sal Suds with your measuring cup and pour it through the funnel into the bottle.
3. Add Distilled Water
- Measure ½ cup of distilled water.
- Pour it into the bottle through the funnel.
4. Add White Vinegar
- Measure 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar.
- Pour it in (this boosts degreasing and makes rinsing easier).
5. Add Moisturizing Oil
- Measure 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil (or olive oil).
- Pour it in (keeps your hands soft).
6. Add Essential Oils
- Count 15 drops of lemon or grapefruit essential oil, and 5 drops of pine essential oil (or your favorite blend).
- Drop them right into the bottle.
7. Add Salt (Optional for Thickness)
- Add 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt or kosher salt.
- This helps thicken the soap and boosts cleaning.
8. Mix and Finish
- Remove the funnel.
- Put the cap on your squeeze bottle.
- Close tightly and shake gently for 20 seconds until everything is mixed. (If the mixture looks separated, shake again before each use.)
9. Label
- Use masking tape and marker to write “Sal Suds Dish Soap” and today’s date.
- Stick on the front.
10. Use
- Squirt a small amount onto your sponge or into dishwater.
- Wash as usual! A little goes a long way—Sal Suds is super concentrated.
- Rinse dishes thoroughly with warm water.
Tips, Precautions & Pro Secrets
- Always shake gently before use—natural ingredients may separate.
- This soap is not as thick as commercial brands, but it cleans just as well!
- For extra-tough grease, squirt directly onto pots/pans.
- If your kitchen is chilly, the oil may float—just shake.
- Test a tiny spot first if you have sensitive skin.
- Store out of reach of young kids.
Fun Facts About This Recipe
- Sal Suds is made from fir and spruce, giving it bonus cleaning power and a fresh smell.
- Adding lemon oil not only smells great, but helps cut through grease naturally.
- This recipe is biodegradable and 100% safe for septic systems.
Variations & Options
- For extra sparkle: add 1 more tablespoon of vinegar if your water is hard.
- Try orange essential oil for a sweet scent.
- Skip the salt if you prefer a thinner soap (it will still clean!).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Non-toxic and gentle on hands | Not as thick as store-bought |
| Powerful grease-fighting power | May separate; shake before use |
| Safe for all dish types and septic systems | Needs essential oils for best scent |
| Easy, quick, and affordable | Needs shaking if stored long |
Helpful Table: DIY Sal Suds Dish Soap
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Cleaning Agent | Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds |
| Safe for Hands? | Yes, especially with added jojoba oil |
| Scent Options | Lemon, grapefruit, pine, orange |
| Best Container | 16 oz squeeze bottle (plastic or glass) |
| Kid/Pet Safe | Yes, when not ingested |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes, totally biodegradable |
| Shelf Life | 1-2 months (store away from heat/sun) |
| Grease-Cutting Power | Excellent |
FAQs
Q1: Is this dish soap safe for all dishes?
A: Yes! It’s safe for glass, ceramic, plastic, and metal. Not for cast iron (use plain hot water for that).
Q2: Can I use tap water instead of distilled?
A: Distilled is best for clarity and shelf life, but cooled, boiled tap water can work.
Q3: Is it okay if the soap separates?
A: Yes! Just shake gently before each use.
Q4: Will it make lots of bubbles?
A: Sal Suds makes plenty of bubbles—enough for a fun, effective wash!
Q5: Can I use this on baby bottles?
A: Yes—just rinse bottles very well after washing.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY Sal Suds Dish Soap is easy, rewarding, and safe for the whole family. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and natural grease-fighting power, you’ll never want to go back to commercial brands! Customize your scent, keep your hands soft, and make dish time a delight—naturally.
