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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
