The first thing I remember ever washing with Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds was my car. It quickly became one of my favorite uses. Sal Suds cuts grime effectively, rinses fast, and leaves a clean finish without harming the environment or the person using it.
Because it rinses so easily, I once finished a whole car wash during a sudden rain shower—California habits die hard when water is free. The suds create a pleasant foam in the bucket, and the process is simple enough that kids can help if you want them to.
If you don’t want to watch the video, here’s the short and sweet:
For a bucket wash, add ½ tablespoon (about 7.5 mL) of Sal Suds to a bucket of water. That small amount is very economical—roughly 11¢ per wash if you get about 128 washes from a quart bottle. Use a stiff brush for wheels and a microfiber mitt or soft cloth for the painted surfaces. Rinse thoroughly with a hose fitted with a control nozzle to minimize water waste, and dry with microfiber towels to avoid streaks.
Sal Suds biodegrades readily, so diluted rinse water can be allowed to run off into grass or garden beds without concern. For glass—windows, mirrors, and lights—club soda in a spray bottle is an excellent natural option. Spray the glass and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth; club soda helps remove water spots and won’t damage the paint.
Note: Sal Suds and Castile soap are not always interchangeable. If your water is hard, Castile soap can react with minerals and leave a filmy residue on the paint. For car washing, stick with Sal Suds to avoid spotting or dulling the finish.
If you want to clean the interior with eco-friendly products, see my post on green cleaning car interiors for tips on vacuuming, upholstery care, and safe surface cleaning.
Further reading
- GIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
- Sal Suds Dilution Cheat Sheet
- Sal Suds or Castile Soap – Which to Use?
- How to Green Clean Outdoor Spaces
Sal Suds cleaner shows >60% biodegradation after 28 days per ISO 14593.