GIY (Green-It-Yourself) All-Purpose Spray with Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap & Sal Suds

Here’s my very first Going Green Facebook Live! I made a GIY (Green-It-Yourself) All-Purpose Spray with Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap and Sal Suds and answered a whole lot of your questions! Although the giveaway I mention in the Live is now over, keep an eye on my Facebook page ( GreenWithLisaBronner/) for future Lives and giveaways.
Find the GIY All-Purpose Spray recipes, as well as 17 others, on my Going Green blog here: bit.ly/GGCheatSheets
Visit my blog, “Going Green with Lisa Bronner” at www.lisabronner.com/. Shop Dr. Bronner’s products at shop.drbronner.com/.

[@kanita0958]

I use sal suds for my cleaning clients' homes. It leaves the mirrors shiny. I put drops of orange and tea tree essential oils for an extra boost of degreasing and disinfecting. I use it for kitchen counters, bathrooms and floors. Excellent product! ❤🙏

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Alejandra- Your clients are lucky to have you!

[@dianamack511]

I need to buy some. Its a big purchase at first but I can see it would last quite a long time!

[@lovekitten220]

May I ask What are your ratios? 🙂

[@rgve3144]

Does anyone else find her voice so satisfying??? It’s so soothing to me! The “croakiness” or deep tone of it, I don’t know but I can listen to her all day long 😅 Maybe it’s just me

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Ha! Well, I hope that means you'll stick around to watch more of my videos. ;)

[@melindajasso5792]

I agree!

[@richardstaff2476]

That's amazing I've been thinking the same thing since the first time I heard her speak. I didn't know how to quite explain it, but I think you've nailed it, I feel better now I thought it was just me. Doesn't matter what she's saying, her voice and diction is just perfect, thanks for putting my thoughts into words!

[@jenihansen7201]

SO SORRY I MISSED THIS. i DON'T DO FACEBOOK ANY LONGER, BUT SO GLAD YOU PUT THIS ON YOU TUBE. THANK YOU LISA FOR ADVERTISING THIS BEAUTIFUL SOAP. LOVE IT.

[@randycarey-walden8530]

Wow! I wish I had seen this video two years ago. We used Murphy's on our kitchen cabinets with disappointing results. We cleaned them again with the Sal Suds all purpose cleaning recipe and they look brand new!!!! This is the only cleaner we use now. We even used it to mop hardwood floors and they look brilliant. Thanks, Lisa!

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Randy- I'm sorry you had that experience, but glad to hear that Sal Suds came to rescue! Thanks for your support!

[@VEE-rd7cu]

Mahalo! I love Dr Bronners, I use it for body & cleaning for decades. I did not know about the sal suds..? I always wondered if Bronners were real people. So, happy that your family still continues such a wonderful product.

[@ashleym5696]

So thankful to have these cleaners/soaps in my life! ❤️✨

[@sl4983]

2 tbsp Bronners liquid in a quart sprayer of water, with 6 drops of essential oil, has been a good natural pesticide and pest repellent for me. I use the peppermint scent along with peppermint essential oil.

[@debils4546]

Love using Castile soap! Ive been making foaming hand soap and cleaning products with Castile and EO oils for 3 years! Sal suds is great as dishwashing liquid Love it!

[@julespa1679]

Can you use in any dishwasher and how much?

[@sandradearing604]

very nice! I am putting cherry blossom and green tea onto my MAY 2020 calendar! I CAN'T WAIT!

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Sandra- You don't have to wait quite that long! It will be in our webstore in both April and May.

[@dyannwynn7021]

Hello I love this soap I saw it on KZbin and tried it this may 2020 i have noticed that my skin is softer and clearer

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Excellent!

[@mernie2011]

Great, informative video. I feel sick thinking about all the times I used Liquid Drano in the past! I won’t ever use it again!

[@Zielona_Migotka]

I only found ur YT channel as I've searched peppermint soap for my plants. And it reminded me of your products again. Rose soap, was the first one I've brought, as the smell on the shelf in the shop was AMAZING. I've never before heard or use ur soap. Bit in time I've learned what is actually for and what benefits it has on our skin. after this video reminder, im coming back to rhis soap... Thank you for this video 🤗 regards from UK ❤

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Welcome back to the Dr. Bronner's family! For even more resources and tips for using my family's products, take a look at my website at LisaBronner.com.

[@jjbud3124]

When I use my foam pump I always rinse the nozzle to keep soap from drying in it.

[@margotprice4157]

Just got into Sal Suds & Castile Soap. Loooooovvveeeee them. Got Sal Suds, peppermint, lavender, rose and baby unscented

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Excellent! You've got a great assortment going there! Here's a link to the usage cheat sheets so you can starting putting them to good use! www.lisabronner.com/category/drbronner-products/cheat-sheets-and-recipes/

[@sl4983]

I absolutely love how it turns white in the water. But I did notice in another area it pretty much stayed clear. So now I know we have hard water. Interesting.

[@marilynseymour5321]

Enjoy using these products. Has helped with allergies.

[@teresawinchell4994]

I have worn dentures for over 30 yrs and have always used Polident to soak them in….i read on one of your blogs that the Castile soap works well as a denture cleanser….i put 2 drops of the Castile soap in my denture cup and left them overnight….i was shocked when i checked in the morning…they were cleaner than they ever were before and the denture cup was full of yuck yuck…..this means that it got into all the nooks and crannies and thoroughly cleaned them…i am in love with your products….

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing this, Teresa!

[@melindajasso5792]

I have a housekeeping business and I’m adding this to my kits.

[@sherrylleclerc5334]

I just started cleaning with sal suds. I am very impressed with how well it cleans.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

That's great to hear, Sherryl!

[@eyeonart6865]

Buy a shower water filter from home improvement store they are cheap and they get rid of chlorine. My hubby broke out every time he shaved and I hard him shave with filtered water and no more breakouts. Use even in apartments and take with you when you move.

[@erickahalsey7663]

I live in San Antonio tx and we have very hard water so I use your sal suds for cleaning & laundry & I’m obsessed with it! I use your Castile soap for body wash and hand soap, it even cleared up my eczema and dry itchy skin. FYI when I used Castile soap for laundry it faded my clothes bad! I am assuming this is because of the hard water issue. Sal suds is incredible for laundry! Removes deodorant build up and grease etc.

[@erickahalsey7663]

Also I see that other countries have Castile soap in Earl Grey & Sandalwood & jasmine. I am dying to have those scents!!!

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

@@erickahalsey7663 Hi Ericka- It sounds like minerals in your hard water interacted with the Castile soap and collected on the fabric. Adding 1 cup vinegar (1/2 cup in HE) to the rinse cycle prevents that. Good news on our International scents - they can be special ordered by emailing orders.com.

[@sl4983]

Sal suds didn't fade?

[@billhathaway8790]

I keep a hand soap foamer in my shower in almond scent to clean my body and then scrub my shower also.

[@jepurl1]

She said 1 to 1 ratio--is that correct?? I have been using 4-to 1 water to soap for years and it works fine.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

@@jepurl1 - If you've found a dilution that works for you, stick with it!

[@MC-po4fi]

Thank you for this video, Lisa. Could you teach us how to clean the spray bottles (glass/pet) before refilling? ✨

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi M C- Glad you enjoyed the video. Good idea on highlighting cleaning the spray bottles. I’ll mention that in a video down the road. It’s important because it is possible that products and dilutions deteriorate over time, and you want to start with a fresh clean bottle with no leftovers from the previous mixture. To clean spray bottles, rinse out any remaining contents. Add some Sal Suds or Castile soap and a little water. Scrub with a bottle brush. Put the sprayer back on and spray some of the soapy water through the spray 5-10 times. Rinse out the bottle and add some fresh water. Spray some of the clean water through the sprayer to rinse through.

[@MC-po4fi]

@@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner Thank you Lisa. Yesterday I got my package with many products from Dr. Bronner’s. I am so excited to start this journey.

[@alyssareach5287]

This company and your grandfather was was and is great.

[@OutdoorUrbanMama]

Thank you for this video. I have used Dr. Bronner's Castile soap in the past but didn't realized that it had many benefits and uses. Due to concerns for the environment and some personal allergies, I have made the switch to Dr. Bronner's again. Would love to see more videos and beneficial uses. I prefer the bar soap as it offers less waste in our landfill.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

HI Wendy - You might like this Bar Soap Usage Cheat Sheet I keep over on my website: www.lisabronner.com/bar-soap-dilutions-cheat-sheet/

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Wendy- Yep! Castile Soap is one of the most versatile soaps on the planet. Keep an eye out for some new videos coming in 2023! I also have a website (LisaBronner.com) and a Facebook page (facebook.com/GreenWithLisaBronner) with more uses and other green living content. Hope to see you there!

[@gianninal5455]

Since these products are detergents/soaps, do you need to rinse the surfaces you use either on (i.e. a glass stove top or counter tops)?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Giannina- Yes, and I find that the grabbiness of a damp microfiber cloth works great for this.

[@erikamoreno51]

I love Sal Suds but I would really love to be able to have different scents of Sal Suds.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Erika- I will pass your suggestion along!

[@virginiacazares9883]

You can! Also, endless essential oil combos for those who like to experiment. Light and love Me-

[@chyrissevalentine8021]

Same here!!

[@sujathad1767]

Hi, how to get rid of paper mites or book lice? Are there any natural ways to get rid of them?

[@gianninal5455]

Are you guys considering any initiatives to move to a closed loop/refill system in any/all of your product lines (but primarily the Sal Suds and Castile soap)?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Giannina- Thank you for your interest and concern in plastic reduction. We share your concern! As a company, we are evaluating various technologies and programs to continue to reduce our use of virgin and petroleum-based plastics and also increase recyclability of all of our packaging. For example, we are exploring improving refill programs with retailers and co-ops, and keeping an eye on like-minded companies and partners who are exploring closed-loop programs. And on top of that, we are exploring ways of making our bottles out of “ocean-bound plastic,” post-consumer plastics otherwise bound for oceans. But in the meantime, know that we currently use 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET plastic bottles for most of our liquid soaps and Sal Suds bottles, and we participate in “bottle-to-bottle” recycling for our PCR PET resin-the recycling of used plastic bottles into new bottles, which helps conserve virgin resources & reduces landfill.

[@biancasalazar135]

hi I know this isn’t what we’re talking about but I was wondering if I can you use the sugar soap on hair with the hair rinse following? or did I have to just use the original castile soap with the rinse?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Bianca- Absolutely! The Organic Sugar Soap is great on hair, especially for those who need a little extra moisture.

[@hasdrubalsosamarquez5430]

She is so 😍

[@cjsharp7260]

Hi! I thought I heard/read somewhere that you shouldn't use tea tree oil in your sprays if you have granite countertops because it might cause cracks, would you have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi CJ- The concern with many stones is acidic cleaners which can etch softer stones. Both Sal Suds and Castile Soap are alkaline - the opposite of acidic. Undiluted tea tree essential oil is acidic, but it is highly diluted in our Tea Tree Castile Soap, leaving the final product alkaline.

[@snodebbs]

good ideas/video

[@debv7496]

Can you use microfiber cloths with the silver in them (ecloth/norwex) with the castile soap?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Deb- Yes, no problem!

[@lovekitten220]

I used to use simple green for my quartz counters and my dining table but I now switched to Sal suds and made the all purpose cleaner. It keeps leaving streaks! I added more water but still having the issue. Any tips? Do I have to wipe with just water after? Thanks

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- It's great to hear you're giving Sal Suds a try, although I'm sorry to hear about the streaks. That's not typical. Make sure you're using 1 Tbsp. Sal Suds in a quart of water. You can fiddle with that dilution a bit and add more water. After spraying, wipe with a damp cloth to rinse. Damp works better than dry because the water is like a magnet to the Sal Suds (or any soap/detergent). At a molecular level, one end of the molecule is attracted to water, while the other end is attracted to dirt. The water in the cloth will pick up the Sal Suds (with the dirt attached to the other end) better. After you wipe with a damp cloth, it’s totally up to you whether you want to dry the surface. If you're still seeing streaks, let me know and we'll do some more trouble-shooting.

[@eyeonart6865]

I use baking soda and vinegar to keep drains clear.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Yes, that's a safe and easy tip. Thanks for sharing!

[@eyeonart6865]

I clean my walls with it.

[@amandanicely6983]

I'm interested in adding tea tree for the antibacterial properties, but is it still safe to use around my pets when mixed in as a multipurpose or floor cleaner?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Amanda- The Castile Soap and Sal Suds in this solution - and any essential oils you add - is highly diluted, then further diluted for use, and then rinsed off. If you have any concerns, use the Unscented Castile Soap as it’s free of essential oils. We recommend this exclusively for bathing cats, because they are such fastidious bathers.

[@rentalinquiry133]

Fyi I've tead online that Tea tree oil is toxic for cats, but lavender oil is ok for cats

[@carolemoisan7781]

I'm just learning about sal suds. Would love more recipes. Tip: bring your used bottles to grocery shop bulk items.

[@lafamillecharles5142]

I do have a question. Does dr. Palmer's soap peel off your skin? My 3 year old son went in the bathroom and wasted half a bottle, days later I noticed his palm of his hand and toes are peeling like crazy... What I don't like a out this soap it doesn't give any side effects about the soap, just all the good stuff it supposedly good for!!

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- I’m sorry to hear about the peeling of your son’s palms and toes. This is not a condition that we’ve heard in connection to our soap. There are no known side effects to the soaps other than keeping you clean. If the condition persists, I do encourage you to seek medical help.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Lisa, I bought my first bottle of Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. Without using it I noticed the liquid had discolored to a greenich brown. I contacted the company over a week ago twice, but have yet to receive a reply. Can I use the discolored liquid, or is the product defective?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Congratulations on your new purchase! I checked in with the Customer Service team, and they let me know your issue has been resolved. Here's a usage cheat sheet so you can put that bottle to work: www.lisabronner.com/sal-suds-dilution-cheat-sheet/

[@monicarangelmonique9382]

Where do you purchase your tea tree oil and other essential oils?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- I often buy Aura Cacia essential oils which can be purchased online or in a natural grocery store. No matter which brand you use, do make sure they are 100% pure essential oils.

[@evelinc.r2186]

What if I put both in one bottle will it make an extra efficient all purpose cleaner?🤔

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Evelin- It's unnecessary as all detergents and soaps, including Sal Suds and Castile Soap, work in the same manner, which is to latch on to dirt and germs and remove them from surfaces, fabrics, skin, etc. If you'd like a little boost, add 1/4 tsp tea tree essential oil which has antimicrobial properties.

[@esammohamad4432]

Can you use the all purpose cleaner with the tea trea essential oil on dishes?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Esam- Yes, you can do that. Or you can use a small squirt of Castile Soap straight into a large sink of dishes.

[@esammohamad4432]

@@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner Thank you very much and God bless you Lisa.

[@choffee]

I'm a little confused about your comments on drano. From what I can tell it's main ingredient is Sodium Hydroxide or Lye. This reacts with the fat in the drains to form a soap. Is this not the same process you use to make your soap? While not all the Lye is used in clearing my drain there is probably enough fat further down the pipe to absorb all the Lye and so making it pretty harmless or at worst the same as soap.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi John - Great question! You are absolutely correct that sodium hydroxide (aka lye) is both the active ingredient in Drano, and a key part of soap making, breaking apart oils in a process known as saponfication. (It sounds like you know this, but for others to follow...) It is used in the making of Dr. Bronner's bar soaps, breaking the olive, coconut, and palm kernel molecules apart and transforming the pieces into soap, glycerin and water. However, in order for the saponification reaction to occur, there must be some catalyst to get things started, such as heat - and not just a little heat. This reaction will not happen on its own in pipes. Sodium hydroxide on its own works as a pipe clearer because it is extremely caustic, with a pH of 14, the highest pH possible on the scale. This means that sodium hydroxide will eat through many substances it encounters, such as whatever gunk is clogging your drain. It does this effectively, but any leftover will continue down the drain, to the harm of any plant or animal life it encounters in the water ways, or upsetting the balance in a septic system.

[@julespa1679]

Also, how do you use sal suds in a pump for dishes? Do I need a foaming one? Do I have to mix with water? Thanks so much!

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Jules- Sal Suds is very concentrated so you'll want to dilute for you. I have found it helpful to keep a bottle of diluted Sal Suds by my sink with 1/2 c. of Sal Suds in a quart water. I pour a small squirt into a pot or a larger squirt for a sink. For a dispenser pump, like those built into a kitchen sink, you can try the same dilution. For 16oz, use 1/4 c. Sal Suds and so on.

[@yikes8901]

Wanting to try Castile soap diluted but I’m concerned it will mold. How diuleted does it have to be to mold?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Tina - I've never had a dilution go bad, but theoretically, it would depend on the dilution. The All-Purpose Spray, which is 1/4 cup soap in 1 qt. water, is one of the most diluted solutions. It easily lasts 3 months, but likely longer - I just refill it much more often than that. To ensure longevity, use purified water - distilled or reverse osmosis.

[@2711marcus]

​@@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner Are you sure a 6% dilution will last 3 months without a preservative? It's 94% water. The foaming hand wash which has 25% liquid soap you say lasts 2 weeks. Would be a good idea to have the cleaner tested in a lab after a month or 2 for bacterial growth.

[@tanixvz8272]

Are all your products safe to use around pets and babies?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Tanix- It’s important to take care with essential oils around pets. At too high of a concentration, they would very well make a pet ill. But the essential oils in our soaps is 2% - a very small concentration. The soaps are then further diluted when used as directed for mopping and housecleaning. When bathing cats though, we recommend Unscented Castile because they are such fastidious bathers. Likewise, our soaps are safe around babies, although again, Unscented is the most gentle on sensitive skin. It is not “tear free” so do take care to keep it out of eyes.

[@saidarashid8493]

I have a question. I would be happy if you answer . Do you use Castile soap as shampoo?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Saida- I do! I wash my hair regularly with the Castile Soap or the Organic Sugar Soap (whichever strikes my fancy that day). A good ½ Tbsp. of Castile Soap or a pump of Sugar Soap is enough for my long, thick hair. When using soap, the key is to follow up with an acidic rinse. The soap has an alkaline pH which makes our hair kind of tacky/sticky feeling. The acidic rinse smooths everything down. There are two options for an acidic rinse. For my long, thicker hair, I use about 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (ACV) diluted with another 1/2 cup of water. Or, I dilute a capful of Dr. Bronner’s Organic Citrus Hair Rinse in 1 cup of water and then pour it over my head and work it through and rinse thoroughly. Use less of either dilution if your hair is shorter. During the couple weeks of transition, especially if you’re coming from a conventional shampoo/conditioner regimen, you may need to use another crème conditioner after the rinse. For more on using Castile Soap on hair, check out this article over on my blog, www.lisabronner.com/from-shampoo-to-soap-my-story/.

[@saidarashid8493]

@Lisa, thank you so much for your response. Do you export these product in Bangladesh?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Saida- I'm sorry, but we don't sell our products there.

[@julespa1679]

Can you use on granite and vinyl?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Jules- Yes, both are Castile Soap and Sal Suds are safe on granite and vinyl. Find all my Usage & Dilutions Cheat Sheets for counter tops, mopping, etc. over on my blog: bit.ly/GGCheatSheetsPage

[@deborahsamuel6976]

How do I receive a package from Dr. Bonners with many products?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Deborah - You can order from our webstore here: www.drbronner.com/collections/all

[@barbieg7718]

Can I use it on most showers? And shower doors?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Barbie- Either of the All-Purpose Sprays work great on showers (and toilets, counters, sinks,baseboards, and so on). Spray and wipe with a damp cloth. For streak-free glass I prefer either pure club soda or a dilution of half vinegar, half water.

[@barbieg7718]

Lisa Bronner awesome thank you !!!

[@millymaie]

I am in U.K. I can’t get cherry blossom

[@lynnettawilliams2138]

Can I make same cleaning spray using dish soap

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Lynnetta- This All-Purpose Spray recipe was created specifically for our Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap or Sal Suds products. I've not tested this with products other than our own.

[@yeliface1]

Can i use this to clean the inside of my car?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Yelitza- Yes, you sure can! In fact, you can find my video on that under the Garden & Patio play list.

[@deborahsamuel6976]

Are your products earth friendly?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Deborah - I'm so sorry to have overlooked your messages last month. Yes, our products are quite earth-friendly. They are made from organic plant oils, best for skin, and readily biodegrade.

[@Nostravinci]

Where do you get good tea tree essential oil?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- The key is to look for pure essential tea tree oil. If it doesn’t say “pure essential”, then it is diluted in some other carrier oil, like olive oil. I often use Aura Cacia essential oils, but there are many other options out there.

[@Nostravinci]

@@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner Great info-thank you!

[@barbieg7718]

How long can purpose spray stay in bottle?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Barbie- I've found the All-Purpose Spray lasts at least a month, probably longer but I run out of it. If it is smelling “off” to you, then dump and remake. If you go through it rather slowly, make smaller batches so it doesn’t sit around.

[@barbieg7718]

Lisa Bronner one more question how about laminate or wood floors ??

[@rcollinge325]

What happened to your microphone?

[@eyeonart6865]

Just bought a copy of clean home clean planet

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Excellent! So much great info there!

[@eyeonart6865]

Will sal suds keep blacks black?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- While Sal Suds is not specifically formulated for black laundry, its mild formula is consistent with recommendations for keeping black fabrics black. Other essential tips are to wash black fabrics less often, by airing out clothing after wearing and spot cleaning to go longer between washings. Wash garments inside out in cold water. Do not add laundry boosters or use optical brighteners, the latter of which, ironically, can fade blacks. Finally, air/line dry indoors as sunlight can fade them.

[@gingerbrew517]

Low volume , can barely hear you !

[@BeccaL2016]

I wouldn't use this expensive soap to clean my car...lol

[@deborahsamuel6976]

I noticed that you have not replied to my comments, does that affect my chances of the give away?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Deborah - I'm so sorry that I am just now seeing your comments. This video was originally a Live on Facebook, but I reposted it here on KZbin because I thought people might like the demonstration. However, the giveaway occurred during the Live, which was three years ago. If you'd like to be notified for future Live events and give aways, follow my Facebook page: facebook.com/GreenWithLisaBronner

[@deborahsamuel6976]

Your products are kind of on the expensive side, what do you think of the knock offs?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Deborah - Thanks for reaching out on this. While the price per bottle may appear high, if you look at the price per dilution, the Castile soaps are quite reasonable. I lay all that out in this article over on my blog: www.lisabronner.com/the-low-cost-of-green-cleaning/. With the knock-offs, be sure to read ingredient lists carefully, especially for detergents, synthetic preservatives and artificial fragrances. Another factor is concentration. If you need to use twice the amount of a competitor's product, then you'll need to buy soap twice as fast.