Soap + Vinegar = Gunk - Lab Coat Moment #6

These Lab Coat Moments from my book SOAP & SOUL are for those who ask, “Why?” and for those who say, “Show me.”
I wrote the Lab Coat Moments into my book so that you wouldn’t merely have to take my word for things, but so that you could discover these concepts for yourself. These videos will guide you through them. But don’t stop at watching them. Try them for yourself!
If you haven't read my book, you can still follow along in the fun!
So button up your lab coat, it’s about to get sciencey!
Objective: To observe the reaction between a true soap and vinegar.
You’ll need:
- Small glass or dish
- Castile Liquid Soap (any scent)
- White vinegar - 5%
Find this in SOAP & SOUL on page 108 in The Cleaning Cabinet chapter.
Learn more about SOAP & SOUL at SoupandSoulBook.com.
For more on green cleaning & body care, including ways to use our family’s Sal Suds and Castile Soaps, visit my website at LisaBronner.com. Shop Dr. Bronner’s products online at DrBronner.com.

[@theozarksjourneytoself-suf5420]

If this is true, why are professional house cleaners promoting that they use a vinegar / dishwashing soap 50/50 to get shower scum cleaned effectively? I've used it very successfully many times.... so does this only apply to the Dr. Bronner's soap? I'm thinking Dawn Dishwashing Liquid must be the exception? When I mixed the Dawn and vinegar, it didn't turn into the gunky mess like you showed.. so i'm assuming Dawn doesn't fall into the soap category.

[@sandrabarnett5346]

I combime Joy soap and vineagar to get rid of soap scum from shower walls and taps. Works perfectly fine for me.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there - Yes, you deduction is correct. Dawn is a detergent and not a soap. Detergents are more durable molecules and don't react as readily as soap. Happy to share more on why if you'd like. I guess this could be a test between if a product is a soap or a detergent! However, I do want to add that I can't speak to the effectiveness of mixing vinegar into these other cleaners either. Dr. Bronner's does make a biodegradable detergent called Sal Suds, and while this reaction does not happen, we have done testing that shows that adding vinegar to Sal Suds decreases the effectiveness of the cleaner. I'd ask the makers of Dawn what their take is on this. Generally the rule is, don't mix anything into store bought cleaners without the manufacturer's ok.

[@zofiaskokowska6816]

Down changed its ingredients a few times.... -Alcohol denat . - Polyethylene glycol. -Synthetic fragrance.... Therefore, even more toxic than hand sanitizer. I can't breathe around it. Other symptoms Burning face and inside of my ears. Tingling in the face. Even stomach discomfort.

[@calistiae]

@@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner I use Dr Bronner's soap diluted with distilled water in a foaming handsoap dispenser and I notice more soap scum spots on my sink. I planned to do a 50/50 vinegar/water solution with a teaspoon of Dawn dishsoap added, with a goal of removing the sink's soap scum. Now seeing the Castille soap and vinegar reaction, will this gum up my plumbing over time by cleaning with a vinegar solution? thank u!

[@renepena3024]

Hey Lisa, I use your Castile soap to make my own laundry detergent, and then I add white vinegar to the rinse. Should I stop doing that?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there - No, that's fine. I do that, too. The fabric softener compartment on machines that have one (which is where i"m guessing you add the vinegar) releases after the soap drains out. While there is a bit left, it's a small enough amount that the volume of vinegar, even after some might react, is enough to lift it and any other minerals that remain which can stiffen fabrics.

[@CowgirlWren]

Same concept as Vinegar and baking soda. Neutralizing.

[@cheryllindberg1975]

Background music is distracting

[@91Stellaakasteky91]

how can I then use dr bronner for washing clothes then? that I can use instead of vinegar as a fabric softener?

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi Steky- Good question! When added to the fabric softener compartment of the washing machine, the vinegar is dispensed during the rinse cycle, after the soap has been rinsed out of the fabrics. There’s no mixing of the two in this process. For High Efficiency (HE) washing machines, large load, use 3-4 Tbsp. (40-60 mL) Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. In a standard washing machine, use ⅓-½ c. (80-129 mL) Castile

[@nna4018]

❤love you

[@peacockomary9055]

How can I get this knowledge? Is there a class for me please 😢

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- I'm sorry but I'm not aware of any classes on this topic.

[@akunog5143]

So, if I'm using pure olive oil Castile soap and mix it with vinegar, it's making olive oil and salt water? The resulting gunk feels almost like a wax, not like olive oil. Might it have changed into something else entirely? Also, I've been using castile soap and vinegar as a hand lotion, is this dangerous? it leaves a waxy substance that dries smooth and protects my hands from the dry winter. But now, i'm questioning it because i'm not sure what the waxy substance is actually made of lol.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there- While the vinegar does break down the soap, the fatty acids will not entirely reform into the original triglyceride olive oil molecule. What you'll have is potassium acetate (a salt) and the free fatty acids, mostly lauric acid. This mixture isn't dangerous, and if it's working for you, go ahead and keep using it!

[@akunog5143]

@@GoingGreenwithLisaBronnerwow, thank you for getting back to me. Great information, i really appreciate it.

[@365Diosesfiel]

Some people wash the hair with this soap y then use vinegar for conditioner 😅 I don’t understand can you tell me how I can wash my hair with this soap ? Thank you

[@kemonoyama2084]

The vinegar in hair is not to nourish the hair, it strips it of hairsprays and plastics the soap cannot remove...baking soda water rinse, to neutralize the vinegar(acid) after and a conditioner should be used afterwords.

[@GoingGreenwithLisaBronner]

Hi there - With this method of hair washing, the soap is rinsed out of the hair before the vinegar is applied, so they do not react. This is how I wash my hair. It takes some transition to switch from conventional shampoo to a true soap like Castile. I did it about 15 years ago, and my hair is in great shape. You can read more about my process here: www.lisabronner.com/from-shampoo-to-soap-my-story/

[@30deblanc]

@GoingGreenwithLisa has anyone with more textures hair told you if they have tried using Castile Soap? Would like to know because I want to try it.

[@cynthiaontiveros9401]

People fall for click bait videos on soaps, vinegar and other ingrediants all the time. Dont be a follower. Be a leader. Do your research and learn the findings on research studies. Proven through researchers around the world published in medical journals. Know the truths. Knowledge is power. GOD ❤ BLESS 🕊

[@cynthiaontiveros9401]

This lady showed us that concept by studying the ingredients in the kitchen. Test and trials. Basic stuff.😅