Not sold on harsh chemicals for cleaning your kitchen countertops? This 1 super soap is a natural and effective alternative

Keeping countertops clean is a constant uphill battle, and they often need cleaning multiple times a day – that is a lot of potential for exposure to harsh chemicals.

Luckily, if you are not sold on harsh chemicals for cleaning kitchen countertops and you're exploring how to clean a kitchen naturally, there is a far less toxic and more gentle alternative, Sal Suds soap.

But what makes this non-toxic cleaning product so effective when cleaning a kitchen? Here, pro cleaners break it down.

Sal Suds for cleaning kitchen counters

We love Sal Suds magic soap, and for good reason. As Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare shares, it is one of the best alternatives for cleaning and removing stains from countertops as it is non-toxic, non-corrosive (meaning it safe for use on natural stone when used correctly), and does not compromise food safety; perfect if you're looking to make a home less toxic.

Scott says, ‘I like that I can mix such a small amount of Sal Suds with plain water to make a non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner for almost every task. I use this for cleaning countertops, floors, and even bathrooms as it works amazingly to remove grease, grime and dirt, but does not leave harmful filler residues behind.’

How to use Sal Suds for kitchen countertops

Making this DIY cleaning solution is simple. In her non-toxic bible Soap & Soal, available at Amazon, Lisa Bronner breaks it down into four easy steps:

1. Fill a glass spray bottle, available in packs of two from Walmart with one quart (one liter) of water (Sal Suds can be mixed with soft and hard water without affecting the results, meaning tap water is fine for this step), then add one tablespoon of Sal Suds.
2. If you want to add a custom fragrance, you can also add up to 20 drops of an essential oil of your choice – Lisa recommends tea tree oil, available at Target, as it adds ‘a convincingly clean scent’ to make the transition from commercial cleaners easier.
3. Swirl gently to combine before spraying on surfaces such as kitchen counters, around your home.
4. Wipe the solution away with a damp, soft microfiber cloth, available at Walmart. Lisa writes, ‘the dampness of the cloth is important because it is this water that the soap will latch on to for rinsing. If you spray and wipe with a dry cloth, you’ll leave soap behind.’

Cleaning stone counters with Sal Suds

Sal Suds is a safer alternative to cleaning with vinegar when caring for natural stone in your home, but there are some considerations to make before saturating your whole kitchen worktop with this concentrated cleaner.

When cleaning natural stone, avoid using any abrasives – no rough sponges or clothes, and no powder cleaners either, as they can etch the surface. Be sure to properly dilute the Sal Suds, too, as it is very concentrated and could cause damage over repeated exposure.

In her book, Lisa also reminds us to follow the manufacturer’s advice on sealing natural stone, adding, ‘I ignored that part because I thought nothing could hurt granite. After a crack encircled my kitchen sink, I now have a new countertop and an emptier bank account.’

What to shop

FAQs

Is Sal Suds antibacterial?

According to Lisa Bronner, Sal Suds and Castile soap do not kill microbes. Rather, they remove germs and bacteria from the surface, lifting them away to leave a safe surface behind. That is why you should always wash your clothes after each use, or use disposable cloths or paper towels.

Can I mix Sal Suds with vinegar?

It is not recommended to mix Sal Suds with vinegar, as it can make Sal Suds less effective at cleaning. Instead, combine Sal Suds with plain water, at a ratio of one tablespoon to every liter of water.

Meet the experts

Scott Schrader

Scott is a cleaning expert at CottageCare, which is a leading home cleaning company with over 41 locations nationwide. He's a big believer in using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda.

Lisa Bronner

Lisa Bronner is the granddaughter of Dr. Emanuel Bronner, the founder of Dr. Bronner's Soaps. She is now a consumer advocate and speaker on health and green living.

Sal Suds is not the only non-toxic cleaning solution we love from Dr. Bronner's. There are several ways to clean with castile soap at home, too, offering a more gentle clean for delicate surfaces, including pets and skin. Note, however, that Castile soap does not mix as well with hard water, and distilled water is best.