Ways To Use Suave Shampoo or Conditioner Other Than In Your Hair
Many people debate whether Suave is safe for regular use on hair. As a cosmetologist who has seen damage from harsh products, I personally avoid using Suave on my hair, my children’s, or even the family pet’s. It is frustrating because Suave is extremely inexpensive—often available for about $1 per bottle or even 50¢ each with coupons—so it’s tempting to keep on hand.
In beauty school we once watched Suave remove stubborn stains from a very dirty porcelain sink with almost no scrubbing. That demonstration made a clear point: if a shampoo can strip grime from a sink that easily, it can be harsh on treated or delicate hair. Rather than waste the bottles, though, I experimented with alternative uses for the product around the home. Over time we discovered several practical, cost-effective tasks Suave is perfectly suited for. Below are safe, tested uses and a simple paste recipe to get you started.
All-Purpose Cleaning Paste
Mix these ingredients to form a paste. The recipe is flexible—double quantities for larger jobs.
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 2 cups hot water
- A dime-sized squirt of Suave shampoo (it foams easily)
Use this paste for:
- Removing tub rings – Apply with a sponge or scrubber, scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly.
- Cleaning and shining stainless steel – Use the paste, then rinse well to avoid a baking soda film.
- Cleaning tires – Scrub tires with the paste and rinse; finish by buffing with a rag and a small amount of Suave conditioner for shine.
- Cleaning tools – Allow tools to soak in a doubled batch for about 10 minutes, scrub, then rinse and dry.
- Polishing jewelry – Use a soft toothbrush with the paste to remove grime, then rinse and dry carefully.
Uses Without Baking Soda
- Lightening excess hair color – If a dye job turns out too dark, apply Suave shampoo to dry hair until it’s fully coated and soapy. Cover with a plastic cap or bag, gently warm the hair with a hair dryer on low, then rinse. Repeat until the rinse water runs clear. This method can help lift some excess color, but use caution and consider a professional for major corrections.
- Floor washing and polishing – Add a small squirt of Suave shampoo and a squirt of conditioner to about 2 gallons of warm water. Mop as usual; the conditioner helps leave a light sheen on sealed floors.
- Hardwood floor cleaner – Use the same mix but with less shampoo to avoid excess suds. Wring the mop out well so the floor gets minimal moisture and dries quickly.
General tips:
- Always rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to remove residue from shampoo or baking soda.
- Test any mixture on an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate finishes, fabrics, or porous materials.
- Store any remaining mixtures in a sealed container and discard if they develop an unusual odor or appearance.
While I won’t use Suave as a regular haircare product, it has proven useful around the house for cleaning and polishing tasks where its strong, inexpensive formula is an advantage. These repurposed uses let you get value from bottles you already have without risking hair damage.