The natural cleaning world has a new hero. If you’re trying use more natural alternatives in your home, this plant oil-based soap is destined to be your next favourite cleaning product.
Castile soap has been around for centuries, and its popularity has soared in recent years. Although traditionally made from olive oil, you can buy varieties in avocado, coconut and almond oil as well.
It is one of the more versatile cleaning products around and has actually been named as the ‘Swiss army knife of cleaning’ by some!
What is Castile Soap?
Castile soap hails from the Castile region of Spain and was traditionally made from the local olive oil.
Traditional soap is made from animal fats or synthetic materials, whereas castile soap is derived from natural vegetable oils. That means the soap's non-traditional base makes it cruelty-free and biodegradable.
With a bit of hunting, you’ll find castile soap from avocado, walnut, hemp or coconut oils, just to name a few!
Where Do I Buy Castile Soap?
Castile soap can be bought from many chemists and in bulk from sites like Aussie Soap Supplies or Dr Bronner’s. It costs about $17 for a litre and you can also buy it infused with a fantastic range of essential oils.
You can buy castile soap in either liquid or bar form. It’s easy to change a bar into liquid form as well - chop up the bar, put it into a glass bottle and fill with boiling water. You’ll need to let it sit for half an hour before giving it a good stir to make sure it is mixed up properly.
Liquid castile soap is concentrated so you’ll only need a small amount when you use it, meaning your supply will last a while. Castile soap is also safe and gentle to use as long as it’s diluted properly.
13 Top Cleaning Uses for Castile Soap
From cleaning to personal use, castile soap is extremely versatile. It is mild enough to use on your skin yet powerful enough to be an effective cleaning product for the home.
Here are 13 of the best uses for this amazing product.
1. Multipurpose Cleaner
Mix up a little Castile Soap, warm water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil for an awesome all-purpose cleaner.
2. Dish Soap
Wash your dishes with a 1:10 combination of castile soap to water to make your dishes shine.
3. Floor Cleaner
Combine half a cup of castile soap in a bucket of water to clean your floors. Just avoid it on your waxed wood floors as it may wear down the wax.
4. Bathroom Cleaner
Find a castile soap liquid scented with disinfecting essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus (or instil a few drops yourself) to clean the vanity, bathtub, tiles and toilets. Keep in mind you’ll need to use a stronger disinfectant for areas like your toilet bowl.
5. Ant Repellent
Is there anything this product can’t do? Tea tree castile soap will work well here. Just add a quarter of a cup’s worth into a litre or so of water and spray wherever you’ve seen ants.
This works because the soap dehydrates these tiny pests, while the scent will deter any others from entering your home.
Don't spray this combination directly onto plants however as it may kill them as well.
6. Hand Wash
Pick a castile soap with an invigorating scent like peppermint to wash your hands with or better yet, use a few drops of your favourite essential oil in liquid castile soap for a delectable and all-natural hand wash.
7. Body Wash
You’ll just need a small amount. Use a washcloth or loofah to gently exfoliate the solution into your skin.
8. Face wash
Castile soap is mild for your face and strong enough to potentially prevent acne and target harmful bacteria. Just pop a few drops of soap onto your face and rinse.
9. Shampoo
You’ll just need a small amount of undiluted castile soap. Work it into a lather and rinse. You can also use it on your pet’s hair, too; just make sure you’re using unscented varieties.
10. Clean Makeup Brushes
Combine warm water and castile soap to make a cleaning solution, which you can dip brushes into. Rinse until clean and let it air dry completely before using again.
11. Clear Your Sinuses
Castile soap infused with peppermint, tea tree or citrus essential oil can help to open up your nasal passages. Fill a large bowl or plugged sink with hot water, add soap and inhale the steam.
12. A Soothing Bath
Enhance your relaxation levels by adding a few tablespoons of castile soap in the tub. The soap wont bubble but adding it and a couple of drops of an enlivening essential oil of your choosing will definitely create a cleansing and tranquil experience.
13. Foot Scrub
This recipe was one of the best uses I saw and one I’ll definitely be testing out in the future.
Combine 1 tablespoon of castile soap with 2 tablespoons coconut oil, and 1 cup of white sugar. You could also add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil. Rub in as an exfoliant and then rinse! You can even store it in an airtight container to use again in the future – win!
Note: Don’t use Castile Soap in combination with vinegar or lemons to clean. The soap reacts with the acidity in vinegar and lemon creates a gluggy mess and is an ineffective cleaner.
