Have you tried Castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s or otherwise)? I’ve been using it for years in the shower and for cleaning tasks, but I wanted to share the wealth with you guys since I know many of you have asked about it. It’s a neutral, gentle soap that is olive oil, or vegetable oil, based. It’s gentle, safe and leaves surfaces squeaky clean (including your body, if you shower with it). If you’ve clicked around the internet long enough, you have probably heard of castile soap, but, if you’re wondering what castile soap is or what it’s good for this article is for you!
What is Castile Soap?
Many centuries ago, castile soap was invented in the Castile Region of Spain where they are well known for their olives. Originally, castile soap was only made from olive oil, but today any soap made from vegetable oil is referred to as castile soap. It differs from other soaps on the market because it is free from synthetic detergents and animal by-products.
What is Castile Soap Used For?
There are many uses for castile soap. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Floor cleaner – just mix a quarter cup of castile soap with two gallons of hot water and you will have a cleaner that you can use on just about any type of floor for a beautiful streak-free shine.
- Cleaning makeup brushes – just put a few drops of the soap onto your hand and swirl the brush into it before rinsing and hanging to dry – it works like a charm!
Castile Soap DIY Cleaning Recipes
Castile soap is a great ingredient for many DIY cleaning recipes. Just about anywhere that you use dish soap, you can use castile soap – just do not mix it with vinegar.
- DIY soft scrub – use a cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of castile soap. Whip it together and add five drops of your favourite essential oil. This is a great cleaner for any greasy, grimy surface (try it on your bathroom, kitchen sink or stove top!).
- Fruit and vegetable wash – we all know we should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and if you want your produce to be clean, you can use castile soap! Just fill a bowl with water and add a dash of castile soap. Swish your fruits and vegetables in the mixture and rinse them off with cold water.
- Foaming hand soap – take six ounces of water, a tablespoon of castile soap, a half teaspoon of sweet almond oil and ten drops of essential oil and add all these ingredients to a soap dispenser with a pump.
Unlike other DIY recipes, ones that use castile soap are probably not going to save you money as the soap itself is a little pricey but there are some good reasons to use castile soap anyway including:
- It is vegan
- It is more ecologically friendly
- It is more natural than other soaps on the market
If you have never tried castile soap, one thing you should know is that this stuff is insanely sudsy – but it works amazingly well. That said, make sure that you rinse whatever you clean really well to get rid of all of those suds. If you are in an area with hard water, consider doing an additional rinse after you have cleaned with a vinegar and water solution.
Now that you know more about castile soap, I hope you will give it a try. Let me know in the comments below if you use castile soap, if you love castile soap, and what you use it for!
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I have used castile soap and do not like it because I discovered that it leaves a terrible film on surfaces and is very difficult to clean off. I gave up on it.
When making the DIY soft scrub, is the essential oil absolutely necessary?
No, it’s optional!
Curious if anyone has used this with a microfiber cloth to clean off their mobile device?
Melissa, could you use metric quantities in brackets, please. Canada went metric. Apart from the US all other nearly 200 countries in the world are metric.
My other comment should have said I have allergies to a lot of scents . Thank you
I use the Shampoo — love it !! Thank you for all the uses . I will definetly make the foaming hand soap. I have sensitive skin and lots of the scents . Thanks again !!
On previous shows you raved about microfiber cloths which can be used to clean with just water. Now you’re talking about castile soap which generates tons of suds that have to be rinsed off. More work! What gives? Are you getting paid by Dr. Bonner to tout his product?
I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s lavender castile soap! I was first introduced to it when it was recommended as aftercare for a new body piercing. I got more and started using it again a couple months ago and I’m totally obsessed! I use it as body and face wash–it clears up acne! I also use it as dish soap and all purpose cleaner especially in the bathroom. Also, if you spray a little in the garbage, it keeps those pesky fruit flies away. It also makes good dog shampoo, but be careful not to get it in eyes because it does burn. Just remember to DILUTE accordingly cause a little goes a long way and it can be pretty expensive.
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Thanks for the tips, Marie!!
I use the Shampoos,love them.
I just made eye make up remover pads with it and a few other ingredients! Incase anyone wants make them ???? 1 cup distilled water. 1 tsp Dr.Bronner’s baby castile soap. 1 tsp olive oil. Mix and pour 1/4 the liquid into a wide mouth mason short jar. Add 10 organic cotton round pads and soak. Keep adding liquid and cotton rounds until soaked through. Keep covered tightly. Can use on eyes, just don’t get it in your eyes!
I didn’t know you could use it to clean floors!
I use it for hand washing.
I use it for the white soles of my sneakers. It works great. I use it in solid bar form.
Castile Soap is one of my two Go To’s … personal grooming/cleaning !!!
I make home made body wash with Dr. Bonners, water, coconut oil, and xanthan gum to thicken. I also use it as the soap component in home made sugar scrubs <3
Can you give us the portions for this body wash, please? Sounds wonderful!