In the late 1920’s, Castile soaps were imported to the U.S. from Germany as a healthier alternative to the harsh synthetic soaps popular at the time. Castile soaps are vegetable-based and free from synthetic ingredients and animal fats and are much gentler on the skin.
Castile soaps can be made from olive or other natural oils and have excellent cleansing properties. Here are just a few ways Castile soaps can help you around the home:
1. Body Deodorant
Castile soap can help make a natural deodorant if your skin has become overly sensitive to harsher deodorants. Mix one-half teaspoon of liquid Castile soap with one teaspoon of sea salt in a small spray bottle. Next, use the spray for your underarm areas when needed.
2. Hair Shampoo
To make a natural shampoo without any synthetic or harmful chemicals, mix one tablespoon of Castile soap in a cup of water and use it to wash your hair. You can also use a small amount of undiluted soap and add it to wet hair for a fresh and clean shampoo.
3. As a Face Wash
Castile soap is so mild that you can use it to clean your face but strong enough to kill harmful bacteria and even help to prevent acne. Add a few drops of soap to your favorite cleansing sponge or cloth and then rub the soap over your face. Follow up with your usual rinse and marvel at the results!
4. As a Body Wash
Castile soap will work great as a body wash too. Dampen a washcloth or loofah with warm water and squeeze a small amount of soap onto the surface. Gently scrub to exfoliate your skin naturally and feel fresh all day long without a single harsh chemical having been close to your skin.
5. Hand soap
You can also make your own Castile hand soap. Add two tablespoons of full-strength Castile soap to 12 ounces of water and pour the mixture into a soap dispenser. If you like, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of fragrance or essential oil to give the hand soap your favorite scent.
6. Shaving
Castile can replace your favorite shaving cream too. Lather up a small amount of pure soap into your hands and apply to the areas you plan to shave. If you want help in moisturizing your skin, mix in some essential oil with a small amount of olive or coconut oil to act as a carrier.
7. Bathing
Try a full-size regular bath with Castile soap. You can make your bath feel so much more luxurious by adding two tablespoons of liquid soap to a tub full of hot water. Add some fragrance or essential oil to enhance the experience. Relax and unwind while soaking for 15 or 20 minutes.
8. Sinus Decongestant
A steam bath using Castile soap can be an inexpensive and convenient way to clear your sinuses. Add a tablespoon of soap into a bowl of hot water just at the boiling point. Drape a towel over your head and position your face over the water, but not too close, or you may be scalded. Breathe in the mist in for about 10-15 minutes to feel better.
9. Dishwashing
For a natural option to your dishwasher detergent, mix equal parts of Castile soap with water to the usual mark on your machine’s detergent compartment. Then, run the machine through its regular cycle. To make a natural hand washing liquid, mix one-part Castile soap to ten parts water in a squeeze bottle, and you should be good to go.
10. To Clean Windows
You can freshen up your windows with a natural spray and leave them shining with Castile soap. Mix one tablespoon of the soap into a quarter of water and dip a clean cloth or paper towels into the solution to clean your windows. Rinse with clean water and dry the windows with paper towels or newspaper.
11. All-purpose Household Cleaner
Castile liquid cleaner works great as an all-purpose household cleaner for dozens of cleaning jobs. Mix in one to two cups of soap into a quart of water, and it will work great as a cleaning spray. Or for mopping, you can make your floors sparkle by adding a half cup of soap to 3 gallons of hot water and mop as usual.
12. Laundry Detergent
Instead of your regular laundry detergent, add one-half cup of Castile soap to a load of laundry. If you are using a high-efficiency washing machine, you will be able to use less soap than usual. This is a great option for anyone who gets a rash from the traditional store-bought laundry detergents.
13. Ant spray
You can keep ants away from plants and your house by adding a quarter cup of soap to a quart of water and using the solution as a spray. If your plants are delicate, spray some on a small section of the plant ahead of time to make sure it won’t cause any harm.
14. Fruit and Vegetable Rinse
Castile soap makes a great rinse to clean pesticides or chemical residue off of your fresh fruits and vegetables. Add 1/4 teaspoon of soap into a bowl of water and gently rub the produce while it soaks in the bowl. Rinse with plain water, and they should be ready to eat.
15. Pet wash
Use Castile soap to wash your pets without harming them with harsh chemicals. The amount of soap you should use will depend on the amount of hair and the size of your pet. Mix in a small amount with warm water and wash your pet as usual. Rinse with clean water, and try not to get yourself soaked in the process. (Good luck!)
There are a few things you should avoid when using Castile soap.
- If you have hard water, install a water softener, or the soap may leave behind a white film residue.
- Castile soap is highly alkaline, so do not use the product with lemon juice or acid vinegar, or the soap will change back into its original oils.
- Do not use the soap on color-treated hair as it can strip some of the color away.
If you live in the Chicago metro area and are interested in learning more about our home cleaning services and how we can help you maintain a safe and healthy living environment, please give us a call. Our number is 708-599-7000. Or, contact us online, and we’ll give you a free house or office cleaning consultation.
