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If you want a simple, affordable way to clean your home without harsh chemicals, castile soap may be the product you’ve been looking for to create your own cleaning solutions for a variety of tasks. Made from 100 percent plant-based oils, this centuries-old soap traces its roots to the Castile region of Spain and has been a household staple since the 1600s. Unlike conventional soaps made with animal fats, castile soap is completely biodegradable, vegan-friendly, and free of synthetic detergents. The best aspect of castile soap is that it’s highly concentrated, so a single bottle can be diluted into a surprisingly wide range of hand soaps and DIY cleaners.
Read on to discover the many ways that castile soap can help keep your home sparkling. Please keep in mind that while castile soap uses are widespread, this product should not be used to clean glass, porous stone like marble and limestone, cast iron, or unsealed wood.
1. All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
To make an effective all-purpose surface spray, mix ingredients in a spray bottle and then shake it gently, says Jecko De Leon, operations manager at Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama. “This mixture is good for everyday cleaning; spray on sealed counters, appliances, and tables,” says De Leon. “It can clean fingerprints, light grease, and remove dust and surface grime in bathrooms and kitchens.” Be sure to test it on a small area to see if there is any reaction, and avoid using it on unsealed wood, natural stone, or anything that absorbs moisture.
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap
- 6 to 10 drops of lemon essential oil for scent
2. Dish Soap
Liquid castile soap can be used directly as dish soap, but only in small amounts, or you can use a few drops mixed with warm water in the sink, says De Leon. “Apply a small amount directly onto the sponge for hand dishwashing. This works best for light grease, dried food residue, and the day-to-day amount of dishes,” he explains. Make sure to rinse well to remove all the soap. Avoid using this soap for heavy, greasy pots and containers, as it is not very effective in those cases.
- Liquid castile soap
- Warm water
3. Carpet Cleaner
Castile soap can also be an effective carpet cleaner that removes stains. Add a few drops of castile soap into 3 cups of hot water. For tough stains, add ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide as well. Apply the solution to the carpet and scrub it in a circular motion, repeating as needed. Then let it dry. Castile soap can also be used as a carpet shampoo in carpet cleaning machines. Use distilled water for this application and rinse carpets thoroughly with water.
- Liquid castile soap
- Hot water or distilled water
4. Floor Cleaner
To produce an easy floor cleaner, Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids in Denver, Colorado, recommends mixing 1/4 cup of castile soap per gallon of water. You can mop your sealed, non-porous hard flooring with this DIY solution. For a fresh scent, consider adding essential oils as well. Avoid using this cleaner on waxed wood floors, as it can break down the wax.
- Liquid castile soap
- Water
- Essential oils
5. Liquid Laundry Detergent
Save money and avoid a trip to the grocery store by making your own laundry detergent. Using castile soap is simple and a natural alternative to traditional detergents that may have a harsh smell and irritate sensitive skin. Use 1/8 to 1/6 cup of liquid castile soap for HE washing machines and twice that amount for non-HE machines. If you have hard water, then add 1/3 to ½ cup of baking soda to improve the effectiveness of the soap. It is also helpful to pretreat stains with a few drops of castile soap.
- Liquid castile soap
- Baking soda
6. Countertop Cleaner
For cleaning kitchen countertops, use castile soap as a gentle alternative to abrasive or harsh chemical-based cleaners. “You could do a half cup of castile soap per gallon of warm water if you want to clean your countertops,” advises Willatt. Just dip a microfiber towel in the solution and wipe down dirty surfaces in your kitchen. This will also work well on cooktops.
- Castile soap
- Warm water
7. Bathroom Tub and Sink Cleaner
De Leon also recommends using castile soap to formulate a cleaner to tackle bathroom sinks and tubs. “Mix the water and liquid castile soap, then spray the mixture directly onto the tub or sink,” he explains. “Let it sit for a minute or two if it needs some scrubbing, and then use a sponge with sprinkled baking soda to help lift buildup and grime.” This is ideal as a daily cleaner for maintenance. You’ll need 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap, and baking soda sprinkled on a sponge or cloth.
- Castile soap
- Water
- Baking soda
8. Wall Cleaner
If you are frustrated by all the scuffs on your walls, including dirty fingerprints, then try a DIY wall cleaner. Combine 1/8 to ¼ cup of castile soap into a 2-gallon bucket of hot water. Wet a sponge or microfiber cloth with the solution and then wipe down your walls to remove dirt, grime, and marks.
- Castile soap
- Hot water
9. Scouring Scrub
Castile soap can also be used to create a scouring scrub to get rid of tough stains in your bathroom and kitchen, such as for cleaning grout, sinks, and tubs. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of castile soap to make a thick paste. You can use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub surfaces to remove dirt, grime, grease, and bacteria. Then rinse with water.
- Castile soap
- Baking soda
