What Is Castile Soap? Uses and Benefits

Castile soap (pron. ka-ˈstēl) is an effective and versatile cleaner made from vegetable oils. It originated in the Castile region of Spain, where olive oil was combined with sodium carbonate to create a hard white soap that was sold throughout Europe as early as the 16th century. Since then, production has evolved to include other plant-based oils, such as coconut, palm kernel, hemp, and jojoba; this diversification gives soap makers greater control over properties such as lather and consistency.

Castile soap comes in many different scents in both liquid and bar form. You can find it in a variety of groceries, shops, and bulk food stores. The most well-known and widely distributed brand is Dr. Bronner's, but many soap companies manufacture this product. Castille soap remains free of animal fats, making it ideal for vegans. It is also gentler than more potent cleaning agents such as bleach and ammonia, making it generally safe for household use.

Uses

Below are some effective ways to use castile soap in your home and for personal hygiene. Note that it may be more effective in some applications than others, such as hand and dishwashing, as opposed to brushing your teeth (which some companies say you can do with castile soap).

Dish Soap

Castile soap is good at cutting through grease on dishes. You can make a washing solution with one part castile soap and 10 parts water (or follow the instructions on the label). Or, add a generous squirt of concentrated liquid while you’re filling the sink with hot water. It won’t create suds like traditional dish soap, but your dishes will get clean. Rinse well.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Warm one quart of water and add one-quarter cup castile soap. Mix and pour into a spray bottle. Use this to clean counters, appliances, furniture, floor stains and messes, dusty surfaces, and more. Spray and wipe with a clean cloth. For more scrubbing power, sprinkle the surface with baking soda before spraying.

Laundry

Castile soap is not a typical detergent, but it can be used to clean clothes and bedding. Use one-third cup per normal-sized load (or half of this for an HE washer), but add one-half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Lisa Bronner of the Dr. Bronner's company also recommends using grated bar soap as a powdered form of laundry soap (one cup grated soap bar mixed with four cups baking soda), but still add vinegar while rinsing. For soaking delicates in the sink, add a squirt of concentrated liquid soap to warm water.

Foaming Soap

If you own a foaming soap dispenser, you can fill it with a homemade formula. Mix two tablespoons of liquid castile soap, one-half teaspoon olive or fractionated coconut oil, and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Top up with water, gently mix, and it’s ready for use.

Face and Body Wash

Wet your hands and face and add two to three drops of concentrated castile soap to your hands. Then, rub the soap into a lather. Apply to your face and rinse well. Add a squirt of concentrated liquid soap to a wet washcloth or sponge and rub it over your body in the shower or bath. You can also make your own body wash solution using castile soap, honey, olive oil, and essential oils.

Makeup Remover

Mix equal parts castile soap, fractionated coconut oil or almond oil, and witch hazel to make an effective homemade makeup remover that’s also moisturizing. Soak reusable cloth pads or cotton rounds in the solution and wipe gently over your eyes and face. Rinse well with water.

Shaving

Castile soap lathers well, which makes it ideal for shaving. Wet your hands and skin, add four to five drops of concentrated soap to your hands, and rub until foamy. Apply to legs, underarms, or face, then shave and rinse.

Homemade Baby Wipes

Combine two tablespoons of liquid castile soap with two cups of hot water, one tablespoon of almond oil, and one tablespoon of lotion. Use one-half of a roll of sturdy paper towels and put them in an airtight container (e.g. old baby wipes box or plastic ice cream tub). Soak the towels in the liquid and wait 10 minutes before using.

Decongestant

This is most effective with peppermint- or eucalyptus-scented liquid castile soap. Fill a bowl with hot, near-boiling water and add two to three drops of soap. Hold your head over the bowl to inhale the steam; put a towel over your head for a more concentrated effect. Your nasal passages should clear quickly.

Pet Shampoo

Wet your dog’s hair and then add a squirt of liquid soap. Work it in with your hands for a generous lather, then rinse thoroughly.

Plant Care

If you’re having trouble with bugs on your houseplants, mix one tablespoon castile soap with one quart water. Spray this on the leaves to deter the pests.

Brush Cleaner

You can clean your makeup brushes and water-based paint brushes using castile soap. Add a squirt of concentrated soap to a bowl and top up with warm water. Add brushes and let them soak for a few minutes until softened, then rub gently. Rinse until the water runs clear. Alternatively, for makeup brushes, put two to three drops of soap into your wet palm. Rub the brush head around your hand, then rinse and reshape the bristles.

Produce Rinse

If you’re concerned about dirt and bacteria on fresh fruits and vegetables, combine one tablespoon of castile soap (preferably citrus) with one gallon of water. Swish the vegetables around for a minute, then transfer to a towel to dry.

Benefits

Castile soap has become tremendously popular in recent years due to its environmental profile and low cost.

Eco-Friendliness

The appeal of castile soap lies in the fact that it cleans as effectively as many conventional formulas, minus potential environmental hazards. It is biodegradable and free from synthetic preservatives, detergents, and foaming agents. For anyone wishing to reduce their environmental footprint or wanting to minimize children’s or pets’ exposure to harsh cleaning substances, castile soap is a good choice. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap containers are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

Affordability

Castile soap is a highly concentrated liquid that can be purchased in large quantities, which cuts down on cost and packaging waste. Dr. Bronner's, for example, sells its liquid soap in containers as big as a gallon, and many zero waste and refillery stores sell castile soap on tap, allowing shoppers to refill their containers. For people concerned about buying large amounts, it keeps for three years, so don’t worry about it losing efficacy while sitting under the bathroom sink; with so many potential applications, you’ll find ways to use it.