Use Castile Soap
Castile soap is an environmentally friendly, biodegradable soap with none of the harmful chemicals present in most regular soaps. In addition, castile soap contains no animal products. Although castile soap is available in bars or flakes, liquid castile soap is easiest to measure and mix. This gentle soap is simple to use, relatively inexpensive, and can be used in a variety of ways.
Contents
Steps
Around the House
- Mix one part castile soap with one part water in a spray bottle to make a spray for general household cleaning. Decrease the amount of water for a more powerful spray.
- Mix 1 tbsp. of castile soap with {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of water to make a general-purpose insecticidal spray safe enough for your indoor or outdoor plants. For extra strength, use peppermint-scented castile soap.
- Make a floor cleaner.
- Fill a bucket with {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of warm water.
- Add 1/8 cup of castile soap.
- Add up to 1/8 of cup vinegar to make a degreasing solution.
- Use castile soap to make a paste tub and tile cleaner for your bathroom.
- Start with about 1 tbsp. of castile soap.
- Add enough baking soda to make a thick paste.
- Dab a damp cloth in the paste, then scrub soiled surfaces.
- Pour 1/4 cup of castile soap directly into your washing machine. This will make a safe, chemical-free laundry detergent. If you have hard water, increase the amount of soap to 1/3 cup. Use lavender- or citrus-scented castile soap to add a pleasant aroma.
- Wash your dishes with castile soap. In a plastic squeeze-top bottle, mix 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of castile soap and 1/2 cup of vinegar. If you like, use peppermint or lavender-scented castile soap or scent the detergent with up to 1 tsp. of lemon juice.
- Mix a few drops of castile soap into a cup of very hot water. This will clean greasy, stubborn areas such as oven vent hoods or around stove top burners. Add about 1 tbsp. of baking soda to provide scrubbing action.
Personal Care
- Make a basic shampoo by mixing 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of castile soap. Stir in 1 tsp. of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil. You can also use peppermint- or citrus-scented castile soap.
- Make liquid hand soap with castile soap diluted with up to 5 parts water. Place the soap in plastic bottle or reuse an empty soap dispenser.
- Use castile soap for an inexpensive and perfume-free body wash. Just place a few drops of castile soap on a wet bath scrubber, washcloth or loofah.
- Use 1 or 2 drops of castile soap on your toothbrush for a non-abrasive toothpaste. For a better flavor and good breath, use peppermint soap.
Outdoors
- Wash your car with castile soap. Fill a bucket with hot water, then add about 1/4 cup of castile soap. You can also use the solution for leather or vinyl car upholstery. Use a slightly stronger solution for hubcaps and other stubborn areas.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid castile soap (plain or scented)
- Spray bottle
- Bucket
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Cloth
- Plastic squeeze-top bottle
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil
- Hand soap dispenser
- Bath scrubber, washcloth or loofah
