If you’ve never heard of castile soap, hopefully you’ll want to run out and get some by the end of this article. After starting to live a non-toxic life, it is probably one of the most useful products I’ve ever encountered. It’s so wonderful in my opinion that everyone got some for Christmas last year!
So, What is Castile Soap?
Castile soap is an all-natural product primarily made of coconut or olive oil. It originated in Spain over 1,000 years ago so it’s not really new, it was just new to me. In modern times, many companies that produce it have blended it with other non-toxic substances, oils and fragrances to enhance its use. To upgrade it’s non-toxic status, you can find it organically-made as well.
Regardless of what kind you purchase, it’s biodegradable and safe for both humans and pets. And there are so many uses that one bottle can replace numerous other cleaning products in your home, saving you money.
Safe, affordable, versatile and highly useful – That makes it a winner in my book!
Types of Castile Soap
Castile soap is found in both liquid and bar form. Personally, I like to use the bar soap to shower because it’s so creamy and smooth. I generally use the liquid form for cleaning household items. It works great straight from the bottle, or diluted for household cleaning. However, it makes a great bodywash. It’s just so versatile!
Many manufacturers have also combined it with essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, and lavender. Personally, I love to use the peppermint kind to clean my house because it makes it smell like Christmas. 🙂
Clean Everything, Even Your Doggo!
There are so many uses for castile soap in your home & garden, but I will highlight the ones that I use it for most often. You may discover more as you use it more frequently.
- HANDSOAP – Dilute it with over 50% water and it still gets your hands super clean.
- BODY WASH – Whether you chose the liquid or bar version, it will make you squeaky clean head-to-toe.
- STAIN REMOVAL – If you add a few drops to any stains on your clothes, I find that most of the time the stain comes out in the washing machine.
- WASH YOUR PUPPER – Please keep it out of your doggo’s ears and eyes, but it doesn’t take much to create nice, dirt-stripping suds, and it’s totally safe. I also recommend peppermint or non-scented to avoid any possible reactions on your pet’s skin.
- GRANITE KITCHEN CLEANER – Mix 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/2 tsp of castile soap for a stellar disinfecting granite cleaner. (NOTE: Be careful to not use on lacquered surfaces or the alcohol can denature the seal.)
- HARDWOOD FLOORS – Add a quick squirt of castile into your bucket of water and your floors will be squeaky clean.
- WASH YOUR CAR – Use a squirt of plain castile and water for an excellent car wash.
- DISHES – Dilute with 50% water for a great dish soap. (Add a little baking soda for extra stubborn baked-on food.)
- LAUNDRY – In a pinch, castile soap can also replace laundry detergent. Extra care must be given to HE Washers though because it generates alot of suds (not covered in this article). I do recommend using it for hand washing items though.
- HOMEMADE WEED KILLER – If you combine 1 tsp of castile soap with 2 cups of vinegar and 1 quart of water in a sprayer, you can make non-toxic weed killer. It won’t take out woody vines, but will make quick work of many weeds growing around your sidewalks and driveways.
- GOO REMOVER – No specialty cleaners needed! Full-strength castile removes most residues from stickers and tape. For the rest, I recommend an atomic bomb. (haha just kidding)
Where Do I Find It?
I live in Florida, and you can find castile soap at any health-oriented grocery store such as Sprouts or Whole Foods. I have also located it at many discount stores here in Florida such as TJMaxx, Marshalls and Ross, and it is frequently cheaper than online sources. Even Walmart started carrying it in their stores at the time of this writing.
And of course, Amazon carries it too. So you should be able to find it no matter which state you live in.
How Much Does It Cost?
While organic products will always probably cost a bit more, you can purchase a large 16 bottle of castile soap for $.50/ounce or less, and a bar of it for $4 – $5. It is extremely reasonable and has a long life with average use.
(DISCLAIMER: If you are reading this 5 years after this was written, there is a high probability the price has changed…but you already knew that.)
My favorite brand is Dr Bronner’s, and their products are mostly organic, making it an excellent choice and well-worth the little extra you pay.
If you’re a no-nonsense shopper, it’s available on Amazon. However, if you’re a power-shopper like me who loves to save $$$, then head out to your local discount store.
All That's Left...
In conclusion, I highly recommend adding castile soap to your household. It’s non-toxic, will save you money, and is extremely versatile. I honestly can’t imagine my life without it!
Happy Cleaning my friend!
