Castile soap is a versatile cleaner used in the kitchen, bathroom, and any place else you can think of. Using this one item, you can eliminate virtually all your cleaning products, which opens up space in your storage cabinets. Its plant-based ingredients are natural and made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
I first read about Castile soap from a Martha Stewart magazine post (thanks, Martha – your tips come in handy). Having gotten into home remedies, I searched for a recipe to make homemade makeup brush cleaners. I used MAC makeup brush cleaner, and it was expensive. Martha’s recipe for a brush cleaner included Castile soap – the first I heard of it. I decided to give it a whirl.
I had never bought Castile soap before, so I went to Ace Hardware of all places and found plenty. Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile soap is available non-scented and scented (peppermint, almond, rose, etc.). Reading the uses for Castile soap on the label was a revelation as I realized this one product is all I need. After my oldest daughter chimed in with how they use the soap for all their laundry needs and to bathe their dog, I knew I’d found my forever cleaner.
Origins and Benefits
Castile soap is a highly effective and versatile cleaner made from vegetable oils. Castile soap is an olive oil-based soap made in a style similar to Spain’s Castile region. Production has evolved over the years to include other plant-based oils, such as coconut, palm kernel, hemp, and jojoba, so the soap remains free from animal fats, making it ideal for vegans. Not only is Castile soap an all-purpose cleaner – the benefits for skin are undeniable.
The appeal of castile soap lies in the fact that it cleans as effectively as many conventional, chemical-laden formulas, minus the environmental hazards. The soap is biodegradable and free from synthetic preservatives, detergents, and foaming agents. Castile soap is a good choice for anyone wishing to reduce their personal chemical burden or want to minimize children’s or pets’ exposure to harsh cleaning substances, castile soap is a good choice. The fact that it’s made entirely from vegetable oils rather than animal fats is attractive to vegan users. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap containers are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. The applications for Castile soap are numerous.
Brush Cleaner
Castile soap is excellent for cleaning not just makeup brushes but paint brushes. The soap makes paint brush bristles softer and does wonders on those disgusting makeup brushes. Mix one tablespoon of liquid Castile soap and 1/2 tablespoon of oil (jojoba, coconut, almond, or grapeseed oil), and add warm water. I soak my brushes for about 10 minutes, working the bristles to get all the dirt and rinse under warm water. The brushes are so soft after cleaning.
Laundry
Its free-floating atoms attract dirt and allow the washing machine to rinse it away easily. This natural chemistry also makes Castile soap laundry detergent a good pre-treatment option for stains. This soap is especially great for people that have sensitive skin or are sensitive to scents. I use between 1/3 and 1/2 cups per load.
Pets
Castile soap is great for pets, especially if your pet has sensitive skin or is prone to being itchy. Be aware of where the suds are, and do your best to keep the soap out of your dog’s eyes. Wet your dog’s hair, and then add a squirt of liquid soap. After working it through your hand, the soap will develop a generous lather. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly.
Personal Care
Castile soap is excellent for skin and hair due to its gentle properties. Use it for removing makeup, body wash, shave oil, shampoo, and facial cleanser. Castile soap lathers beautifully, making it easy to apply. Also, using Castile soap for all your personal care needs eliminates all those jars and tubes in your bathroom cabinets.
These are just a few of the many uses of Castile soap – the list goes on and on:
Plant Care
All-purpose cleaner
Homemade baby wipes
Ant repellant
Toothpaste
Decongestant
Produce rinse
Go out and get yourself some Castile soap and marvel how much easier it makes your life.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
Forrest Gump
Life Experiences Add Up 
Well said! Here here all around, thanks for the shoutout!