Cleaning is a natural part of our lives. You wash your hands, body, dishes, laundry, and commonly-used surfaces every day. Each of these activities requires specialized cleaning agents like soap or detergent. 

However, many people have problems with brand-name soaps and detergents. They contain fragrances, chemicals, and substances like sulfite that can irritate the skin and airways and even cause health emergencies if ingested.

Some cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia, are toxic, ruin indoor air quality, and can be fatal if swallowed.

Finding a viable alternative that does not have these negative health impacts is the issue. One solution is to use Castile soap for cleaning.

Castile soap, invented in Spain centuries ago, uses vegetable oils as its main ingredient and has no synthetic components. This natural makeup helps users avoid the unwanted health impacts of manufactured cleaning agents.

Here is a closer look at using Castile soap for cleaning.

What Is Castile Soap?

Castile soap is a vegetable oil-based cleaner. It traditionally uses olive oil, though other vegetable oils (from coconut or avocado, for example) can also work. The oil is combined with potassium hydroxide, sometimes known as lye. You can also add essential oils and other natural ingredients.

Castile soap has a pH balance of 8.9, which is similar to other natural cleaners like baking soda and slightly more alkaline than dish detergent. This makes it good for removing grease and other stubborn substances without being as harsh or acidic as bleach. 

How does Castile soap work for cleaning? When combined with water, Castile soap creates free-floating charged atoms that attract dirt, grease, and other non-water-soluble substances.

The dirt and grease-eliminating qualities of Castile soap make it useful for a variety of purposes. Mixed in the proper ratios, it can work as laundry or dishwashing detergent, body soap, pet shampoo, floor cleaner, counter disinfectant, cash-wash solution, and even first-aid cut cleaner.

Because it is biodegradable and non-toxic, it does not harm the environment or reduce air quality in your home. Better yet, Castile soap does not have additives that irritate your skin or lungs. As a result, it won't cause the same type of rashes that people often get from detergents with perfumes, artificial colors, or other synthetic ingredients.

5 Uses for Castile Soap

Castile soap is very versatile. It can come in both liquid and solid forms and different concentrations. Here are some of the ways you can use Castile soap.

1. Face and Body Wash

Castile soap creates a natural lather. It is better for your skin than other soaps because it does not contain sulfites, which are necessary to create suds in tallow-based soaps. Also, Castile soap is naturally moisturizing. Finally, since it does not contain additives, artificial scents, or other chemicals, it will not cause irritation, even if you have sensitive skin.

2. All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

Castile soap  is an effective all-purpose cleaner. You can use it to clean greasy surfaces, such as countertops, stovetops, appliances, kitchen tables, and floors. In addition, you can use the same bottle for dusting or removing stains from floors, carpets, or clothing.

3. Dishwashing Detergent

Castile soap can make an effective dishwashing solution. Because it is not irritating, Castile soap is an excellent option for cleaning plates, pans, and utensils by hand. In addition, because the soap adheres to grease on a molecular level, it is ideal for oily pans and other dishwashing challenges.

4. Laundry Detergent

Castile soap can also serve as a laundry detergent. Castile soap will not only be gentler on your clothes, but you can use it to cover many loads if you get it in a highly concentrated form. The natural chemistry makes this soap excellent for removing stains. Also, fragrances and other additives are standard in synthetic detergents. These ingredients commonly cause rashes and redness in people with sensitive skin. Castile soap does not have these irritants, so it is safe for even the most susceptible skin.

5. Vegetable Cleaner

Rather than investing in pricy vegetable washers, you can use Castile soap to rinse your produce. It can remove food-grade wax, pesticides, and other unwanted substances before you consume your vegetables.

Where to Find Castile Soap?

Because of its versatility, natural ingredients, and lack of irritants, Castile soap is one of the most effective cleaners you can have in your home. The key is to purchase quality Castile soap that provides all the cleaning and health benefits.