Castile Soap Cleans Head-to-Toe, Top-to-Bottom

I’m going to throw my sister under the bus and tell you she has never heard of Castile soap. It’s moments like these that gives what we do here at Girlfriend is Better a healthy dose of validation. Maybe it’s my Italian side, but I love this natural soap made with olive oil and sodium hydroxide. It’s delicate enough to use in a shampoo recipe and is effective enough to be combined with natural household ingredients as a cleaner. Time to empower some people with information! Come on, sister!

Use Castile Soap in the Shower

Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with anti-aging antioxidants like vitamins A and E. Olive oil also contains squalene which is hydrating and makes it perfect for use in soap. Liquid Castile soap has a light consistency and lathers very well. It can also double as a shaving cream! Interested in soap-making? Check out the She Makes Magic blog by Australian sisters Koren and Alana Helbig. They have a very cool homemade exfoliating coffee and cinnamon soap recipe that also uses recycled coffee grounds. It’s actually pretty easy and smells amazing.

Vegan + Paraben-Free Shampoo Recipe

The jury is still out on parabens, but it’s always better safe than sorry. Linked to male reproductive issues and potentially breast cancer, it’s a good one to stay away from if possible. Make your own chemical-free shampoo with the liquid Castile soap of your choice! I use Dr. Bronner’s because it’s fairly traded, vegan, and economical. You can find it at most grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Just mix one cup of water with 1 cup of Castile soap and you’re good to go! Add an 1/8 cup of aloe vera gel if your hair tends to be on the dry side. If your hair is oily, add 4-5 drops of lavender or tea tree oil. Super affordable and super effective.

Make-up Remover Wipes

Now I’m going to throw myself under the bus and admit I’m pretty lazy when it comes to removing my makeup. I usually skip the step altogether and just wash my face with Castile soap mixed with essential oils. If you’re into makeup remover wipes (which I definitely am), check out this article on One Good Thing by Jilee. She has mastered a DIY makeup remover wipe recipe that includes Castile soap, coconut oil, and essential oils. The essential oils are conveniently sectioned by skin type so you can find the combination that works best for you. Get some round cotton pads from your local drug store and pour the mixture over them in a jar. Super cute and lasts a couple of weeks!

Chemical-Free Laundry Detergent

Okay, I did promise that this soap was remarkable enough to use as a natural household cleaner. In many of our Health + Beauty articles, we have commented how easily the skin absorbs vitamins and minerals. Check out our rave reviews on Vitamin C, Retinol, and Epsom salt for ways to combat aging and anxiety. Unfortunately, skin is also highly susceptible to absorbing chemicals. Beware of your store-bought laundry detergent! Amanda from Dwelling in Happiness has a chemical-free, laundry detergent mix that solves that problem, easy! Make your own laundry detergent with a 2 gallon bucket,  Castile soap, washing soda, and baking soda. Save your skin and guard the health of your family! This detergent works well in hard water and keeps clothes soft and bright.

Granite Cleaner

Make counter tops sparkle with a cleaner that is also safe for granite! Marble, granite, and stone do not like having acidic cleaners used on them. Citrus or vinegar-based cleaners can create etching on the surface. No beuno. Make a granite-safe cleaner using Castile soap that is a fraction of the cost of what you can buy at the store. This recipe is compliments of Amy from DIY Candy. Combine just a few drops of soap with rubbing alcohol, water, and essential oil into a spray bottle. It smells fresh and clean and is gentle enough for most kitchen surfaces. I just love a good all-in-one cleaner, don’t you?  Especially when it’s as inexpensive as this one!

Reusable Kitchen Wipes

If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. I really do love the convenience of wipes. Have you ever tried using anti-bacterial wipes? They are great for a quick cleanup in the kitchen or a wipedown in the bathroom. This is lazy housecleaning upkeep at it’s best. Do your deep cleaning on days when you have the time, and maintain with wipes on the other days. Your house will stay sparkling and is OCD-approved!  One Good Thing by Jillee came through for us again with this idea of reusable kitchen wipes.  Literally, I am smitten. In addition, I have a secret obsession with jars and I love that these wipes help reduce paper waste as well. Grab a few old t-shirts and your Castile soap to make anti-bacterial wipes that you can throw in the wash! Essential oils are natural degreasers and have antimicrobial properties, too. They’re not just there to smell good!

If You Don’t Know, Now You Know

There are so many weird chemicals in the world, it’s always best to stick to home remedies as much as possible. Because Castile soap contains only natural ingredients and is so versatile, it is truly a household staple. A little bit goes a long way and one bottle can last months, depending what you are using it for. Pick one recipe to start with and you will instantly fall in love with how effective it is. I have been a die hard fan of this soap for years and am trying to use it more myself! Let’s see what my sister thinks. I’m determined to make her a believer. ;p