Spring Cleaning with Castile Soap + Easy DIY Multipurpse Cleaner

A while ago, I had purchased a big bottle of Dr. Bronner's Castile soap, as an alternative cleanser to the popular Green Soap for my tattoo studio.  (Fun fact, because they have almost similar ingredients to Green Soap, it's safe to use to clean an open wound.) Ever since I had step away from doing tattoos, I still have the bottle of castile soap.

I had ran out of my usual household cleansers. Yes, that Clorox, 409, Method...You get the picture. But I still had this bottle of Dr. Bronner's. So, I did research on the uses for castile soap. As it turns out, even advertised on every Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, the soap can be used as an alternative to household cleaning. Surprise, surprise! I found an old empty spray bottle, poured a little bit of castile soap, and diluted with water. Cleaning day is back on track!

What is Castile Soap and what are the uses?

Castile soap was historically produced from olive oil in Spain. Fast forward to present day, most castile soap is made from coconut oil, hemp oil, or castor oil. Castile soap comes in both liquid and bar forms. 

Castile soap is a true megastar for cleaning, from body to house cleaning to even killing pesky aphids on plants. It cleans gently while still being effective. For it to be used in cleaning, castile soap must be diluted for it to clean properly. The only drawback is when you dilute castile soap, you must use purified water or use a water softener because hard water leaves behind a white film residue.

Got a bottle of barely used Castile Soap? Fret not! Here's how you can make your own multipurpose cleanser using Castile Soap!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of castile soap
• 1 cup of distilled water
• 10-15 drops of essential oils of your choice (I used lemon and peppermint in mine)

How To Use:

1. Get an empty glass bottle and add drops of your desired essential oil combinations into the bottle.
2. Measure out the castile soap and water, then add it into your bottle.
3. Give your bottle a good shake to combine the castile soap, water, and essential oils. Be sure to label and date your spray. Just like that, you can start cleaning your house!

Tips:

• For disinfecting, use tea tree oil, and let it sit for 3 minutes before wiping.
• For abrasive scrubbing action, sprinkle some baking soda to the surface you're wanting to clean, like the bathtub. Spray with your homemade all-purpose cleaner and scrub away!

Frequently Asked Questions About Castile Soap:

What is Castile Soap?

Castile soap is a plant‑based, biodegradable, and all-natural soap often made from vegetable oils like coconut, olive, hemp, and jojoba oil. It’s vegan, organic, and chemical-free, making it gentle yet effective for house cleaning and many other uses.

Can I use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap on my face and body?

Yes! This gentle cleanser is perfect as an organic face wash, body wash, and hand soap. For the face and body, just dilute a few drops with water to use as part of your all-natural skincare routine.

Do I need to dilute Castile Soap?

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is highly concentrated. Diluting it with water ensures it’s skin-friendly, non-toxic, and moisturizing while preventing dryness or irritation, especially when used for natural body care and facial cleansing. For more information on proper dilution ratios visit The Ultimate Guide to Dilution Ratios for Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap.

Is Castile Soap safe for pets?

Yes, for many pets such as dogs. However, avoid scented varieties for cats, as some essential oils can irritate them. This makes Castile soap a plant-based, eco-friendly cleansing option for our furry friends.

Why does my Castile Soap turn cloudy?

Cloudiness is normal, especially in cold temperatures. The soap may turn white when chilled but remains organic, natural, and safe for all surfaces. Warming it gently restores clarity.

What’s the difference between liquid and bar Castile Soap?

Both are vegan, plant-based soaps. The liquid uses potassium hydroxide, while the bar uses sodium hydroxide. Both are gentle, all-natural cleansers perfect for all surfaces and eco-friendly skincare routines.

Is this soap environmentally friendly?

Yes! Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is biodegradable, vegan, and made with certified organic oils. Many varieties are non-toxic and EWG Verified™, making them a top choice for sustainable, chemical-free skincare and house cleaning.

Can Castile Soap replace other cleaners in my home?

Absolutely! It’s a multi-purpose, eco-friendly soap for laundry, dishes, and all-natural household cleaning, in addition to plant-based body care. Dilute appropriately for each use.

Interested in other non-toxic, eco-friendly household alternatives? Check out our blog on 3 Simple Swaps to Make Today for a Healthier Tomorrow and 5 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps to Make Today.

Let us know your thoughts on this awesome eco-friendly, multi-purpose cleaner!

Have fun spring cleaning!