by Carol Belanger

Created on: January 04, 2011

Castile soap in its truest sense is made from pure olive oil. Today castile soap is defined as a soap that is made from vegetable oils and/or plant derivatives rather than animals fats found in traditional soap. Castile soap is available in a variety of bases such as coconut oil, peppermint or almond oil to name a few. Additionally castile soap does not contain artificial fragrances and other synthetic ingredients thus making it so much more eco-friendly.   

As society is becoming more aware of the possible hazardous toxins in our cleaning products there is a movement towards safer products for our family and our environment.  With that in mind below are eco-friendly and inexpensive recipes for everyday cleaning  that contain no harmful chemicals and are eco-friendly.

Dishwashing Detergent – including automatic dishwashers
1/2 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 cup distilled water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 drops tea tree oil (has antibacterial properties)
1/2 cup white vinegar
Mix all ingredients together until blended and store in a sealed bottle. Usage:  2 tablespoons per load of dishes and shake well before use.  Compare the cost of this with any store bought automatic dishwasher detergent!

Hand Soap
Fill a pump dispenser with liquid castile soap and a few drops of olive or almond oil for moisturizing properties, add a couple drops of tea tree oil for antibacterial properties and add fragrance oil such as lavender, patchouli, etc.

Sinks, showers, tubs, and ceramic tile cleaner
1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
1/3 cup baking soda
Feel free to add tea tree oil for an antibacterial cleaner and an essential oil for fragrance, such as eucalyptus, spearmint or peppermint for a clean smell.

All purpose cleaner
1 teaspoon washing soda (Arm & Hammer Washing Soda for instance)
2 teaspoons borax
1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap
2 cups hot water
10 drops essential oil of your choice
Mix all ingredients and pour into a 16 ounce spray bottle.  Just think no harmful fumes invading your lungs or your home environment.

Floors and walls – mix 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap to 2 gallons of water.  For greasy floors add 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar.

Also great for washing the car!  1/4 cup liquid castile soap to a bucket of water.

 Liquid Dish Soap
1 gallon of warm water
1/2 cup liquid castile soap
2 Tablespoons liquid glycerin (a natural moisturizer for the hands)
1/2  cup lemon juice or distilled white vinegar
2-5 drops essential oil (consider eucalyptus or citrus)
5 drops tea tree oil for antibacterial purposes
Combine liquid castile soap in warm water.  When cool add remaining ingredients.  Pour into clean jars.  Shake well before each use.

Castile soap has so much to offer and best of all you will feel good about being a little more eco-friendly in your home. 

Learn more about this author, Carol Belanger.
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