Castile Soap Uses

Castile soap is a natural, mild soap generally containing both olive oil and sodium hydroxide, or lye, among other natural ingredients. Because of its gentleness and freedom from additives and artificial ingredients---as well as its effectiveness---castile soap makes an excellent green cleanser. It can also be used as an ingredient in a surprising number of household preparations, from leather cleaners to roach repellants.

Leather Care

If you'd rather not treat your leather goods with a concoction of harsh additives and chemicals, castile soap's natural ingredients and high oil content make it a perfect choice. To clean leather, mix liquid castile soap with a small amount of water. Apply the mixture, then wipe off the excess residue with a damp cloth. When the leather is dry, buff it to a sheen with a chamois or other soft cloth. To maintain leather's suppleness, mix 1/2 cup of jojoba oil with 1/2 tsp. of liquid castile soap. Work this into the surface of the leather, removing any residue. Buff when dry.

Roach Repellant

According to a review of Environmental Protection Act documents conducted by journalists at Harvard University, exposure to pyrethroid pesticides, once considered safe for in-home use, may cause asthma, allergies and other health-related problems. For a safe alternative, mix 1 tbsp. of liquid castile soap with 1 tbsp. of Tabasco sauce and combine with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle. Apply as needed to infested areas. The slightly viscous consistency of the castile soap will help the Tabasco adhere to the surface. This preparation should maintain its effectiveness for approximately two months.

Natural Laundry Detergent

Use castile soap to make a natural laundry detergent that is gentle to sensitive skin, kind to fabric and won't harm septic systems. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of washing soda with 1/4 cup of castile soap. Gradually work in 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar, a little at a time, making sure the baking soda is smooth and clump free. The mixture will foam a bit at this point. Keep stirring by hand, or transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low speed. The mixture will eventually become more solid and separate into heavy lumps. Break the lumps into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container. Use one-half cup per load.

Glass Cleaner

Many popular glass cleaners contain chemicals such as ammonia and alcohol that can irritate your eyes. For a milder alternative, try mixing a teaspoon of castile soap---two if your glass is really dirty---in a gallon of water, as hot as you can stand. Wash the window or mirror as you normally would, then dry right away with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Rain-Barrel Cleaner

More and more people are using rain barrels to collect rainwater for watering gardens and flowerbeds. When the time comes to clean the barrel, you don't want to coat it with a toxic chemical, especially if you use the water to irrigate your garden. Instead, try mixing 2 tsp. of vinegar and 2 tsp. of castile soap with a gallon of water. Pour in the barrel, scrub and rinse.