As we enter into a new year, I find myself wanting to simplify and reduce. Instead of grandiose resolutions, I’m in the pursuit of a slower, quieter and more routine life. Minimizing and swapping out products that contain heavy chemicals for more sustainable, versatile and more cost effective options. Center stage on this quest is Castile Soap.
The Skinny On Castile Soap
Castile soap offers a base for a wide variety of not only household uses but personal care as well. Castile soap is traditionally made from natural oils like coconut, hemp or olive oil. One of my favorites is Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap which is made using organic hemp seed oil and is often lightly scented with essential oil to fit every use.
Sustainability
A little goes a long way when it comes to castile soap. Because of its versatility, you can greatly cut down on your consumption and minimize plastic waste. Additionally, castile soap is biodegradable and free of synthetics so it won’t harm the ecosystem making it planet friendly.
Minimalistic
Gone are the days of isles and isles of shelves packed full with cleaners that only combat one target area of your home. Because of castile soap’s broad range of uses, you can greatly cut down on the clutter under your sink.
Personal Care
Castile Soap can literally be used from head to toe. Collections of shampoo, face wash, shaving cream and body wash can all be swapped for one bottle of castile soap. Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Castile soap can combat both dandruff and acne making it an all-in-one product.
Household Uses
Replace laundry detergent and multi surface cleaners with castile soap. One bottle of castile soap can essentially clean every nook of your home with some simple additions like vinegar and baking soda. Essential oils can be added to personalize your castile soap and create a clean and fresh living space.
Pets
Safely clean your pets without chemicals by using just a few drops of castile soap as a shampoo. If you are adding essential oils always spot check and inspect your pets skin before proceeding with a full bath.
Put It To Use
Here is a quick guide to diluting your castile soap from Dr. Bronner’s website.
Recently I found this recipe that is working great on my granite countertops in my kitchen. Honestly, it’s much better than any green label multi-surface cleaner I’ve found on any store shelf.
Granite Counter Cleaner & Degrease:
Start with a 16 oz spray bottle and add the ingredients listed below. I purchased these glass bottles on amazon and they have made my DIY cleansers a breeze.
2 oz Rubbing Alcohol (or cheap vodka)
3-4 Drops of Castile Soap
5-10 Drops of Essential Oils
1-2 Strips Orange Peel (nature’s degreaser)
12 oz Water
That’s it. Just combine all of the ingredients and spray away.
The Wrap Up
If you desire a less cluttered, more conscious and simplified lifestyle in the new year, castile soap is the place to start. With the addition of baking soda, vinegar and alcohol you can clean your entire home (and self) affordably and safely.
Tips and Related Blog Posts
If you’ve never used castile soap I’d recommend this sample pack that comes in a variety of scents from Dr. Bronner’s.
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