It's easier than you think to create your own natural products. This week I offer five suggestions for transforming one bar of castile soap into something useful around your home. Castile is a natural version of the synthetic soaps readily available in stores. Where can you find castile soap?
Just So natural products offers an all-natural, chemical-free Coconut Castile soap. This recipe uses the same oils that we use in our kitchen, since I don't like to put anything on my skin that I can't consume. (View our Signature Coconut Castile soap here. We also offer this soap in grated form available here.)
Other sources for castile soap include Kirk's and Dr. Bronner's.
1. Powdered Laundry Soap
1 c. washing soda
1 c. borax
4 oz. grated castile soap
Combine and use 1-2 tablespoons per load. For more specific details, see momsAWARE's article, Homemade Laundry Soap.
2. Liquid Laundry Soap
Add warm water to 1-2 tbsp. powdered laundry soap and stir before adding to the washer, or make the liquid recipe found in momsAWARE's Homemade Laundry Soap article.
3. Liquid Castile Soap
Grate 4 oz. bar of castile soap and combine with 4 c. hot water. Stir until soap pieces dissolve. Optional: add 2 tbsp. vegetable glycerin (available at health food stores or online).
Transfer to glass jar and cover. This liquid soap can be used in numerous recipes, including those on this list.
This version of liquid castile soap will be cloudy and will need to be shaken periodically. This is purely aesthetic and perfectly normal. (True liquid castile soap traditionally uses potassium hydroxide rather than sodium hydroxide, which mixes without clouding.)
4. Dish Soap
1 c. liquid castile soap (see recipe #3)
1 tbsp. white vinegar
1 tbsp. washing soda (to thicken mixture)
5 drops tea tree oil or essential oil of choice (optional)
5 drops grapefruit seed extract for added disinfection (optional)
Combine in liquid soap dispenser. Dilute if desired.
Soft Scrubber
1/4 - 1/2 c. liquid castile soap (see recipe #3)
1 c. baking soda
5 drops tea tree oil or essential oil(s) of choice
Combine in bottle and shake. Add enough water to make a thick liquid paste. Apply to sponge or directly to surface and wipe with damp cloth or sponge. Rinse with water.
Another option? Sprinkle baking soda over surface. Follow this with a light distribution of liquid castile soap. I use this method as I find it much simpler. Either way - it's extremely effective.
Interested in more ways to use 1 bar of soap? Check out momsAWARE's 12 Things to Do with One Bar of Soap.
This post shared at Natural Living Monday.
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