My Dear Readers and Fellow Cleaning Enthusiasts,
As weekly readers of my blog, you've become a fan of natural and versatile household products, like Whole Naturals Castile Soap. This all-natural, vegetable-based soap has been cherished for centuries for its gentle yet effective cleaning properties. But did you know that its uses extend far beyond just being a body wash or hand soap? I'd like to explore nine innovative and surprising ways you can put Castile soap to work around your home.
1. Makeup Brushes.
How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Now could be the time. Add a drop of Whole Naturals Castile Soap to about a cup of warm water. Dab the tips of your brushes, swish around, and rinse them under colder tap water until they're clean. Let them air-dry on a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
2. Foot Scrub.
Pamper yourself by making your own DIY foot scrub to feel like you've just walked out of a spa. To make your own foot scrub, here is our favored recipe:
Ingredients
420g magnesium chloride flakes
1 and 1/2 Tbl magnesium oil
3 Tbl organic almond oil
1 tsp Whole Naturals Castile liquid soap
12 drops lavender or peppermint essential oil (or a combination of the two)
Instructions
Mix the magnesium chloride flakes, magnesium oil and castile together before adding the essential oils. Store in a jar, using approximately 1 tsp per foot. rinse well after use. Makes 40 portions!
3. Ant Spray
Keep pests away, in a natural way. Mixing Castile soap with water and spraying. All you need is a few drops of Castile Soap, some water, some peppermint (or tea tree) essential oil and a spray bottle. Pour into a spray bottle, then spray wherever you’ve spotted ants hanging around.
4. Care and Keeping of Carpets
Throw away your chemically laden carpet cleaner. Whole Naturals Castile is a much gentler, totally natural way to clean carpets. Fill a container with 6 cups of hot water then add –
2 tablespoons castile soap
2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
¼ cup hydrogen peroxide
15 drops of essential oil of your choice
This mixture works great whether you're spot cleaning with a bristled brush, or using a a steam cleaning machine.
5. Makeup Remover
Castile soap is a natural choice when it comes to creating a personalized makeup remover. We love adding Add equal parts castile soap, witch hazel, and any carrier oil! Take a cloth and remove your makeup!
6. Plant Spray
Are bugs constantly chewing on your plants? Why not make a spray out of castile soap? The soap will make the plant distasteful to the bugs and might even cause them to slip off. Of course, it won’t harm your plants, especially with regular TLC that plants need like water, sunshine, and moisture. Better soaped up than eaten by bugs!
To do this, get a spray bottle and mix 1 tablespoon of castile soap with a quart of water. Then add another half tablespoon of either cinnamon or cayenne pepper: two spices that bugs can’t stand. You can then spray down any plants that are being devoured by bugs and watch them fly away.
7. Toothpaste? We say, "NO".
Let's start with the importance of brushing your teeth! Regular brushing minimizes the growth of plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth brushing stops plaque building up.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles, using fluoride toothpaste.
Can you wash your teeth with Castile Soap? We say, "NO." it is recommended for external use only.
8. DIY Playdough
Take playtime to the next level with Castile soap playdough—a sensory delight that engages both young and adult minds. We’ve been experimenting with a few different “recipes” that yield different textures that create pliable and non-toxic playdough. Let imaginations run wild as you mold and shape, and add creative colors to mold into various creations. This project is not only entertaining but also a great way to promote fine motor skills and creativity. Here's our go-to recipe:
Ingredients
1/4 cup Whole Naturals Castile soap
1/4 cup water
1 cup cornstarch
Food coloring/food-safe dye (if want to use natural colors - use turmeric for a bright orangey glow! color!)
A few drops of any Essential oil of your choice (optional) – I LOVE lavender!!
Airtight container
Instructions
Whisk together Whole Naturals Castile Soap® and water
Add your color
Add essential oils
Stir in the cornstarch (1/4 cup at a time)
Here's a great time to start using your hands for easier mixing, so don't forget the gloves!
If you find that it's still a bit wet or sticky, add a couple more tablespoons of cornstarch
Keep in an airtight container to prevent drying out
9. Wood Furniture Cleaner
Wood surfaces need a bit of TLC? Then this easy combination of about 4 cups of water, with 1 tbsp of Castile Soap will be the perfect combination. Put it in a spray bottle and use your favorite microfiber cloth to wipe the grime away.
Castile Soap Uses
Castile soap isn't just a one-trick pony – it's a versatile and eco-friendly household staple that can replace many conventional cleaning and personal care products. From cleaning surfaces to caring for your body and even your pets, the uses of Castile soap are boundless. By incorporating this natural wonder into your daily routine, you'll not only simplify your life but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. So go ahead, grab a bottle of Castile soap, and get creative with these 9 unexpected uses!