27 Aug Discover the Wonders of Castile Soap

What if we told you that you could clean your home beautifully, from top to bottom, using little more than pure olive oil? You might think it’s reserved for use as a healthy cooking oil or natural moisturiser – but our green cleaning gurus swear by the magical multi-purpose olive oil cleaner also known as Castile.

If this all sounds a little too good to be true, we’ve got news for you! Here’s everything you need to know about this natural cleaning must-have:

WHAT IT IS:

Castile soap is a natural cleaning product available in liquid and solid bar form. It is made primarily from pure olive oil. This cleaner is eco-friendly, biodegradable and really mild, making it suitable for sensitive skin and various surfaces. With its natural antibacterial properties, Castile soap effectively eliminates germs while being gentle on the environment.

It’s named after the region of Castilla (English: Castile)in Spain, renowned for its high-quality olive oil. Castile soap has been cherished for centuries for its versatility and is a favourite among those who prioritise natural and non-toxic products.

WHAT IT ISN’T:

Castile soap isn’t harsh or hazardous— to your family or our planet’s precious waterways. This gentle cleaner is formulated without synthetic preservatives, additives, or perfumes, making it a safe choice for everyday use. Its natural composition ensures it won’t irritate sensitive skin, making it ideal for adults and children. While some traditional Castile recipes included animal fats, the Castile soaps available on Faithful to Nature is completely free of animal ingredients.

HOW IT’S MADE:

Caustic potash, an alkali commonly known as lye or potassium hydroxide, is used to turn the pure olive oil into a liquid soap. Once the potash has been thoroughly mixed with the oil for about 4 – 6 hours, it becomes neutralised, leaving behind a mild and safe cleaning liquid. This soap-making process is simple and creates very little waste.

WHAT IT DOES:

What doesn’t it do? From household cleaning to body care, here’s a list of the ways you can use Castile soap:

• Face & body wash
• Shampoo
• Shaving
• To clear congestion
• Foot bath
• Bath soak
• Laundry detergent
• Tile cleaner
• Bathtub & toilet scrub
• Dishwashing liquid (or automatic dishwasher detergent)
• Carpet cleaner
• Glass & window cleaner
• Fruit & veggie wash
• Dog washing
• Plant spray for bugs
• Ant spray

Tip: Mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil in a spray bottle with some castile liquid, to make an all-purpose spray that deodorises your home while you clean.

In short, castile soap can replace numerous essential products with one affordable, natural alternative!

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY:

Pure Simple Castile Liquid Soap

“I use this as shampoo and mix it with a few drops of tea tree oil and my hair has never been better. It doesn’t get oily anymore and it’s so clean and healthy. I use this for my toddlers hair as well it’s brilliant.” – Charnese

“Worked well for our homemade liquid laundry detergent.” – Matthew

“This is FANTASTIC you can use it for everything! Dilute it and add whatever other natural ingredients you like. I use it on my body and as a general household cleaner. Does not dry your skin.” – Yvette