You can get the most out of your castile soap by experimenting with some DIY recipes. This super adaptable soap can be used to whip up anything from your own laundry detergent to a homemade facial cleanser. Why not try your hand at 10 different DIY recipes? Not only will your home be sparkling clean and healthy, but you'll also save some cash in the process. 

Castile soap is an interesting blend of mild and mighty! It's crafted from oils that undergo a process called saponification, making it wonderfully hydrating and kind to your skin. But don't let its soft side fool you - it's also a formidable cleanser capable of dealing with the toughest dirt and grime.

Castile Soap vs. Regular Soap

Think of Castile soap as the green cousin of your regular soap. Instead of deriving from animal fats like lard or tallow, it springs from vegetable oils, traditionally olive oil (like MamaSuds!). So, it's not just kind to your skin but also a great choice for our vegan friends!

10 DIY ways to use castile soap

1. Baby Wipe Solution
2. Shaving Cream
3. Shampoo
4. Clean Makeup Brushes
5. Makeup Remover
6. Foot Scrub
7. Pet Shampoo
8. Make a Natural Pesticide
9. Make a Weed Killer
10. Make a Natural Plant Wash 

Baby Wipe Solution

1. Materials needed: Old wipes container or a reusable wet bag, thin washcloths (you could also cut up some old t-shirts), a small amount of MamaSuds Castile Soap, a bit of water, and optionally, a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil.
2. Mix the Solution: In a separate bowl or jug, mix a small squirt of MamaSuds Castile Soap with a little water. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Essential Oils: If you're using lavender or tea tree oil, add a few drops to the soap and water mixture. These oils can help soothe the skin.
4. Soak the Washcloths: Place your washcloths or t-shirt pieces in the container, then pour your soap and water mixture over them. Ensure each cloth is thoroughly soaked.
5. Let it Sit: Close the container and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the washcloths to fully absorb the mixture. Your homemade wet wipes are now ready to use!

Shaving Cream

1. Ingredients needed: 1/4 cup of oil (coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, or olive), 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap, 2 tablespoons of Shea butter, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and optionally, essential oils.
2. Mix the Oil with Shea Butter: Add 1/4 cup of your chosen oil to melted Shea butter. Stir until they are well combined.
3. Add the Castile Soap: Slowly pour in 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap to the mixture. Stir gently to avoid creating too many bubbles.
4. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of baking soda and stir until it's fully dissolved and combined into the mixture.
5. Optional: Add Essential Oils: If you're using essential oils, add them now. The amount will depend on your preference, but usually a few drops will suffice. This step is not necessary if you're using scented Castile soap.
6. Let the Mixture Cool: Allow the mixture to cool. As it cools, it will begin to solidify slightly, achieving a creamy consistency.
7. Transfer to a Container: Once the mixture has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Your castile soap shaving cream is ready!

Shampoo

Using Castile soap as a shampoo is quite straightforward. Here's a simple method you can follow:

1. Grab an empty shampoo bottle.
2. Pour in 1 teaspoon of castile soap.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with filtered water.
4. Shake well.

When you're ready to use it, apply the mixture to your wet hair and scalp, then massage gently. Rinse thoroughly after.

However, remember that everyone's hair is different, so it might take some experimenting to figure out what works best for you. Please see Can Castile Soap Replace Your Shampoo? for more details.

Clean Makeup Brushes

Castile soap is powerful enough to remove makeup residue but gentle enough not to damage the brush bristles. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Wet your makeup brush under warm running water.
2. Put a drop or two of Castile soap in the palm of your hand.
3. Swirl the damp brush in your hand, working the soap into the bristles. You should start to see the makeup residue breaking down and coming out of the brush.
4. Rinse the brush under warm running water until all the soap (and makeup) is gone. Be sure to point the brush downward so water doesn't get into the handle.
5. Gently squeeze out any excess water from the brush and reshape the bristles if necessary.
6. Lay the brush on a clean towel and on an angle to dry.

Remember to clean your brushes regularly to keep them in good condition and prevent buildup of bacteria and old makeup. Please see Time to Clean your Makeup Brushes for more details.

Makeup Remover

Castile soap can be combined with witch hazel and a carrier oil to create a natural makeup remover. Here's a more detailed guide:

1. Prepare the Solution: Mix equal parts of Castile soap, witch hazel, and your chosen carrier oil (like sweet almond, jojoba, or olive oil) in a small bottle or jar.
2. Application: Shake the bottle well before each use. Dampen a cotton ball or pad with the solution.
3. Remove Makeup: Use the damp cotton ball to gently remove makeup from your face.
4. Rinse: Use a warm, wet washcloth to wipe your face and remove any remaining residue.

Remember to follow up with your usual skincare routine after using this natural makeup remover.

Foot Scrub

Castile Soap Foot Scrub is a natural and cost-effective way to maintain soft and smooth feet. Follow the guide:

1. Ingredients: You need 1 tablespoon of Castile soap, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 1 cup of white sugar.
2. Prepare the Scrub: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until they form a consistent mixture.
3. Application: Wet your feet with warm water. Apply the scrub, focusing on your heels and any rough areas.
4. Rinse: Rinse your feet thoroughly with warm water after scrubbing.
5. Aftercare: Dry your feet and apply foot cream or moisturizer.
6. Storage: Store the remaining scrub in an airtight container. Check and stir it before each use.      

Pet Shampoo

First, do a patch test first to ensure your dog doesn't have an allergic reaction to the soap.

1. Prepare the Soap: Mix equal parts of castile soap and water in a bottle. Shake well to combine.
2. Wet Your Dog: Thoroughly wet your dog's fur before applying the soap.
3. Use the Soap: Apply the diluted castile soap to your dog's fur, avoiding the eyes and ears. Lather it up.

If any discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using it and consult a vet. It's also advisable to check with your vet before trying a new grooming product on your pet.

Make A Natural Pesticide 

1. Prepare the Solution: Mix ½ teaspoon of castile soap with 1 quart of water.
2. Fill a Spray Bottle: Pour the soap-water mixture into a spray bottle for easy application.
3. Spray the Plants: Spray your plants thoroughly, covering both the tops and undersides of leaves.
4. Reapply if Necessary: If pests persist, spray your plants every few days with the solution.
5. Watch Your Plants: After spraying, monitor your plants for any negative reactions. If they wilt or discolor, dilute the mixture more and test on a small area first.

Always keep an eye on your plants after application. Please see 5 Ways to Use Castile Soap in the Garden to know more about using Castile soap in gardening, including how to make a weed killer, and how to make a natural plant wash.

If you have a favorite recipe we'd love to share it with our readers! Please email them to info@mamasuds.com