The problem with a lot of brand name soaps is that they’re over-processed with an unnatural number of chemical products. Some of them are also tested on animals, and really do more harm than good. Bigger corporations try to save money by sacrificing safety for a cheaper alternative, and that creates a problem. Suddenly, you’re left with harmful soap ingredients that are hurting people, their pets, and the rest of the environment.

So, what’s the solution?

Many people have been switching over to Castile soaps. Castile isn’t just known for being a Spanish region with a big history, having being home to one of the biggest medieval kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s also popular for being the birthplace of one of the best plant and vegetable oil-based soaps that are free of harmful chemicals. They also have great anti-bacterial properties to keep you clean and germ-free.

The soap is way more safe than your brand name, store bought alternatives. The best part is, it’s completely eco-friendly and bio-degradable. You’re not hurting yourself or the environment.

Now, what can castile soap do for you? Here are 8 easy ways to get in on the fun:

1. Hand Soap – I guess this one was expected. You can find castile soap in bar or liquid form. Both work. You can also add water to the liquid soap to adjust the texture (equal parts for hand soap, and maybe a bit more for a dispenser to keep it from clumping).

Simple Recipe:

Instructions

2. Shampoo – Stay away from dangerous shampoos that have a track record. Use three or four parts water to one part soap to keep your hair healthy and fresh.

DIY Castile Soap Shampoo Recipe

1. ½ cup castile soap.
2. ½ cup coconut milk.
3. 1 tablespoon of a nourishing oil, like jojoba or vitamin A.
4. About 20 drops of an essential oil, like lavender or rosemary.

3. Fruit & Vegetable Rinse – Stirring ~1 tbsp. of soap into a couple of cups of non-fluoridated water will give you a healthy solution to rinse your produce.

4. Homemade Body Wash – This simple solution is great for your skin, and keeps you clean to boot! Combining one part water to two parts soap is just the right ratio to get the job done.

Simple Body Wash

Ingredients

5. Pet Shampoo – Don’t limit your options to only using castile soap on yourself. Using your shampoo (same ratio) to give your household pets the occasional bath will keep them healthy and feeling great!

Homemade flea and tick dog shampoo

5. Chemical-Free Toothpaste – Avoid using commercial toothpastes that are full of toxic ingredients. A few drops of castile soap will keep your teeth clean. Adding an herbal infuser will really come in handy here, and give you the scent and taste that you want to feel great.

DIY Toothpaste

1. 6 tbsp coconut oil
2. 4 tbsp baking soda
3. 1.5 tbsp Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Peppermint Soap
4. 30 drops peppermint oil
5. 1 tsp stevia powder (optional)

6. Soft Surface Scrub – This one is great for cleaning around the kitchen or getting rid of any surface stains in the bathroom. Dilute one part of soap with three parts water to spray and scour over your messy surfaces.

7. Mopping Mixture – This is a really simple solution. Just add a couple tablespoons (maybe a bit more for the more persistent challenges) of soap to a bucket of water and let the mop do the job!

*Note never use vinegar with castile soap. While acids (like vinegar) and bases (like castile soap) are powerful cleaning tools on their own, it’s best not to mix castile soap with acidic ingredients. Castile soap is made with oil, so mixing with vinegar or lemon will result in a white, curdled solution that might leave behind a sticky film

8. Cleaning Your Carpets & Rugs – Mix Castile soap with hydrogen peroxide, and spray the mixture on stains to pretreat, dabbing and scrubbing lightly if necessary. Follow that up with a spray or two of all-purpose carpet cleaner. You can make your own cleaning cocktail by adding one-quarter cup Castile soap to one cup of water, then mixing the ingredients in a blender until it forms a stiff foam. Apply the foam to the carpet and use as you would a commercial cleaner.

Using Castile soap will keep you and your home free of unnecessary toxic chemicals. Rather than taking a chance with being exposed to substances that could potentially kill you, take the natural route and play it safe. This healthy alternative will add some years to your life and keep your money out of the pockets of big, corporate owners who don’t have your best interest in mind.