If we had to choose one product that earns a permanent place in every home, it would be Castile soap.

This simple, plant-based soap has been around for centuries, and for good reason. It's incredibly versatile, biodegradable, and concentrated enough to replace a cabinet full of specialty cleaners.

At Hex & Honey, we love products that do more with less. Instead of buying separate bottles for hand soap, dish soap, body wash, all-purpose cleaner, and more, one bottle of Castile soap can do the work of many.

That means:

• Less plastic waste
• Fewer products to store
• More money saved over time
• Simpler ingredient lists
• A more sustainable home

What Is Castile Soap?

Castile soap is a true soap made by combining plant oils with an alkali through a process called saponification. Traditional Castile soap was made with olive oil, but many modern versions also use coconut, hemp, sunflower, jojoba, or other nourishing plant oils.

Unlike many commercial cleaners, Castile soap contains no synthetic detergents, making it a popular choice for people looking to simplify their cleaning routines.

Because it's highly concentrated, you'll usually dilute it before using it. A little really does go a long way.

Castile Soap Dilution Guide

These recipes are general starting points. You may find you prefer a little stronger or weaker depending on your water hardness and personal preference.

Hand Soap

Mix:

• 1 part Castile soap
• 3–4 parts distilled water

Optional:

• ½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin per cup to help retain moisture.

Store in a foaming or regular soap dispenser.

Foaming Hand Soap

Fill your foaming soap dispenser with:

• About ¼ cup Castile soap
• Fill the rest with distilled water

Pump gently to mix.

Body Wash

Use straight from the bottle or dilute:

• 1 part Castile soap
• 2–3 parts distilled water

Optional:

• Add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin for extra moisture.

Face Wash

Because everyone's skin is different, start gently.

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon Castile soap
• ½ cup distilled water

If your skin feels dry afterward, reduce the amount of soap or follow with a moisturizer.

Dish Soap

Use undiluted for greasy dishes or make a refill:

• 1 cup Castile soap
• ½ cup distilled water

Shake gently before each use.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Combine in a spray bottle:

• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 2 cups warm distilled water

Use on:

• Counters
• Cabinets
• Appliances
• Tables
• Painted surfaces

Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Floor Cleaner

Add:

• ¼ cup Castile soap
• 2 gallons warm water

Perfect for sealed hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, and other washable floors.

Produce Wash

Mix:

• 1 teaspoon Castile soap
• 2 cups water

Lightly spray fruits and vegetables, gently rub, then rinse thoroughly under clean running water.

Makeup Brush Cleaner

Mix:

• 1 teaspoon Castile soap
• 1 cup warm water

Swirl brushes gently, rinse well, and lay flat to dry.

Pet Shampoo

Mix:

• 1 part Castile soap
• 4 parts water

Work into wet fur, avoiding the eyes, then rinse thoroughly.

Always check with your veterinarian before using any new product on pets with sensitive skin or medical conditions.

Laundry Spot Treatment

Apply a drop of undiluted Castile soap directly to the stain.

Gently work it into the fabric before washing as usual.

Shaving Soap

Apply a small amount to wet skin or use with a shaving brush to create a light lather.

Things You Shouldn't Mix with Castile Soap

Although Castile soap is wonderfully versatile, there are a few combinations to avoid.

Vinegar

Soap and vinegar neutralize each other. Mixing them together can leave behind a cloudy residue instead of cleaning effectively.

If you use vinegar as a rinse aid, use it as a completely separate step after the soap has been rinsed away.

Bleach

Never mix Castile soap with bleach or other chlorine-based cleaners.

Strong Commercial Cleaners

Many conventional cleaners contain ingredients that don't work well with true soap. Using them together can reduce cleaning performance or leave residue.

Is Castile Soap Safe on Everything?

Castile soap is safe for many everyday surfaces, but avoid using it on:

• Natural stone such as marble or unsealed granite
• Waxed wood floors
• Untreated wood
• Aluminum that may discolor
• Electronic screens

Always test on a small hidden area if you're unsure.

A Note About Essential Oils

If you're making your own cleaners, adding more essential oil isn't necessary for cleaning power. If you do choose to add essential oils, use them sparingly and remember that not all oils are safe around children or pets.

One Bottle, Countless Uses

One bottle of Castile soap can replace numerous products around your home while reducing waste and simplifying your cleaning routine.

At Hex & Honey, we believe sustainable living doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes the best solution is simply choosing products that do more with less.

Whether you're just beginning your low-waste journey or have been refilling your bottles for years, Castile soap is one of the easiest swaps you can make and one you'll probably wonder how you ever lived without.

Shop our Castile soap here

Shawarma Chicken Curry

• 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 2 TBS Shawarma mix
• 1 TBS corn starch
• 1 cup, divided

1. Clean and cut chicken thighs into 3/4 inch pieces.
2. Add the seasoning mix and oil to the chicken.
   Let marinade for 24 hours.
3. In a cast iron pan saute the chicken on medium high heat with 1/2 cup of water for 10-15 min until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
   4. Make a slurry with cornstarch and 1/4 cup water. Add it slowly to the chicken allowing it time to thicken to the desired consistency.

Ingredients: Spanish paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, ginger, onion powder, salt, white pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice.