Natural All-Purpose Cleaner with Castile Soap
A simple everyday spray for worktops, tables, sinks and most washable surfaces. One tablespoon of Castile Soap in water lifts grease and grime without a cupboard full of products.
Takes 2 minutes · Makes 250 ml
What you’ll need
- 1 tbsp
- 5–10 drops
- 250 ml
Distilled water or boiled water, slightly cooled
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Measuring jug, Container/Bowl for mixing
Method
- Combine 1 tbsp of Castile Soap with 250 ml of distilled or boiled and slightly cooled water in a container until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a Trigger Spray Bottle using a funnel, then optionally add 5 to 10 drops of your favourite Essential Oil (remember, if you’re using it, always add it last). Make sure to label your cleaning solution with a Waterproof Label.
- Shake well and spray onto surfaces and allow it to work for five to ten minutes.
- Wipe clean and dry with a Microfibre Cloth for a streak-free result.
Windows and Mirrors:
For best results use distilled water instead of tap water in the recipe above to avoid streaks caused by minerals like magnesium and calcium and a Microfibre Glass Cloth.
Spray your cleaning solution directly onto your Microfibre Cloth to prevent drips that might leave streaks if not wiped up quickly. Begin at the top of the window and work your way down to avoid any drips.
Any liquid left on the glass can cause streaks, so make sure to dry it completely after cleaning. Use a fresh, dry Microfibre Glass Cloth and wipe in long, straight motions from top to bottom. Fold the cloth a few times to create multiple dry sections. Continue wiping from edge to edge until the cloth has absorbed all the remaining water.
If you are left with a streak or two, just give it a swift buff, and you’ll have it looking perfect in no time!
Ant Deterrent:
Use the All Purpose solution from above as an ant deterrent. Simply spray it along any areas you want to discourage ants from entering. Boost its efficacy by incorporating Tea Tree Essential Oil (10 to 15 drops).
Multiple surfaces around the house
This Natural All Purpose Cleaner is a non-toxic and inexpensive solution that is safe on all common household surfaces in your home, safe on your skin and safe around young children and pets. Despite its simple composition, this potent household cleaner effortlessly removes stubborn grime, dirt and grease on both floors and surfaces, perfect for easy everyday cleaning.
Soap molecules have one end that grabs grease and one that loves water. They surround oily dirt so your cloth can wipe it away instead of smearing it. Distilled water keeps minerals out, so there’s less residue.
Essential Oils: Add them last and give the bottle a shake. Essential Oils are very potent, so 10–20 drops per 500 ml is plenty. Fancy a stronger scent? Enjoy your oils separately in an oil burner.
The science: How oils become soap (ScienceDirect) → · Hard water and soap scum (USGS) →
Waxed floors:
Do not use Castile Soap on waxed or oiled wood floors, because it could break down the wax.
Mixing with acids:
Since Castile Soap is alkaline, you shouldn’t mix it directly with acidic substances like lemon juice, Citric Acid or vinegar. Acid will react with the soap itself and break apart the soap molecules and neutralise its effects.
Hard Water:
Whilst Castile Soap is a very reliable and mild cleaner, it can leave a residue on shiny or hard surfaces, especially when it’s used with hard water (the soap reacts with minerals from the water to form a salt). Use Castile Soap with distilled water if you live in a hard water area or cut through the leftover residue by applying an acid rinse afterwards like this Citric Acid solution: 1tsp Citric Acid in 250ml, spray onto surfaces and wipe away any residues.
Once prepared, this spray will last for approximately 4 to 8 weeks. For optimal shelf life, store it properly labeled in amber or dark bottles to protect it from light. If it starts to look or smell off before the 8-week mark, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Store Castile Soap and Essential Oils sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
Avoid breathing in Citric Acid as it can cause upper respiratory symptoms, always measure out the Citric Acid powder in a well-ventilated area. Whilst Citric Acid is found in food items in a small quantity as a preservative if large amounts of Citric Acid are ingested it could cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Citric Acid And Essential Oils can irritate your eyes and skin. Take care not to spill the powder or oils and wear rubber gloves when working with these substances.
Never ingest Essential Oils, even if they are diluted. Avoid applying pure, concentrated oils directly to your skin. Use caution when using Essential Oils around young kids and pets; even small amounts can be harmful to your furry friends. Avoid using Essential Oils in cleaning recipes unless you have thoroughly researched the relative safety of the specific oil for your particular type of pet. Our Oils include safety instructions for both dogs and cats.
Lastly, if you are pregnant or have certain health conditions, Essential Oils may not be the right choice. Always check with your doctor before using Essential Oils.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
Give your cleaning routine a major boost by picking the perfect Essential Oil for the job. For example, Peppermint Oil is a champ at keeping pests at bay. Lemon Oil slices through grease like a pro and leaves your wood floors and furniture gleaming. Need to tackle some mildew? Tea Tree Oil is your go-to warrior. Lavender Oil is the multitasking hero you never knew you needed – it freshens up your mattress and bed linens and is so mild that you can even disinfect toys with it. Dive into the world of Essential Oils and discover their amazing properties →
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Orange or Lemon Essential Oil help cut grease on worktops and hobs; Rosemary is lovely for kitchen surfaces. Which oil for which job →
B&M Pro-Tip 3:
Spray lightly and start with less soap: too much leaves a film. Keep the bottle somewhere you pass every day and quick wipe-ups become a habit. 10 tips for a non-toxic home →
Quick questions
Can I use it on granite?
Yes. Unlike acidic cleaners, Castile Soap won’t etch sealed stone. Wipe dry afterwards.
Why does my spray look cloudy?
Usually it’s tap water in a hard-water area, or too much Essential Oil. Try distilled or boiled, cooled water, and keep to 10–20 drops per 500 ml.
Try this next: Soft Scrub →