Natural Dusting Spray with Castile Soap
A light mist of soapy water on a microfibre cloth picks up dust instead of pushing it around.
Takes 2 minutes · Makes 500 ml
What you’ll need
- 1 tsp Castile Soap
- 500 ml distilled water or boiled, cooled water
- Trigger Spray Bottle
- Premium Microfibre Cloth
Method
- Add 1 tsp Organic Castile Soap to 500 ml distilled or boiled and slightly cooled water in a container.
- Pour the mixture into a Trigger Spray Bottle and shake gently.
- Spray lightly onto a Premium Microfibre Cloth, rather than directly onto the surface.
- Wipe away dust and everyday grime, then buff with a clean, dry Microfibre Cloth if needed.
Dusting and lightly cleaning furniture, shelves and other washable surfaces.
A barely damp cloth holds on to dust, and the little bit of soap loosens greasy fingerprints at the same time.
The science: How oils become soap (ScienceDirect) →
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 sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Our fragrance-free Organic Castile Soap is hypoallergenic, pet- and skin-safe, which means it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions than other types of soap. Needs dilution: If you don’t dilute Castile Soap with water, it can be very concentrated. This can make it hard on surfaces and the skin.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
Less is more. Castile Soap is highly concentrated, so a small amount is all you need. Spraying onto the cloth gives you better control and prevents excess moisture from settling on your furniture.
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Orange or Lemon Essential Oil are classic choices for wood furniture. Which oil for which job →
Quick questions
Is it safe on wood?
On sealed wood, yes, sprayed onto the cloth and dried after. Not on waxed or oiled wood.
How often can I use it?
As often as you dust. It leaves nothing behind to build up.
Try this next: Furniture & Woodwork Cleaner →