Hand-Wash Detergent for Delicates with Castile Soap
A gentle soak for delicates like knitwear, lingerie and silk scarves that can’t go in the machine.
Takes 15 minutes, plus drying
What you’ll need
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Castile Soap
- 4 litres Cold water/Lukewarm water
- Container/Bucket
Method
- Mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) of Castile Soap with 4 litres of cold or lukewarm water.
- Gently submerge your delicate clothes, give them a little swirl, and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
- Give them another gentle swish to loosen any dirt, then rinse well with clean water. Press out the excess water gently, and either hang or lay flat to dry.
Gently remove stains from delicate fabrics.
Soaking lets the soap loosen dirt without rubbing, which is what damages delicate fibres.
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.
Store Castile Soap sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
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:
If you find a stain on your delicate clothing, try to use Castile Soap directly on the spot. First, ensure the label doesn’t say “dry clean only.” Moisten the stained area, apply a small amount of liquid Castile Soap, and gently work it in. Rinse it well and allow it to air dry.
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Cold water protects wool and silk from shrinking and stops colours from bleeding. Hot or cold water? →
Quick questions
Is it OK for wool?
Yes, in cold water. Don’t wring; press the water out and dry flat.
Can I use it in my washing machine?
No, it foams too much. Use it for hand-washing only.
Try this next: Curtain Soak →
