How to Use Castile Soap as Dishwashing Soap and Detergent

I hand wash dishes and, at times, our clothes, and I am rather concerned of these harsh chemicals that my skin absorbs while doing these chores. Some of the issues I have with the usual commercial dishwashing liquid or paste and detergents are: (1) they have numerous chemicals that can cause skin allergies; (2) my hands get dried up after washing; (3) they are harming the environment, and (4) who knows what these chemicals are doing to my skin that absorbs it?!

Case de Lorenzo’s Calamansi Castile Soap and Palm Oil Castile Soap

I did research on using Castile soap to address my concerns and decided to try it because it is more environmentally-friendly and less skin damaging. Since I already order some of my castile soaps and essential oils from Case de Lorenzo, I asked them about the effectiveness of their liquid Castile soaps in cleaning dishes and clothes. The company generously offered to send a liter each of their Calamansi and Palm Oil Soap to conduct my experiments.

This picture below is bigger than what was sent to me obviously haha. 

This is the link for their website for those who want to order: http://www.thecasadelorenzo.com/

Calamansi Castile Soap

The Results

I tried both Case de Lorenzo’s CalamansiCastile Soap and Palm Oil Castile Soap as dishwashing liquid and as laundry detergent. I used a 1:1 ratio (example, one tablespoon of Castile soap for one tablespoon of water) for the dishwashing liquid. 

It worked quite well in washing not-so-oily dishes. When we ate oily food, I added a bit of baking soda and I let it stay for ten minutes. 

We have hard water, so sometimes, I add a bit more of Castile soap, if I don’t get enough cleaning effect.

Among the two, I prefer the Calamansi Castile Soap for its cleaning ability and scent. In terms of washing clothes, I think Palm Oil does a better job, but my hubby does not like its scent, so I decided to stay with Calamansi Castile Soap.

For both variants, I like how my hands do not feel dry after washing. I also especially enjoy that I have reduced the amount of factory-made chemicals that my skin is absorbing and that are being thrown into our water resources.

Below are the recipes for the Homemade Castile Soap Dishwashing Liquid and Homemade Castile Laundry Detergent.

Homemade Castile Soap Dishwashing Liquid

Ingredients

Castile soap
Baking soda (optional)

Instructions

1) Mix Castile Soap with water at 1:1 ratio.

2) Scrape food bits off first before using the soap.

3) Add baking soda for oily dishes.

4) Let the dishes stay for 10 minutes or more, depending on how oily/dirty your dishes are. Some bloggers say they let the dishes soak overnight or an hour. They use dishwashers.

As for the liquid laundry detergent, I used the recipe from Natural Living Ideas.

Homemade Castile Laundry Detergent

Ingredients

1 cup liquid Castile soap

1 cup baking soda

2 cups water

Instructions

1) You have to dissolve the baking soda in warm water.

2) Pour everything in a gallon container and mix it.

3) Use 1/4 of a cup or more for every washing.

I find this soap effective in cleaning different kinds of clothes. For really soiled ones, I still use what we Filipinos call Zonrox (bleach). I definitely want to replace this one, but so far, I have not tried other green alternatives.

My only concern in using Castile soap for many household purposes is the price. Castile soap is expensive in my country. I do hope prices will go down once demand picks up. For now, I use it as often as my budget permits me. 

Skin and Earthy Goodness

Castile soap is not only good for your face, but also your hands that wash dishes and do the laundry. Mother Earth will thank you too for choosing green alternatives over harmful dishwashing soaps and detergents.

Have you tried switching to Castile soap for something other than washing your face/body? How did it go for you?