How to Use Liquid Castile Soap: Uses & Dilutions

Liquid castile soap is a concentrated, plant-oil soap that you dilute with water before using. Mix 1 part soap with 3 parts water for body wash, hand soap or shampoo. For dishes, floors, laundry and other household cleaning, use a weaker mix. The dilution chart below covers each use.

Castile Soap Uses & Recommended Dilutions

Because it is concentrated, biodegradable, and incredibly versatile, castile soap can be diluted and used in so many ways. Here are a few uses, with their dilution recommendations. For more ideas, see 10 uses for castile soap you didn't know about.

Shower Body Wash, Hand and Face Wash, or Shampoo

• 1 part Castile soap to 3 parts water
• Use in a pump or foam dispenser. See our step-by-step recipe: how to make a foaming body wash with castile soap
• Gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin. For the most sensitive skin, choose our unscented liquid castile soap
• Naturally antibacterial without drying your hands
• Use sparingly as a shampoo or face wash. You can use our shampoo bars and soap bars regularly

All-Purpose and Bathroom Cleaner

• 1 teaspoon Castile soap in 2 cups hot water
• For tubs, sinks, tiles, and toilets, add 1 tablespoon baking soda for extra scrubbing power
• Cleans kitchen counters and stovetops without harsh fumes
• Do not use on wood surfaces

Makeup Brush Cleaner

• 1 teaspoon Castile soap in 1 cup warm water
• Swirl brushes gently, rinse well, reshape, and air dry

Dish Washing

• 1 teaspoon Castile soap in 2 cups hot water
• Use for hand-washing dishes only
• Cuts grease without synthetic detergents

Window Cleaner

• ½ teaspoon Castile soap in 2 cups water
• Mix and add to spray bottle. Spray and wipe clean
• Rinse with vinegar and water to prevent streaks

Laundry

• Normal Laundry: ½ cup Castile soap diluted in 1 gallon (4 liters) of hot water, per load
• Extra Dirty Laundry: 1 cup Castile soap diluted in 1 gallon (4 liters) of hot water, per load
• Soft water only. Do not use in hard water or high-efficiency machines
• Not suitable for wool or silk, or a cold water setting

You may add these to your laundry, adding the same quantity as the liquid Castile soap:

• Borax – bleaches, whitens and brightens. Do not use for cleaning food areas.
• Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) – a very strong cleaner of dirt and oil, use gloves when handling.
• Baking Soda (sodium bi-carbonate) – a milder version of washing soda.

Remove Pesticides From Produce

• ¼ teaspoon Castile soap in 1 bowl of water
• Soak produce briefly, scrub gently if needed
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Floor Washing

• ½ cup Castile soap in 2 gallons (8 liters) hot water
• Safe for tile, vinyl, laminate
• Do not use on unfinished wood

Plant Pest Control (Insecticidal Wash)

• 1 teaspoon Castile soap per quart (1 liter) of water
• Spray leaves lightly
• Test on a small area first and rinse plants after 24 hours
• For a full application guide, read castile soap for aphids and other garden pests

Car Wash

• Mix 1–2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap per 1 gallon (4 liters) of water
• Use a soft sponge or microfiber mitt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Use less soap rather than more to avoid residue

How To Use Castile Soap for Camping

When space is limited and you want to travel lighter, liquid Castile soap is one of the most useful items you can pack. One small bottle can replace multiple products, making it ideal for camping, van life, hiking trips, and off-grid adventures.

You can use all the recipes stated above.

Why Castile Soap Is Perfect for Camping

• Replaces many single-use products
• Lightweight and compact
• Versatile for body care, dishes, and cleaning
• No need to carry multiple bottles

Always use small amounts and follow Leave No Trace principles. Even natural soap should be used 200 feet (61 meters) away from lakes, rivers, and streams.

Visit our Product FAQ page for extensive details on our products.

Why We Make Castile Soap

Castile soap proves that one thoughtfully made product can truly do it all. By choosing an authentic, natural liquid castile soap, you're simplifying your routine, reducing chemical exposure, and cutting down on clutter and waste — without sacrificing effectiveness.

After decades of experience crafting natural body and home care products, we've seen firsthand that simple ingredients and traditional soap-making methods still deliver the best results. When you understand how to use castile soap properly, it becomes more than just a cleaner — it becomes a reliable, everyday essential for a healthier home, body, and planet.