Castile Soap: Uses and Preparation

Il Castile soap has very ancient origins: it was the Spanish who invented it, in competition with the Aleppo soap, at the time of the Crusades. The technique was the same, but with some variations: the Spanish used olive oil with "barilla," an ash obtained from burning kali grass with the addition of brine. This soap enjoyed two heydays during the Renaissance, when it was widespread, and between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when it became one of the certified products of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Index of topics

Property

The fundamental properties of Castile soap are that it is a biodegradable product, non-polluting, completely natural and therefore free of any toxic substances, even in small doses. Its characteristics make it very versatile, with the possibility of using it both for personal hygiene and for house cleaning, and also for dog shampoo.

How to use

The uses of Castile soap can be different.

For wash the body and especially the face. It should be used very delicately.
To clean surfaces, especially in WoodIn this case, it should be diluted in water. The dosage is a quarter cup of liquid soap per liter of water.
To make a washing machine soap: in this case too, it should be diluted in water. Also add half a cup of vinegar.
As a dish soap: one piece of Castile soap to ten parts of water
To remove dirt stains: rub directly onto the affected area
To wash pets: the important thing is to rinse them well after washing

When not to use it

Castile soap is absolutely not recommended for washing hair, especially if your hair is colored. The substances it contains cause your hair to become dry and fades very quickly. Also, don't use it in combination with other acidic soaps, such as lemon or vinegar-based ones: they would neutralize each other, leaving a film on whatever you're trying to clean.

How to prepare it

Castile soap can be easily made at home with this formula:

Materials needed:

2 kilos of olive oil
600 grams of distilled water
250 grams of caustic soda
20 ml of lavender essential oil
Protective equipment for safely handling caustic soda: resistant rubber gloves, goggles, mask
Precision balance
Wooden ladle
Glass carafe for diluting caustic soda
Stainless steel pot
Oven thermometer
Immersion blender
Durable plastic containers to use as molds
Old wool sweaters

Preparation:

Heat the oil in a pan over low heat and wait until it reaches 40-50°C.
Pour in the diluted soda, being very careful.
Start blending the mixture with an immersion blender until it thickens: to check if it's ready, just lift the blender and check that the mixture leaves a trail that doesn't incorporate immediately, but remains on the surface.
Add theessential oil favorite and mix: if you like, you can also add spices, seaweed, medicinal herbs or other natural elements to give the soap other specific qualities or characteristics.
After mixing the mixture well, pour it into the molds and cover with old wool, then leave it to rest for a day.
Once the time has elapsed, remove the soap from the molds to cut it into the desired shapes: this operation must also be done with gloves.

How much

Castile soap, if you look for it through Amazon offers, costs around 10 euros per liter (You can order a five-liter bottle for 42 euros). Other offers include 59 ml liquid bottles, which cost 3,18 euros. The problem is the shipping cost, which is higher than the product itself. It's best to buy it in a physical store, such as one specializing in organic products. vegan or in a herbalist's shop.