My Dear Readers,
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I LOVE reading our community’s messages and answering your questions. This week’s questions were unique, thoughtful, and useful. Let's dive in and explore.
Does Castile Soap leave a residue on surfaces?
Sometimes hard water can cause a reaction with castile soap and leave a fine (and harmless) residue on surfaces – especially shiny surfaces. Because the soap is binding with the minerals in hard water to form a cloudy residue after washing. While the surfaces are clean, I understand the film can be bothersome. But you did mention that you have a water softener, so that's unlikely the case. So, what can you do?
Increase the dilution amounts - try upping the water percentage
Use distilled water if possible
Occasionally, a vinegar (or lemon juice) rinse can help remove stubborn residue – but remember: don’t mix acids WITH Castile Soap, use it AFTER. Mix one part vinegar to a quart of water, spritz / apply it to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth - make sure to always dilute the "acid" you're using, if spraying on natural stone
Try a microfiber cloth for cleaning, as it can help remove residue effectively without leaving lint behind.
Is Castile soap safe for pets?
Answer: Absolutely it's great for your canine companions! Our furry friends deserve the best, and Castile soap is a safe and gentle option for your dog's care. Whether it's bathing your four-legged companions or cleaning their toys and bedding, Castile soap can do it all. Just remember to dilute it adequately and rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue on their sensitive skin.
I have TONS of allergies and skin sensitivities, can I use Whole Naturals Castile Soap?
We understand how important it is for our Whole Naturals Castile soap to be free of potential allergens. Allergies and sensitivities are so essential to address. Our Pure Liquid Castile Soap is not only grain, dairy, legume, and soy free, it's also gluten-free and vegan! (and cruelty-free - never tested on animals). While Castile soap is generally safe, it's essential to remember that it is a concentrated product. For all usages, dilute with water to prevent potential dryness or irritation. If you have an allergy to tree nuts, please note that included in our carrier oil ingredients is organic olive oil. As a reminder, perform a patch test before using it on your skin.
Which Personal Care Products Can Castile soap replace?
Castile soap's versatility knows no bounds! It can replace many of your personal care products. From face washes and body washes to shaving creams. Castile soap offers a natural alternative that is free of fragrance, detergent, and other synthetic ingredients. However, keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it's essential to find what works best for you. As it is hypoallergenic, it may be an ideal option for people with sensitivity to harsh soaps and cleansers. Here’s a great recipe for foaming shaving cream.
I made the laundry soap recipe with borax, it worked great the first time, but now it has separated. What can I do?
Preparation: Let’s start with the initial preparation steps. When preparing the detergent, ensure that you mix the ingredients thoroughly. Use a whisk or immersion blender to create a homogenous mixture. This will help the soap, water, and other ingredients bind together more effectively.
Allow cooling before storing: After preparing the detergent, let it cool completely before transferring it to a storage container. This allows the ingredients to settle and bind together, reducing the likelihood of separation. Once cooled, gently stir the mixture before each use to maintain consistency.
Dilutions: Although “water is water”, different mineral concentrations of water can affect the consistency of your customized laundry soap recipe. Play with the ratios by reducing the amount of water or increasing the soap concentration slightly. Finding the right balance may help achieve a more stable mixture.
Settling: As the soap sits, it's not unusual for the mixture may form into a gel or the liquid and gel may separate. Stir or shake well before using. If you find that it still doesn't "mix", you can add a tablespoon or so of super-hot water, this will help the saturation of the additional ingredients.
Keep those questions coming!! Wishing you a happy Summer Solstice, with blessings and love...from my family to yours!
