Shelf life
Castile soap on its own has a long shelf life if stored correctly (up to 2 years). Once diluted with water and without preservatives, the water becomes the limiting factor. I recommend making small batches and using them within a six months. Store in a clean, sealed bottle.
The best way to use it
This dish liquid works best when it’s used directly on a sponge, rather than added to a full sink of water. Soap performs more effectively when it’s applied to the surface that needs cleaning, instead of being diluted further.
If you made it too thin or too thick
If the wash is too thick, dilute with a small amount of water and mix gently. If it’s too thin, allow it to rest for an hour, as the gel can continue to thicken over time and then if needed add some more xanthan gum. Mix xanthan gum with glycerine first to form the paste otherwise it will clump.
Using Castile Soap undiluted
This recipe shows you how to dilute and thicken a water and soap based solution. You could of course just use the Castile Soap as is, undiluted for things like dish washing. This is a more concentrated solution, so you can use less.If you are not diluting the Castile Soap, you can thicken it with a saline solution as an alternative to the xanthan gum
Use on skin and pets
Castile soap, especially unscented versions, is generally safe for sensitive skin when heavily diluted. Always avoid the eyes, as soap can sting. When it comes to babies, pets and sensitive skin, dilute, dilute, dilute! Always patch test first to check for any reaction.
Do not ever
Mix vinegar directly with Castile Soap or this dishwashing liquid solution. The ingredients will react, turning into a white milky solution that can cause damage to surfaces.
A 'slimy' feeling
That feeling comes from olive oil–based soap and is completely normal. Hot water and a good rinse remove it easily. If you don’t enjoy that feel, coconut soap flakes are a good alternative. You can use them loose, pressed into a ball, or added to a soap swisher.
