Natural Cleaners Part V: Liquid Castile Soap

Part V of our "Natural Cleaners" contines with the natural cleaning power of liquid castile soap. This is a plant-based soap, like others, but is gentler than them so doesn't dull surfaces.

Use liquid castile soap to clean the following (courtesy of Real Simple magazine):
*car - mix 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap with hot water in a bucket. Rub the solution on the car surface, including hubcaps, windshield, and tires. Rinse off.
*floors - mix 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap with 2 gallons warm water. Adding 1/4 cup white vinegar to the mix will help cut grease, as well.
*leather upholstery - add just 2 drops of liquid Castile soap to 1 quart of warm water and apply with a damp sponge.
*marble countertops - stir 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap into 1 quart of warm water. With a damp cloth, wipe the surface of the countertops, rinse, and finally dry with clean cloth.
*sinks, showers, ceramic tile & tubs - combine 1 tablespoon liquid Castile soap with 1/3 cup baking soda, and scrub on!
*stovetop - take just a few squirts of liquid Castile soap & mix with 2 cups of hot water. Apply solution to the stovetop, burners & vent hood to rid grease.

Happy cleaning! Stay tuned for next Thursday, June 18th, when we wrap up the series with a few more surprising items from you pantry that are great grease and dirt-fighting stars!