How to Make a Castile Foaming Hand Soap
If you want a hand soap that’s gentle, eco-friendly, and incredibly budget-friendly, learning how to make a Castile foaming hand soap is the perfect solution.
Not only is this a simple DIY that takes less than two minutes, but it also helps cut down on plastic waste and saves you a surprising amount of money over time. With just one large bottle of Castile soap, you can make dozens of batches, so youn will always have fresh soap on hand for a fraction of the cost of store-bought brands.
Why Make a Castile Foaming Hand Soap?
There are plenty of reasons to make a Castile foaming hand soap at home instead of buying pre-mixed soaps from the store:
- Frugal – A single 32-ounce bottle of Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) costs far less in the long run than continually buying pump soaps. Each refill uses just 1–2 tablespoons of concentrated soap, so one bottle lasts for months or even years.
- Eco-friendly – By reusing a foaming soap dispenser, you avoid the single-use plastic bottles that most commercial soaps come in. If you purchase your Castile soap from a refill shop, you can eliminate even more packaging waste.
- Customizable – You can adjust the soap-to-water ratio for the level of foam you like, and add essential oils for scent if you choose. (Castile soap is also available in scented varieties if you don’t want to add your own scents).
How to Make a Castile Foaming Hand Soap – Step-by-Step
What you’ll need:
- A foaming soap dispenser (Reuse one you already have! Yes, even if it’s a plastic one!)
- 1–2 tablespoons liquid Castile soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s or from a refill store)
- 1 cup warm water
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil (or use an already scented Castile soap)
Instructions:
- Add the Castile soap to your foaming dispenser.
- Pour in the warm water, leaving an inch of space at the top.
- If desired, add essential oil drops for fragrance.
- Put the pump back on and gently swirl to mix. Avoid shaking vigorously, as this can create too many bubbles.
Surprisingly, that is it. I can make a new bottle in under a minute now, which really helps in our busy phase of life!
Tips for Success
- Always use warm, not hot, water to help the soap mix without damaging the dispenser.
- If the soap feels too watery, increase the Castile soap slightly.
- A clear dispenser lets you see when you’re running low, but any foaming pump works.
The Bottom Line
When you make a Castile foaming hand soap yourself, you’re choosing a frugal, eco-friendly, and customizable option for your home. Whether you pick up a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s at the store or refill one at your local zero-waste shop, you can skip the overpriced commercial soaps, reduce waste, and enjoy a gentle, effective hand wash every day.
