Castile soap plus orange oil

[Jmb6]

I added orange oil (mostly D-lemonene) to a mix of Castile soap and water. The mix suddenly changed color to a white/milky from transparent.
What happened? What kind of reaction took place.
The mix was supposed to be a cleaning solution for a floor robot with a mopping functionality. Can I still use it?

 

[Nona'sFarm]

I am no expert, but I would guess you would need an emulsifier for the oil to stay in solution with the water and castile soap. I have never tried making solution for a floor robot and don't know if it will cause issues for the robot. As it is, as your solution sits, it will probably separate without an emulsifier; whenever used, it should be shaken thoroughly.
Hopefully there is someone else who may have experience with this that will answer.

 

[DeeAnna]

The d-limonene/orange oil may have acted as a solubilizer for the soap.

I don't know that I'd use it in your situation whether or not it was clear or cloudy. Floors cleaned with soap solutions really need to be rinsed to remove the soap. When using a robot cleaner, IMO it would be better to use a product specifically made for that purpose. Even if you want to create a DIY recipe, research what makes a good product for this application. I don't think a soap solution is the best choice.

Also are you making sure you're using the orange oil safely? While it's generally considered to be safe (GRAS), it can be a respiratory irritant and, if oxidized, it can be a skin sensitizer. IMO, it isn't the best idea to use any EO around pets or children.