All the Ways You Can Use Soapberries!

Just as you would never apply harsh chemicals like bleach to your skin, you shouldn't be using them to wash your clothing! Recently I wrote a whole post about the incredible benefits of using natural Soapberries! Here on Nourished Life we stock Certified Organic Soapberries (Soap Nuts) that are a toxin free alternatives to mainstream laundry detergents. Made from fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree, That Red House Organic Soapberries are a cheap, hypoallergenic and completely safe way clean your clothing! Although the most common way to use Soapberries is as a laundry detergent, what you might not realise is that you can also use these amazing nuts as a shampoo, hand wash and even a shaving cream!

How to use Soapberries as a Laundry Detergent!

1. Place five shells into the wash bag provided, then use in your next load of laundry.
2. For a deeper clean, use on a warm wash setting or soak your Soapberries bag in hot water for 5 minutes. This allows the saponins to release more effectively.

How to create the Soapberry Liquid!

This simple Soapberry Liquid acts as the base for all of the following recipes!

1. Add 10 whole shells per litre of water, then boil for 15-20 minutes.
2. Using a large spoon, press the berries gently (without breaking) to release excess saponins.
3. Once cooled, strain this liquid through a cloth. You can also use the Soapberries cotton bag.
4. To extend the shelf life of your Soapberry liquid, add some citric acid to the hot liquid after you have boiled and strained your Soapberries. Add 1 tsp of citric acid per 500ml of water. Stir until dissolved. This is a natural way to ensure that your liquid will last up to 4 weeks.
5. Keep in the fridge to increase the lifespan of your soapberry liquid.

How to use Soapberries as a Household Cleaner!

As Soapberries naturally have antibacterial and anti fungal properties, they are ideal for general cleaning as well as treating mould in the bathroom and kitchen!

1. Strain your Soapberry Liquid, and place into a spray bottle.
2. Mix in a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Some great anti-bacterial options are Eucalyptus Oil or Tea Tree Oil.

How to use Soapberries as a Shampoo!

Soapberries can be used to create an ultra gentle shampoo that can be used on the most sensitive of scalps. Perfect for anyone with allergies or sensitivities, this recipe can even be used on babies!

1. After straining your Soapberry Liquid, mix in Guar Gum (or Cornflour) to thicken the consistency. Add 1-2 tsp of Guar Gum per 500ml of liquid. Play around with these measurements, until you reach a consistency that you like.
2. Mix the Guar Gum through the liquid, removing any lumps. A hand mixer is ideal.
3. Include a few drops of your favourite essential oils to create a fresh smelling scent. Lavender and Tea Tree Oils are popular choices.
4. Once the mixture appears frothy, leave to stand so that the bubbles disappear.
5. When using your shampoo, do not get the mixture in your eyes.

How to use Soapberries as a Shaving Cream & Baby Wash

For a rich, moisturising cream that can be used as both a baby wash and shaving cream, Soapberries will do the trick!

1. Start by drizzling Olive Oil into your thickened Soapberry liquid. 1 tbs of Olive Oil per 100ml of thickened shampoo liquid.
2. Before blending, add in any essential oils. Lavender works well for a baby wash as it's soothing and calming. Tea Tree works well for a shaving cream as it has anti-bacterial properties.
3. Use a blender to form an emulsified cream.
4. Use your soft cream on your face or baby's delicate newborn skin!

How to use Soapberries as a Hand wash!

Soapberries can also be used to create a hard working hand wash that is gentle on the skin. This recipe will help to kill off harmful bacteria and leave your hands feeling soft and clean.

1. Strain your boiled Soapberry liquid, then add thickening Guar Gum. Begin with 1-2 tsp of Guar Gum per 500ml.
2. Using a hand blender, mix the Guar Gum through the liquid until all lumps are removed.
3. Add in your selection of essential oils. A popular choice is fresh scented Peppermint Oil or anti-bacterial Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oils.

How to use Soapberries as a Pre-wash Stain Remover!

This recipe is great for getting rid of stubborn stains. It helps to take care of dirt and grime... perfect for anyone with young children!

1. Using your liquid in the spray bottle, spray directly onto the stain. Rub in and throw into the wash.
2. For more stubborn stains, use your thickened Soapberry liquid with added Eucalyptus oil. Apply directly to the stain, rub and include into your wash.

How to use Soapberries as a Stainless Steel and Glass Cleaner

To leave your glass and stainless steel looking clean and shiny (without streaks!) this recipe is a life saver. Using the cleaning benefits of Soapberries, your surfaces will look brand new!

1. Mix ⅔ of Soapberry Liquid with ⅓ of Vinegar.
2. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil into your spray bottle.