Learn how to use soapberries or soapnuts in place of washing detergent – an all-natural, biodegradable, toxin-free option. Soap berries can actually be used to replace many chemical-filled items around your home.
How to use soap berries or soapnuts in place of washing detergent
I’m a massive nerd at heart.
Nothing gets my little heart beating more than experimenting with something that I don’t really think will work, only to have it work brilliantly.
Over the years I’ve been on a bit of a quest to ditch the chemicals in our lives.
Skincare was relatively easy.
There are so many options out there now and you don’t have to spend a fortune.
Plus these days I make most of my own.
Cleaning – well there’s not much that good old bicarb and vinegar can’t fix is there?
It’s washing clothes that I’d given up on.
Well not the actual washing (wish I could give up on that), but the whole finding a natural product solution that didn’t cost a fortune and actually did the job.
I still hated the idea of using traditional laundry detergent (you know the stuff from the supermarket) with all the added toxic chemicals.
Plus I want something that is gentle on sensitive skin and works in cold water.
I tried making my own washing detergent and yeah it was good, but way too much effort for this self-professed lazy girl.
Enter… soap berries.
I’d never even heard of them until a few years ago (so don’t beat yourself up if you’re thinking why would anyone want to eat a berry that tastes like soap!)
But… I’m nuts for soapnuts.
Yep I totally just went there.
What are soap berries?
In my words, they’re these little, totally natural berries that resemble hollowed out, dried, hard, round dates that wash your clothes!
In more technical terms – they grow on a soapberry tree, drop to the ground, dry naturally and are ready to use to wash your clothes.
They’re rich in saponins – a fancy word for a natural soap – which helps the water to release dirt, grime and oils from fabrics.
Are soap berries and soap nuts the same thing?
They sure are. Some call them soap berries and others call them soap nuts.
Why are soapberries or soapnuts so awesome?
Where do I even start. I’ll give you a list:
- Soap berries are all natural
- Soap berries are 100% biodegradable (reducing landfill) – when I’m finished with them I just throw them out into the garden.
- Soap nut shells can be added to compost so break down into a natural fertilizer.
- Soap berries look a lot prettier than a bottle of washing detergent on display – I keep mine in a pretty glass jar above the sink.
- Soap berries are really effective at cleaning clothes.
- Clothes washed with soap berries actually smell clean.
- Soap berries are grey water and septic tanks safe.
- Soap berries are ridiculously easy to use.
- At about 14c per wash (I bought a ½ kg bag of soap nuts which does 180 loads of washing for $25) soap berries are really inexpensive.
- Soap berries don’t foam up so you can use them in front and top loaders.
- Soap berries are very flexible and you can use them for a lot more than just washing clothes. They're a multi-purpose cleaner.
You might also like – how to make scented soy candles
How to use soap berries or soapnuts
So, now you know how awesome they are, let me show you how to use soapberries or soapnuts in 5 different ways.
1 - Washing clothes
- For washing clothes, you just pop 5 whole soapberry shells or soapnuts in a little calico or small cotton bag and throw it in the wash.
- You can add a few drops of essential oil for scent. Tea tree oil is great for washing.
- We don't recommend using essential oils if you're washing baby clothes.
How many times can you use soap berries
The recommendation is that you change out the berries in the bag after 5 loads of laundry.
I found it better to go by look/feel of them. Once they started to dry out I would replace them.
Using warm water will dry them out faster.
Do soap berries work as fabric softener?
No you will need to add something for softening. We use a cup of white vinegar.
Side note - did you know that most of the cleaning work in washing clothes is done by the agitation of the washing machine.
The detergent (or in this case the soap berries) only do a little of the work.
2 - Stain remover spray made with soap berries
- Make a master mixture – naturally antibacterial and antifungal:
- Add about 3 whole shells (or equivalent) per cup of water and boil for 15-20 minutes.
- Use the back of a large spoon to gently press the soft berries to squeeze out extra saponins. Be careful not to break them
- Strain the cooled liquid through a cloth (I just used a chux)
- Optional but to preserve the liquid (it’s all-natural remember), add 1 teaspoon citric acid (you can get it at the supermarket) per 500ml of water while it is still hot.
- To use as a pre-wash stain remover, pour it into a spray bottle and spray on any stains, rub it in and then throw the item in the wash.
3 - Hand wash/ body soap made with soap berries
- Add a tablespoon of oil (jojoba, olive or fractionated coconut oil) per 100ml of the master soapberry liquid to make a liquid soap or body wash.
- To thicken, add 1 teaspoon of guar gum per 500ml of liquid and then blend the mixture.
- I add essential oils to make it smell nice.
4 - Using soap berries in the dishwasher
- Pop about five soap berries in a tea strainer or in the cutlery basket of your dishwasher and run it as usual with no dishwashing liquid or tables.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse aid section if things are a bit streaky.
5 - Use soap berries to makes an all purpose house cleaner spray
- Pour the master liquid into a spray bottle and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil and you'll have a natural household cleaner.
- Use it to clean bench tops, showers, stainless steel and sinks.
Can you use soap berries as shampoo
Yes. The master liquid can be used as shampoo. It won't foam up like regular shampoo but it will clean your hair well.
Where to buy soap berries or soap nuts
I buy my organic soap berries (red house soapberries is the brand) online through Flora and Fauna (they call them soap nuts) but there are a few online retailers who sell them.
I guarantee you’ll love them.
Seriously, I am obsessed!
I keep mine a recycled glass jar. Here’s how I take the labels off quickly and easily!
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