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6 Ways to use Soapberries

6 Ways to use Soapberries

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Soapberries are a natural alternative to chemically made laundry detergent.

Share:

Soapberries are a natural alternative to chemically made laundry detergent.

Offering a variety of uses, without the waste, soapberries are also hypoallergenic, grey water safe, vegan friendly and palm oil free.

Furthermore, these wonderful little berries can also be used throughout your home as a household cleaner, shampoo, hand wash, dishwashing liquid and even shaving foam.

Soapberries are incredibly effective, gentle to our environment and our skin. Ideal for sensitive skin, off grid living and travel. So, if you are looking for a natural, environmentally friendly laundry detergent, soapberries are the perfect option.

Here’s our favourite soapberry recipes to use and try around the home.

Soapberry Laundry Detergent

The simplest way to use soapberries is in your laundry. Simply add 5 soapberries into the small cotton bag provided, and throw in the wash with your clothes!

Once your wash has finished hang your soapberry bag on a hook or clothes line. You can use them again for your next load of washing.

You can reuse the same shells for 3-4 more loads with cold water or 1-2 more on hot. Soapberries are suitable for use in top loaders and front loaders.

Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, these unscented berries will leave your clothes feeling soft and clean. Gentle enough on delicate garments and children’s clothes.

Did you know? Saponins are released from the berries more effectively in hot water. So for clothes needing a deeper clean, use a warm-hot wash setting, or soak your small bag of soapberries in hot water for 5 minutes, before throwing them in your washing.

Soapberry Liquid

Making a soapberry liquid provides a base recipe for a range of applications around the home.

STEP 1.  Add 8-10 soapberry shells and 1 litre of water to a large saucepan and boil for 15-20 minutes.

STEP 2. Boil for 20 minutes and stir regularly to extract more saponin.

STEP 3. Once the liquid has cooled down, squeeze the berries to release more saponin. Then grab a large glass jar and strain the liquid through the small cotton bag.

STEP 4. Cover with a lid or cloth and keep in the fridge.

Did you know? You can extend the life of your soapberry liquid base by adding 2 tsp of citric acid whilst the liquid is still hot. This acts as a natural preservative and prevents the need for a fridge.

Soapberry Household Spray

Soapberries are naturally antibacterial and antifungal making it ideal for cleaning kitchen worktops, showers, mouldy areas and other surfaces.

STEP 1. Grab your soapberry liquid and a spray bottle.

STEP 2. Pour the required amount of liquid into the bottle and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil or tea tree oil.

That’s it.. easy!

Did you know? Adding essential oils such as eucalyptus not only smells nice, it also boosts the antibacterial properties!

Soapberry Glass Cleaner

Another fantastic way to use your soapberry liquid is to make your own natural glass cleaner.

STEP 1. Mix ⅔ of soapberry liquid with ⅓ of white vinegar.

STEP 2. Add a few drops of antiseptic essential oil such as tea tree or eucalyptus

STEP 3. Add this mixture to a spray bottle and apply as needed.

Did you know? If you can’t use guar gum or prefer an alternative, agar agar or corn flour can be used instead.

Soapberry Hand & Body Wash

Soapberries are naturally gentle and unscented, making them ideal for babies and those with allergies or sensitive skin.

STEP 1. Grab your soapberry liquid and a glass (or ceramic) dispenser.

STEP 2. Add 1-2 tsp of guar gum per 500ml of soapberry liquid.

STEP 3. Mix well to remove lumps and ensure a smooth liquid.

STEP 4.  Add your favourite essential oils for a fresh or fragrant scent.

OPTIONAL. Add more guar gum if you prefer a thicker liquid.

Soapberry Shaving Cream

A lesser known soapberry recipe is to make a fresh and moisturising shaving cream. Furthermore, this simple recipe is very hydrating and can also be used as a moisture-rich wash for babies.

STEP 1. Grab your soapberry hand & body wash (above) and some coconut oil (or olive oil)

STEP 2. Combine 1 tbsp of oil per 100ml of soapberry hand & body wash.

OPTIONAL. Add a few drops off your preferred essential oils.

STEP 3. Use a blender to mix the ingredients together until you get a soft creamy texture.

STEP 4. Apply to skin and shave as normal.

Note that the foam will disappear quite quickly so you will need to blend directly before using.

Soapberries are such a versatile, natural alternative, you’ll be using them for all your cleaning in no time. Shop Now.

Do you have any questions, or tips to share? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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