Soapnut Soak can safely replace many household chemicals: window cleaner, bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, floor cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, liquid hand soap, delicate laundry soap, and even shampoo! It’s nearly effortless, and the results are so useful and economical!
- In a heavy saucepan with a lid, add four cups of water and 7 - 8 soapnuts.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then gently simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, at least until cool. (Leaving the liquid to sit overnight will result in a stronger soapnut solution).
- Strain the liquid with cheesecloth to remove any small pieces of shell. (If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can even use your washbag as a strainer). Discard remaining soapnut shells.
- If you’d like your Soapnut Soak to have a scent, add your favorite essential oils. (We like to use lemon or tea tree oil for bathroom cleanser, lavender for cold water laundry loads, and Sweet Orange for dishwasher cleaning liquid).
- To store, pour the liquid into a container with a lid.
This batch of Soapnut Soak will wash at least 8 loads of laundry. (Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup for each load). The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to accomodate your laundry schedule! Your Soapnut Soak will keep at least 4 weeks, if kept covered and away from direct heat and sunlight.
To wash in cold water, use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Soapnut Soak, (depending on how soiled the load is). Add it directly in the washing machine. For heavily soiled laundry, more Soapnut Soak can be safely used.
You can make your own Soapnut Shampoo using Soapnut Soak! This solution will leave your hair feeling soft and clean!
- Mix Soapnut Soak with 10 to 15% of your favorite shampoo. Use the mixed solution to wash your hair.
- Use an old shampoo bottle to hold your new Soapnut Shampoo, or, if you want to make your shampoo have more suds (like store-bought shampoo) use a pump bottle instead.
- If your hair feels slightly more stiff than normal once it’s dry, use less Soapnut Shampoo next time. No permanent harm done.
Wash chemical sprays and pesticides away with this simple mixture of Soapnut Soak and water.
- In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of Soapnut Soak to 2 cups of water.
- Soak your fruits and vegetables in the mix, or pour it into a spray bottle and spray them instead.
- Always rinse food well before eating.
Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Soapnut Soak. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Remove any streaks with a dry cloth or wadded-up sheet of newspaper.
To gently wash delicate laundry:
- Add 2 tablespoons Soapnut Soak to warm water.
- Gently agitate laundry until clean.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Hang or lay flat to dry.
Keep Soapnut Soak in a spray bottle, and use it to clean all around your house!
- Experiment with the concentration until you have a mixture you prefer.
- If you like, add a few drops of any of our essential oils to make your home smell wonderful! We particularly love the uplifting scent of our Energy blend!
It’s important to clean the leaves of your houseplants, because dust on their leaves blocks sunlight and reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
- Mix 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons Soapnut Soak in a clean spray bottle.
- To wash plants, spray the leaves and then wipe them clean.
This solution above is also wonderful for repelling and even eliminating common houseplant pests:
- Spray plant thoroughly and generously, covering all surfaces, including the top of the soil.
- Allow to air dry.
Soak your jewelry in Soapnut Soak for 15-20 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to gently remove debris, then rinse with clean water and polish with a dry cloth.
