Soap Nuts and How to Use Them

Using Soap nuts As a Natural Laundry Detergent.

Place 4 Soap Nuts in the small muslin bag, tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing machine along with your articles of clothing that need washing. You can reuse this batch for 4 or 5 loads of laundry. The soap nuts will be mushy and gray when they need to be composted for your garden. Alternatively, you can use 3Tbsp (45mL) of soap nuts liquid detergent per large load of laundry.

Soap nuts are perfect for HE and front load washers as they do not create many suds! Just remember to put whole soap nuts in the drum of the machine. Soap nuts liquid can go in the detergent drawer.

To Make Soap nuts Liquid:

Boil approximately 12-15 whole soap nuts with 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. When it is boiled down, you will have about 4c. of liquid left. Add extra water, if needed, to keep it at that amount. When cooled, remove the soap nuts, and pour it into an airtight plastic or glass jar. It is better to make the liquid in smaller batches as it can spoil. Experiment with making liquid to see if you prefer a more concentrated version, using 3 cups water instead of 6 cups. Some prefer the concentrated solution for handwashing and shampoo.

To make liquid from soap nuts powder, add 1/4c powder to 6 cups of water and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the sediment, or use as is. Store in an plastic or glass jar.

NEW!!! You can also freeze it in ice cube trays as well. Depending on the size of each ice cube, use two or three per load of laundry. If each ice cube holds about 1Tbsp, use two ice cubes.

Here's how to successfully preserve the liquid:

(Courtesy of www.superiorsoapnuts.com)

You will need resealable and sterlized quart jars and soapnut shells.

Place the equivalent of 7-10 soap nuts in each jar. (It's better to use smaller soap nut pieces). Fill with boiling water but leave a 1/2 inch space at the top. Place the lid on securely.

PRESSURE COOKER: Place the jars in the canner, and process according to manufacturer's instructions for 15 minutes at 10lbs of pressure.

Use only canning jars if you use this method.

WATER BATH: Place the filled jars in a large pot of boiling water. Make sure to cover the jar completely. Bring to a rolling boil and set the timer for 30 minutes. Remove jar from boiling water and let cool.

OVEN METHOD: Preheat the oven to 250F. Place 7-10 soap nuts in a clean glass quart jar with a resealable lid. Fill with boiling water but leave 1/2 inch at the top. Place lid on securely. Watch until it starts to bubble and then time it for 30 minutes.Turn off oven and let cool a little. Remove from oven.

PERSONAL USE

Mosquito Repellent

Spray it onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.

Liquid Hand Soap

Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. It will not create tons of lather like traditional soap, but it will still get your hands clean. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand wash a tea tree soap.

Shampoo

Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo. It can even help prevent dandruff and hair loss! Leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. It will not create a lot of suds, but it will still work!

Hand Washing Silks and Delicates

Add 1 or 2tsp. soap nuts liquid or powder to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes, lingerie or undergarments. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.

CLEANING

All Purpose Cleaner

Keep it in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors etc. Add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a different scent.

Steam Cleaning Spot Treatment

Add 3Tbsp. to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.

Window and Glass Cleaner

Fill a spray bottle with 2c. water, 1Tbsp.vinegar and 1Tbsp. soapnuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.

In the Dishwasher

Fill the soap dispenser with the liquid. Make sure to scrape the dishes clean first. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!

AROUND THE HOUSE

Cleaning Jewelry

Soak your jewelry in the liquid for a few minutes. Use an old soft toothbrush to gently remove debris. Rinse with clean water and polish with a dry cloth.

For Your Pets

Add the liquid to a spray bottle or foaming pump bottle to wash your pet's fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable. Also spray directly onto pet's fur to help repel mosquitoes.

Plant Wash and Pest Repellent

Add 1c. water, 1Tbsp. soap nuts liquid and 1Tbsp. Neem oil (optional) to a clean spray bottle. Shake well.

For plant wash, spray leaves and wipe clean. To repel pests, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.