Soapberry Harvest

HOW TO USE SOAPBERRIES

There are a lot of ways to get the benefit of the cleaning power of soapberries. To get started, here are a few easy ways to use them. You will find what best fits your needs and no doubt discover many more uses than are listed here.

For laundry

–Add 1 – 1.5 teaspoons of powder in the wash water before adding the clothes to be washed.  Because it is 100% natural it will not totally dissolve in the water, and it will not produce a lot of suds, but it will release a lot of sapponins and get your clothes clean.

OR Place 5  soapberries in a small re-usable cotton or mesh bag (a sock will work), tie closed and place in washer to wash a load of laundry. The nuts may be re-used for up to 5 loads of laundry and do not need to be removed for the rinse cycle. When the shells appear mushy and gray, they can be composted.

OR Use it as an extract(see instructions below) 1/4 cup of the soap nut liquid can be used for a load of laundry. The soap nuts have an odor slightly like vinegar, but will not leave any odor on the clothes you wash in them. If you desire to have a fragrance, you can add an essential oil

Mild Abrasive Cleaner

–  use a small amount of powder, with a rag or sponge.  The combination of the grit from the powder, the saponins and ASOGS makes this a very effective scrub for kitchen counters, sinks, toilets and tubs. You can use an old spice jar as a dispenser if you want.

Sapindus Saponaria Extract

– 2 tablespoons of powder in 4 cups of water. Heat powder in the water to boiling, Remove from heat and allow the powder to steep until cool.  Once cooled add any essential oils you want to use. Any liquid that is not used immediately should be saved in the refrigerator. (As an alternative you can add 1 teaspoon of salt or baking soda as a mild preservative.) The used berry residue can be used as a natural fertilizer.

OR 

place the equivalent of 12-15 whole soapberries in about 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20-30 minutes, allow the berries to steep untill cool. Once cooled you can add a small amount of essential oil like lavender, tea tree, or peppermint, to add a pleasant aroma. 

 

Extract will last 3-4 days at room temperature, and for several weeks in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen as ice cubes to store for an extended time. As an alternative you can add 1 teaspoon of salt or baking soda as a mild preservative.

Sapindus Saponaria Extract Uses

1. Laundry: Use 1/4 cup of extract to do a normal load of laundry.

2. General household cleaner for counters, floors, windows, dishes etc. It is excellent for bathrooms and showers as it has anti-fungal properties. In a small jar, combine 1 part extract with 1 part water
   (2 – 3 drops of essential oil – optional)
   (2 teaspoons of white vinegar — optional)
   Keep unused cleanser in the refrigerator

3. Body cleanser Combine 1 teaspoon of extract in 1 cup of water.
   Pour about 2 tablespoons of cleanser on a damp cloth as a face or body wash. Or place in a spray bottle and spray on body and hair.

4. Foaming Hand Wash In an atomizing dispenser bottle add one part extract to two parts water. (Add a teaspoon of glycerin if you want more suds) Unless you add a preservative only make what you can use a day or two at a time.

5. Home Made Soap Additive Soapberry extract can be added to home made soaps for an extra boost of natural clean in your favorite recipe. 

6. Insect Repellent Combine 1 part extract and 2 parts water. Apply to skin as a natural insect repellent.

7. Foliar Plant Spray Add 1-2 tablespoons of extract to a small spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water and shake. Spray the leaves of your plants to help control insects and fungus

 

Soapberry products are non- toxic, but they are strong natural surfactants. They are not for dietary consumption and should be kept away from the eyes. Soapberry products are in general good for the skin, however if skin iritation develops discontinue use.
Soapberries are a completely natural agricultural product.  They are not evaluated by the FDA, and no statement is intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease, nor responsible and competent medical care. All organic products have potential to cause unexpected or unintended consequences and should be used responsibly and with due caution.