There’s a genius plant in the world that goes by the name of Sapindus, so genius that it produces berries that contain a natural soap (Saponin) in their shells! The way that natural saponin cleans is gentle enough for those with the most sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis.
Soap Berries are often used as a laundry detergent, however, they have been extremely popular by Zero wasters for many other cleaning and personal hygiene purposes! Pair them with Essential Oils and you’ve got yourself a cost-effective alternative with zerotoxins, zerowaste and zeroharm.
Not only do they smell amazing, essential oils are also highly concentrated and have strong antimicrobial properties. This means they destroy certain germs, bacteria, viruses, fungus and they can break down grease and grime. Different oils are also known for having effects on your mood, for example, lavender has relaxing effects and wild orange has an uplifting and happy effect.
Who would have thought mopping could make you happy?!
Here are some of our fave Essential Oils for cleaning:
Combining Essential Oils & Soap Berries enhances antibacterial benefits, masks odours with pleasant scents and adds therapeutic and mood enhancing benefits.
Using soap berries and essential oils in your LAUNDRY
Laundry Detergent
Add 5 whole shells to the small wash bag provided and place it in the wash with your clothes
Add 3-5 drops of essential oils (of your choice) to the bag to enhance antimicrobial properties, mask odours and give your clothes a fresh smelling scent
Lemon and orange provide a fresh fruity scent whilst having strong antibacterial properties and attacking stubborn stains!
Replace nuts (soap nuts :P) every 5 washes. Place the used nuts in the garden and watch them decompose naturally!
Hot tips:
The hotter the water the better the soap berries activate. So, for the best results wash on warm settings (30 degrees +) or soak the bag of soap berries in hot water 5 minutes beforehand
Don’t leave the bag to sit on light coloured clothes as the soap berries may leave a brown mark
↠ The rest of the recipes require soapberry liquid (this is super simple and easy to make so don’t be worried). All you need is water, a pot and your soapberries!
Watch it here:
Using soap berries and essential oils AROUND THE HOUSE
Household Multi-purpose Cleaner
(Kitchen, Bathroom, Floor, Surfaces etc.)
With their antibacterial and antifungal qualities, soapberries are ideal for general cleaning as well as attacking the dreaded mould in the bathroom and kitchen.
Get yourself a glass spray bottle or re-use a previous household cleaner bottle
Place soapberry liquid into a spray bottle with your choice of essential oils. Our picks are Peppermint or Lemonbecause of their antibacterial benefits and refreshing and uplifting aromas
* refrigerate to extend the life of your natural household multi-purpose cleaner
Glass and Stainless Steel Cleaner
Leave your glass and stainless steel looking freaky fresh and streak free!
Mix 2/3 Soapberry liquid with 1/3 Vinegar in a spray bottle
Using soap berries and essential oils TO GET RID OF STAINS
Stubborn Stain Remover
Stains are like rashes, they often need a little extra attention and care before they go away.
Combine Soapberry Liquid with LemonorEucalyptusEssential Oils
Spray directly on the stain
Rub fabric together till stain is released and place in the wash
Using soap berries and essential oils TO DO THE DISHES
Handwashing Dishes
We eat off these items so a toxin-free alternative should really be up there on the priority list.
Combine Soapberry liquid and desired essential oils (our pick is Lemon, Peppermint or Tea Tree) to a jar or bottle. Now you have your ‘washing up detergent’
Place a small amount of this nutty detergent to the hot water in your sink and proceed to wash your dishes
Dishwasher
For those of you who skip the fun (by ‘fun’ I mean inhaling the lovely scents of the essential oils) and use a dishwasher, pour the liquid into the soap dispenser and run a normal cycle. You’ll be amazed with the results!
There you have it! Five super easy ways to clean your home effectively and naturally using only 2-3 cost-effective products! The powerful combination of Soapberry liquid and essential oils can also be used to clean the car, your glasses, your body, your hands and many other things!
