Soap Nut Recipes

Laundry detergent
Place 4-7 half shells (or equivalent in pieces) in the washbag (or old sock knotted at top) and place in washing machine. Wash as normal. Soapnut shells can be reused 3-4 times depending on temperature washed at (hotter washes have less rewashes). Then just put them in your compost.

Multi-purpose cleaner
Put a handful of soapnut shells to 500 mls hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain and add liquid to empty spray bottle. This can be used to clean the house from top to bottom – including windows. You can add few drops of eucalyptus oil (optional). Dispose of shells in compost.

Relaxing/Cleansing Bath
Place 3-4 Soap Nut shells in washbag and allow to steep in hot bathwater for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES

Jewellery Cleaner
Mix up a mild Soap Nut/water solution (3-4 soapnut shells with 1 litre hot water) and use to soak jewellery before rinsing, drying and polishing.

Shampoo
Place 3 Soap Nut shells and 500ml water. Simmer for 10 minutes and add cornflour to thicken if desired as well as any essential oils to scent (Lavender is great). The shampoo will not lather as you may be used to but it will clean your hair. PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES. Try using our Foaming Bottle for a great foaming effect.

In the garden
Mix up a Mild solution of Soap Nuts/water (3-4 Soap Nut shells with 1 litre hot water.) Spraying the mild solution on garden plants can help keep some parasites away

Pet cleaner
Mix up a mild solution (3-4 Soap Nut shells with 1 litre hot water.) PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES (can also be useful for prevention of parasites).

Delicates Handwashing solution
Place 6-8 half shells in 500ml boiling water. Allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes and add essential oils if desired. Add to sink/bucket and use to soak and hand wash delicates.