Soapnuts have a distinctive vinegar type smell, but your washing and dishes do not smell like Soapnuts after using them.  To make your washing or dishes smell extra clean, add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus to every wash!

Here’s some of our favourite recipes –

Soapnut Liquid Solution

Add 10 – 15 soapnuts to 1 litre of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes.  When the liquid has cooled, strain it and store it in an airtight container or jar – it will last for approximately 2 weeks in room temperature or up to a month in the fridge. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree will make it last slightly longer. The liquid is “off” when it becomes rancid. You can also freeze the liquid in ice cube trays! This is a fantastic base for many wonderful soapnut recipes, so it’s one to remember!

Make Laundry Detergent

Depending on wash load size and amount of soiling, use 4 – 6 soapnuts (or equivalent in pieces) in washbag (or old sock knotted at top) and place in washing machine. Wash as normal in either hot or cold water. Soapnut shells can be reused 4 – 6 times depending on temperature washed at (hotter washes means less rewashes). You can use the liquid recipe above as liquid laundry detergent  –  just put about 3 tablespoons of the liquid into your detergent dispenser. To make your clothes and linen smell lovely just add about 3 or 4 drops of your favourite essential oil to the wash (don’t add the oils to your clothes directly – just add them to the fabric softener or liquid detergent compartment of your washing machine). Soapnuts are suitable for both front loader and top loader washing machines.

Soapnut Laundry Handwash

Use 3 – 4 soapnuts 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. Don’t overdo it with the essential oils! A few drops is more than enough.

General Household Cleaner 

Just add a few squirts of lemon juice or about 100 mls of white vinegar to your Soapnut Liquid Solution, plus any essential oils (orange or eucalyptus are great for cleaning and smell really fresh!) and just spray and wipe in the kitchen or bathroom. Remember to spot test first! This is not for the soapnuts, but for the essential oils which can stain.

Window and Mirror Cleaner

For your inside windows, just add 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Soapnut Liquid Solution to a spray bottle, shake, then spray and wipe on your windows and mirrors. Wipe off with a dry cloth, paper towels or newspaper.

To clean the outside of your windows, fill a bucket with hot water and mix in a cup of Soapnut Liquid Solution and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Then wash your windows and squeegie off the excess solution!