The Mother of All Soap Nuts Recipe Resources | Crunchy Betty (2024)

The Mother of All Soap Nuts Recipe Resources | Crunchy Betty (1)

You know how it goes around here, right? I post great big giant resource pages of things to do with natural ingredients, and you read them all. (Thank you … thank you for being so voracious.)

So, as I mentioned, I’ve been doing just about everything I possibly could with soapnuts for the last two or three weeks, and (nearly) everything in this recipe list, I’ve tried.

Sadly, I am now out of soap nuts. I need a tree, and 9 years.

The good news is: THE HOUSE, MY FACE, AND MY HAIR IS SPARKLY CLEAN! Yay!

So without further ado, here’s how you can use soapnuts to clean your hair, your face, your laundry, your counters, your windows, your pet, and your life.

The Mother of All Soap Nuts Recipe Resources

We’ll do this in sections, so that once you HAVE your own soap nuts (especially exciting if you’re one of the winners of the drawing at the Crunchy Community … don’t forget to enter), you can come back and refer to all this good stuff. If you already have your own soap nuts, you’re pretty crunchy. Pat yourself on the back.

Three notes, though, on using soap nuts in liquid form:

  1. Soap nut liquid will sting your eyes if you’re not careful, so if you’re washing your face or hair with it, remember to keep the peepers closed. The stinging makes it perhaps not a viable option for washing your children’s hair, as well.
  2. Soap nut liquid does not taste good (and it could make your stomach hurt if you ingest too much), so keep your mouth closed while doing the aforementioned things, too.
  3. Soap nut liquid does spoil, unless you use a recipe that also includes a preservative (even then, it won’t last forever) or unless you can it. (For more information on canning to preserve your soap nuts liquid, see this link at Superior Soap Nuts.) Also, I’ve read in several places that adding 1 tsp citric acid to 4 cups of liquid will add weeks to your soap nuts liquid’s life.

Also, you can use soap nuts in four forms:

  • The whole nut/shell, which is good for laundry.
  • Liquid, which you can learn how to make in this post. It’s this form that’s handiest for most soap nut uses.
  • Paste, which is basically running the boiled soap nuts through a food processor. This is good for shaving cream and heavy-duty cleaning jobs.
  • Powder, which you can buy in powder form, or make yourself by grinding the shells VERY finely (in a coffee or spice grinder – the good news is, it cleans out really easily). This is good for laundry or adding to a homemade dishwasher detergent, which I’ll talk more about right now.

Household Recipes with Soap Nuts

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Soap Nut Power Dishwasher Detergent

  • 1 c. Borax
  • 1 c. Washing Soda
  • 1/8 c. Finely Grated Castille Soap
  • 1/8 c. Finely Ground Soap Nut Shells

Stir everything together well, and use as you would a dry dishwasher detergent. (Don’t forget to put white vinegar in the rinse well, too!)

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CrunchyBetty Says: I got to this recipe in a roundabout way. See, there are many resources that say you can just pour soap nuts liquid into your dishwasher detergent well and just use it like that. However, I did my dishes like that twice, and both times I still had some food on the dishes. (I’m not keen on completely washing off dishes before adding them to the dishwasher. As long as there’s no chunks of food on it, it goes in the machine.)

However, even though there was still some visible food on the dishes, they were audibly squeaky clean. And then the lightning bolt.

My homemade dishwasher detergent works really well at scrubbing the dishes, but it often leaves a thin white film on plastics and the bottoms of my pots and pans. Soapnuts were the missing ingredient! The thing that made the homemade dishwasher detergent absolutely and completely perfect.

If you’re the type of household that rinses all your dishes completely off before popping them in the dishwasher, though, you’ll probably be just fine using soap nuts liquid as a dishwasher detergent. Just pour the liquid in the well and go.

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Soap Nut Glass Cleaner

  • 1 Tbsp Soap Nut Liquid
  • 2 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1/2 c. Water
  • 2 Tbsp c. Isopropyl Alcohol (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Use as you would any glass cleaner. This doesn’t streak, and it’s also really great for windows/glass that are particularly messy (like toothpaste splatters or mud on the outside of windows).

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Crunchy Betty Says: Because the soap nuts liquid doesn’t keep, I made mine in a smallish batch, like the above recipe. It was enough to clean all the windows and mirrors in my house, with some left over. I’m going to keep it under the sink for a while and test it, just to see how long it lasts. Vinegar is a fantastic preservative, so I’m betting it’ll go a good month or two before a new batch needs to be made.

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General Household Soap Nut Cleaner

  • Straight Soap Nut Liquid

or

  • 1/2 c. Soap Nut Liquid
  • 2 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1/8 c. Water

Combine everything in a small bowl or spray bottle, and use as you would a kitchen or bathroom cleaner.

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Crunchy Betty Says: When I used the soap nut liquid straight to clean my counters, it seemed like maybe there was a bit of a residue on my counter, so I filled up a bottle with the second recipe, and it works like a charm. I found it exceptionally helpful in cleaning off the hood over the stove (the part that gets all oddly dirty and sticky when the stove hood elves come out at night and party).

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Soap Nut Bathroom Cleaner

Stir everything together well, breaking up any clumps. You should have a thickish paste, which you can add more liquid to, if you’d like it thinner. Scoop out a bit of the paste with your sponge and clean your bathroom counters/tub/toilet with it. If you have any remaining, drop it in the toilet and use the toilet brush to clean the bowl well.

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Crunchy Betty Says: This is similar to the homemade bathroom cleaner I usually use, but it definitely has more immediate scrubbing power. It doesn’t particularly whiten the toilet bowl, though, so if I were to do it over again, I might add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice in the bowl as I scrubbed it. Smells so super fresh, though!

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Soap Nut Hand Wash

Mix everything together in a small pump bottle and use as you would any hand soap. Alternatively, you could just wash your hands with a little bit of soap nut liquid, but adding this all together will give more cleansing power, and mixing the essential oils and castille soap in with the soap nut liquid will prolong the life of the liquid.

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Soap Nut Laundry Detergent

There are so many ways to use soap nuts for laundry detergent, and none of them really require a recipe. Here are the three best ways:

  • Liquid: Add 1/8 c. soap nut liquid to the wash, in lieu of regular laundry detergent.
  • Nuts: Place 4-5 soapnuts in a muslin or spice bag. Place in the washing machine, and wash your clothes as usual. Replace the nuts after 4-5 washes, or when the flesh starts to lose its color and turn a bit gray.
  • Powder: Grind the shells (not the pits) into a fine powder. Add 1 tsp soap nut powder to a load of laundry.
  • Ice Cubes: Freeze soap nuts liquid in ice cube trays. Store in the freezer. Use 3 ice cubes per load of laundry.

For really grimy loads of laundry, add 3-4 Tbsp borax to the soap nut concoction of your choice, and wash clothes with the mixture.

Soap Nut Liquid Bug Spray (for Skin and Garden)

Pour some soap nuts liquid into a small spray bottle. Spray your skin (or plants) with the liquid. This should work as mosquito and pest repellent – and it’s SO eco-friendly. For extra bug-repelling power for your skin, add 2-3 drops citronella essential oil to the liquid before spraying.

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Soap Nut Jewelry Cleaner

  • 3 Tbsp Soap Nut Liquid
  • 1/4 c. Distilled Water

Mix the two ingredients together and place jewelry into the liquid. Allow the jewelry to sit for 15-20 minutes. With a small toothbrush, gently scrub your jewelry clean. Sparkly!

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Soap Nut Beauty Recipes

Soap Nut Shampoo

  • 3-4 Tbsp Soap Nut Liquid

In the shower, carefully pour the soap nut liquid over your hair and scrub in. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse out well. Soap nuts leave your hair clean, but really incredibly soft and bouncy!

Attention No ‘Pooers: If you have dry or wiry hair issues from going no ‘poo, soap nuts could be your answer. Before your final water rinse, try pouring a bit of soap nuts liquid into your hair and letting it sit for a few minutes. Rinse well. Softness and manageability ensues.

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Soap Nut Dandruff Treatment

  • Pre-Wash: Mix together 1 Tbsp soap nuts liquid with 3 Tbsp coconut oil. Massage into scalp for a few minutes. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.

Then wash with:

  • 3 Tbsp soap nuts liquid
  • 3 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 1 Tbsp Liquid Castille Soap

Mix the above ingredients together, and use as you would shampoo. If you do the coconut oil scalp treatment beforehand, there should be no reason to use conditioner after shampooing. Repeat three times a week until dandruff is gone.

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Soap Nut Facial Cleanser

  • Soap Nut Liquid

Rinse your face with warm water. On a clean, damp washcloth, pour a tablespoon or so of soapnuts liquid. Gently scrub your face with the washcloth and rinse well.

Alternatively: And this is the way I’m really enjoying the soap nuts liquid at the moment.

  • 1 Tbsp Gentle Homemade Face Scrub (like this recipe here)
  • 1 Tbsp Soap Nuts Liquid

Mix the two things together in a small bowl. Rinse your face well with warm water, and then gently scrub the mixture onto your face for 2-3 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and finish up with moisturizer.

Crunchy Betty Says: Soap nuts have a decently sturdy reputation at treating acne. Try it out and let me know if it helps!

Soap Nuts Body Wash

  • Soap Nuts Liquid

Wherein, you just pour the liquid on your washcloth and wash yourself with it. As a reminder, soapnuts are both cleansing AND softening, so your skin’ll be super soft after doing this.

OR: Drop 3-4 soap nuts in a fabric soap holder (I have a couple of cute knitted ones I found on Etsy last year that work really well). Run the contained soap nuts through the shower water for a few seconds, and then scrub your body with them. Easy, simple, and so naturally effective!

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Soap Nuts for Athlete’s Foot

  • 3 Tbsp Soap Nut Liquid or 1 tsp Soap Nut Powder
  • 3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 3 drops Tea Tree Oil

Stir everything together well and massage into freshly washed feet, concentrating on the effective area. Apply socks. Do not rinse off.

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Soap Nut Shaving Cream

  • Flesh from 15 Soap Nuts, leftover after boiling them for liquid
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 tsp Soap Nuts Liquid

After pitting and removing the hulls around the pits (as well as any “harder” chunks of the boiled soap nuts flesh), put the flesh into your food processor and turn it on. After the flesh has become a paste, dribble in the olive oil and liquid. Watch out! The paste starts to foam A LOT. Shave immediately after making.

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Crunchy Betty Says: THIS IS AWESOME. Legs are super smooth after shaving with this cream. However, there are two downfalls: First of all, I still had a little bit of chunky soapnut flesh in my mixture, so I had to shave around it. That really wasn’t a huge issue; it was just different than normal shaving cream.

Secondly, the cream doesn’t stay foamy overnight, so this might be a one-time use situation. I left the jar in the fridge overnight, and the soap nuts and oil separated. I stirred them together, which got rid of the air, so it’s more of a paste at this point. I’m still going to shave with it – it’s just not the same fun foam that it once was.

Want to see a picture of it?

The Mother of All Soap Nuts Recipe Resources | Crunchy Betty (2)

More With Leftover Soap Nut Flesh

My favorite part about soap nuts is that you can use every last piece of them for something. (I LOVE the necklace idea using soap nuts pits, by the way. Thank you guys!)

The best part is the flesh. After eking out as much saponin from the flesh by boiling soapnuts (again, here’s how you make the soap nuts liquid), you can use the flesh for the shaving cream above.

Or, you can get down to brass tacks and make a paste out of it for heavy-duty bathroom cleaning. Just toss the flesh in the food processor and let it go for a few minutes. Then add a little baking soda to the soapnuts paste and stir. This is great to use on grimy shower doors or for cleaning grout.

Nutty for Soapnuts!

OKAY. THERE. If you’re not convinced enough to pick up soap nuts yet, let me just remind you one. last. time. that there’s an awesome giveaway going on over at the Crunchy Community.

It ENDS TONIGHT.

So don’t forget to enter now.

And don’t forget to check out the soap nuts at Mountain Rose Herbs (along with all their other magnificent homemade beauty items)*.

*Reminder: That is an affiliate link. Love it. Use it.

The Mother of All Soap Nuts Recipe Resources | Crunchy Betty (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in soap nuts? ›

The functional ingredient in soap nuts is found in the dried shells - or husks - of the fruit of the 'Sapindus mukorossi' tree native to India and Nepal. Soap nuts contain natural surfactants called saponins. These ingredients turn into mounds of bubbles when you add water and give them a shake.

Can I use borax with soap nuts? ›

How to Use Soap Nut Laundry Detergent. Add four tablespoons of homemade laundry liquid to a medium-sized load of laundry. Wash according to recommendations on clothes. For heavily soiled clothes, add 1-2 tablespoons of borax powder to the wash.

How many times can you use soap nuts? ›

Each dose of nuts is also reusable for up to four times. Soap Nuts are gentle on your skin and clothes, and ensure that colours stay brighter for longer. Additional key attributes: hypoallergenic and biodegradable. A little note: Soap Nuts have been used for thousands of years as a natural washing detergent.

How long do soap nuts last? ›

No. In humid conditions SoapNuts absorb moisture and become sticky. If this happens it won't affect the product or its cleaning capabilities, it will still wash brilliantly.

Can you wash your body with soap nuts? ›

Not only can you do your laundry, and clean virtually everything in your home with Soap Nuts and Soap Nuts liquid, you can also use the Soap Nut liquid as a gentle, natural, organic shampoo and body wash!

What are the benefits of soap nuts for laundry? ›

The berry has a natural detergent or Saponin and when the nut shell absorbs water, the saponin is released creating a soaping effect with lather that circulates as a natural surfactant freeing clothing from dirt, grime and oils.

How do you dispose of soap nuts? ›

Disposing of Used Soap Nuts

When soap nuts have been used to their fullest, they can be composted or added to your green waste bin. As they are a natural product, they will break down without any harmful impact on the environment. You can also reuse the shells by adding them to your garden soil as a natural fertilizer.

Can I use vinegar with soap nuts? ›

Add white distilled vinegar for more disinfectant jobs. Windows & Glass: Combine 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon soap nut liquid and 1 Tablespoon white vinegar. Place in a spray bottle and spray your surfaces and wipe clean.

How do you activate soap nuts? ›

Soap nuts are activated by warm or hot water, so if you plan on washing your clothes on this setting, you should be fine. However, if you plan on using cold water to wash your clothes, you'll have to first soak your soap berries in boiling water for a few minutes.

Can I wash my face with soap nuts? ›

The cleaning properties of soap nuts are safe for natural skin care and hair care. You can wash your hair and body with soap nut liquid (and extra vegetable glycerin to make it thicker!), or even just scrub your body with a handful of soap nuts.

How to tell when soap nuts are used up? ›

The best way to tell if the soap nuts are used up is to put the drawstring wash bag with the used soap nuts in them into a jar with a lid with some water shake the jar and if you get suds then they are still good for another load. Pour the soapy water and the washbag into the washer and you're ready for the next load.

How do you add fragrance to soap nuts? ›

You can presoak your soapnuts for a few minutes to activate the soap before putting them in the washing machine drum. Add 15-20 drops of essential oil into the small muslin bag to add your favourite scent, soapnut shells don't have a smell.

What are the disadvantages of soap nuts? ›

Using soap nuts are eco-friendly, chemical free and don't make your hands dry! The possible downside was the smell. When I was boiling the soap nuts, the kitchen reeked of sap, possibly due to lack of ventilation. Not to worry, though, because the lemon peels did get rid of the smell so, in the end, it was odorless.

Can you wash dishes with soap nuts? ›

Soapnuts can be used to wash clothes, dishes, windows, vehicles, shower screens and still there are many other uses. They leave the clothes clean, soft and fragrant free. Soapnuts save us from polluting the water with synthetic chemicals and from irritating our skin.

What is the active ingredient in soap nut? ›

Due to the presence of saponins, soapnut is well known for its detergent and insecticidal properties and it is traditionally used for removing lice from the scalp.

What ingredient in soap causes allergies? ›

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a detergent that can be found in bar soaps and liquid hand soap. SLS can cause allergic reactions on top of being an irritant, and should therefore not be used by people with sensitive skin or those who are at risk for developing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Which chemical is used in soap pod and soap nut? ›

Soap nut and soap pod are naturally obtained cleansing agents. A chemical substance named saponin is present in these cleansing agents which produces lather with a soap solution.

Do soap nuts really work? ›

Soap nuts work at cleaning – and are most often used in place of laundry detergent. However, this is only one use for them. And, it should be noted that while they will absolutely clean your clothes, it's a much more gentle clean than what you may be used to (in comparison to Tide pods, lets say).

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