What is a soapberry? The trees and shrubs which are the basis of this family of plants are found in tropical and sub-tropical areas of Nepal and India and have been used in South Asia for centuries as a soap and medicine. Research has taken place into the health benefits of ingesting soapberries (saponins found in soapberries, and other plants, is suggested to be an anti-carcinogen). In fact some Native Nations in North America, as well as auyvedic practitioners in Asia use them medicinally. But here we are looking at their use as a laundry detergent.

What Makes Soapberries, well, ‘Soap’?

So we know soapberries contain saponin, which is a naturally forming chemical within all plant life. According to Wikipedia saponins are a ‘class of chemical compounds found in particular abundance in various plant species. More specifically, they are amphipathic glycosides grouped phenomenologically by the soap-like foam they produce when shaken in aqueous solutions.’

Right. But what does that mean actually, and how does that make soapberries good for laundry and other uses?

In lay terms, every plant contains saponin, = to a greater or lesser extent depending on the plant, which lathers up when stirred up in water. Since soapberries have a high saponin content, they are ideal when it comes to being used as a natural laundry detergent and a chemical free cleaning product.

But how do we use soapberries? There are several methods which include using the whole berry, or making them into a liquid or a powder. For home use, the easiest way is to use the whole berry in the washing machine or make your own liquid detergent which can be used for the laundry, and many other things.

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So Soapberries are the King of Organic Cleaners!

Soapberries not only act as a wonderful, 100% organic laundry and household cleaner, they have positive benefits for the planet and for humans. Find out how using soapberries can help heal the planet here.

In addition, soapberries have health benefits for people, including being anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, and assisting with the control of eczema, psoriasis and dandruff when used as a tropical treatment. See here for more information.

What’s more, all National Organics’ soapberries are harvested in a sustainable manner, and provide a fair-trade income for the growers and harvesters and their communities. See here for information about the communities National Organics work with.

And yes, soapberries do not harm the delicate fabric and can safely be used for washing baby nappies and clothes. Being hypo-allergic, they are perfect for people with sensitive skin and young children. In fact soapberry liquid is so natural and pure it can be used as a handwash, shampoo and body wash as well as for laundry and as a household cleaner. So, yes, soapberries are the King of organic multi-purpose cleaners.

Here is my suggestion to get the best out of soapberries, so do try and see for yourself!

Use the Soapberries Directly

National Organics provides cloth bags in which to place around five soapberries before putting the bag into the washing machine along with your clothes. You might need more berries, depending on the amount of clothes you have to wash. To make them more effective it is recommended to soak the soapberries in hot water first and add both the berries and the water to the machine.

The soapberries can be used for five or six washes, but please note, the more ‘used’ the berries are the less effective they will be on very dirty clothes. So keep the older soapberries for loads which are not heavily stained or dirty. Adding a spoonful of vinegar or baking soda can also enhance the effectiveness of the berries.

Make Liquid Soapberries at Home

You can make your own liquid detergent from soapberries at home! This can then be used as a liquid washing detergent or as a multi-purpose household cleaner. Here’s how it’s done:

Take 10 or 12 soapberries
Take one litre of water
Take 100ml of vinegar

And then:-

Boil the berries in the water for 17 to 20 minutes.
Let the water cool.
Squeeze the berries with a ladle or a spoon inside the boiling pot to extract melted saponin from the shells, but without breaking the shells.
Filter the liquid using either a cloth or the cotton bag provided during purchase of the berries. This removes any sediment.
Add the vinegar to improve the longevity of the liquid.

The liquid will remain useable for up to four weeks, a bit longer if stored in the fridge.