Organic Soapberry Recipes

That Red House Organic Soapberries are truly versatile. Apart from using them in the laundry, here are some other ways you can make use of these little gems around the home.

First up, you need to start with your basic soapberry liquid which forms the base for all your other recipes shown below.

Basic Soapberry Liquid

1. Add approximately 10 whole shells per litre of water and boil for 15-20 minutes.
2. Use the back of a large spoon to gently press the soft berries to squeeze out extra saponins, being careful not to break them.
3. Remove the soapberries and allow the liquid to cool and then strain through a cloth to remove any sediment (the small cotton bag provided is ideal for this or you can use an old sock or stocking).
4. Note: you can extend the life of your liquid in all its different uses by adding citric acid to the hot liquid after boiling and removing the soapberries. Add 1 tsp citric acid per 500ml liquid and stir until dissolved. Soapberries are a natural product and the liquid will spoil over time if it is not preserved. Citric acid is a natural, edible preservative available at supermarkets in the baking section. That Red House recommends making enough to liquid to last you no more than 4 weeks. So, this is an easy process you can do once a month to make something that is better for you and the environment. And just imagine all the chemicals you will be eliminating from your life!
5. Hint: storing your Soapberry liquid in the fridge will significantly increase its shelf life.

Kitchen/bathroom/household cleaner

Because soapberries are naturally anti-bacterial and anti fungal, they are perfect for treating mould in the bathroom and for general cleaning around the kitchen and other areas of your home.

• Simply add your strained soapberry liquid to a spray bottle.
• Add your choice of essential oil to the liquid to give it a fresh smell. This will also boost the anti-bacterial properties of the cleaner. Why not try Vrindavan 100% Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil? Or perhaps you would prefer a fresh Peppermint scent or classic Lavender fragrance.

Soapberry shampoo

Soapberries are suitable for babies' delicate skin and anyone with allergies or sensitive skin so they make for a gentle, yet effective shampoo.

• Take your strained soapberry liquid and add some guar gum to thicken.
• Add 1-2 tsp of guar gum per 500ml. Just how thick you make the liquid is up to you and your personal choice. As a guide, 2 tsp of guar gum should allow you to reach a viscosity similar to that of conventional shampoos.
• Hint: you can use a hand-held blender to thoroughly mix the guar gum through the liquid and remove all the lumps. 
• If you like, you can add a fragrance to the shampoo by adding a little essential in your preferred scent.
• If you do not have guar gum, you can substitute cornflour or agar agar.
• Initally, the mixture will be frothy but the bubbles will disappear after letting it stand.
• As with regular shampoo, avoid getting the mixture in your eyes when using your shampoo.

Soapberry shaving cream & moisturising baby wash

This soapberry shaving cream is really hydrating and can also be used as a moisture-rich wash for babies.

• Take your thickened shampoo liquid and drizzle olive oil into it. You can also use any other safe moisturising oil. Add 1 tbs of oil per 100ml of the thickened shampoo liquid.
• Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil, if you like, prior to blending.
• Use a blender to mix the oil and liquid together to form an emulsified cream.
• You should end up with a soft cream, great for shaving and perfect for washing your baby's delicate skin.

Soapberry Handwash

This handwash will kill harmful bacteria and leave your skin feeling soft and clean.

• Add guar gum to your boiled and strained soapberry liquid to thicken it up.
• Try 1-2 tsp of guar gum per 500ml but the thickness is a personal choice, so experiment with what works best for you.
• You can mix the guar gum through the liquid with a hand-held blender to remove all the lumps. 
• Again, you can add your choice of essential oils to the mix to leave your hands smelling fresh and clean.

Soapberry Pre-wash stain remover

As with conventional laundry detergents, stains often require a little bit of extra attention. Try this natural stain remover recipe.

• Depending on the type of stain, you can use your soapberries as a pre-wash stain remover in two different ways:

1. Use your liquid in a spray bottle and spray directly onto the stain. Give it a bit of a rub and then throw the garment into the wash.
2. For stubborn stains, use a thickened soapberry mixture with a little eucalyptus oil added. Apply mixture directly to the stain and gently rub until stain is released from the fabric. Wash the garment as per usual.

Stainless steel & glass cleaner

• Create a misture of 2/3 soapberry liquid and 1/3 vinegar plus a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle.

Disclaimer: The information, advice and tips on this page have been obtained from That Red House as published on their website.