10 Ways To Use Nature's Purest Soap: The Soapberry – Tree To Tub
10 Ways To Use Soapberries:
On the tree, the soapberries begin as a green color then ripen yellow. Picked or fallen off the tree, the fruit will turn a dark purple-brown and wrinkle. We want to use the berries when they are at this last stage.
Soapberry Liquid: Add a cup of water for every 2 soapberries in a pot over the stove. Boil for 30 minutes on medium heat and strain for the liquid. To store, refrigerate the liquid and it should keep for a month.
Soapberry Powder: Grind up as many soapberries as needed to create a powder. (This will store longer)
1. Face Wash: Use the soapberry liquid extract. Or rub a boiled soapberry in your hand to lather and smooth over face.
2. Shampoo: Use the soapberry liquid extract.
3. Body & Hand Wash: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the soapberry extract. Soapberry is naturally antibacterial.
4. Dish Washing: Combine the extract with some white vinegar. Or use the powder and combine with water to create a lather.
5. Dandruff Treatment: Mix in 1 part soapberry extract with 3 parts coconut oil. Rub into scalp, and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off with your homemade soapberry shampoo.
6. All Purpose House Cleaner: Use the soapberry liquid extract. Or combine a cup of the extract with 2-4 Tbsp of white vinegar and 4 Tbsp of water. This can be used on the floor, over countertops, and wiping windows or glass.
7. Laundry Detergent: Add a few berries to a muslin bag and throw it into your washer with your clothes.
8. Shaving Cream: Take about 10-15 of the soapberries left over after boil and remove the harder part of the shell, then pulse in a food processor. When it becomes a paste, add in few drops of olive oil and soapberry extract. Watch it foam.
9. Jewelry Cleaner: Simply soak your jewelry in the liquid for a few minutes, scrub clean, then wipe it down to reveal the sparkle.
10. Insect Repellant: Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray on any exposed skin Great for camping.
Hi Tammy Sue Wenzel! The soapberries in Texas are called western soapberries (Sapindus saponaria ssp. drummondii) and our soapberries from Taiwan are called Chinese soapberries (Sapindus Mukurossi). Both species contain plant saponin.
If you want to use the berries for soap-making, there’s no need to remove the hull or the shell. You can boil the whole soapberry and use the soapberry solution produced.
Fatima from Tree to Tub
Are the soapberry trees here in Texas the same as the ones in Taiwan. And do I need to remove the hull before I can use them?
Tammy Sue Wenzel
I have been trying different shampoos and conditioners for over 10 years. Products that claim to be all natural, high end brands, you name it I have tried it. Nothing worked in my hair. Products left my hair dry and damaged or greasy and heavy. I decided to try Tree to Tub shampoo and conditioner and immediately fell in love with it. I texted my hair dresser and told her I finally found a product that worked for my hair. The shampoo and conditioner left my hair feeling full and clean. It is super healthy and so shiny! I am so excited I finally found a product that is all natural and leaves my hair healthy and happy!
Stephanie Thommas