All Purpose Soapberry Liquid

This is the All Purpose Cleaning Soapberry Liquid Soap that Grows on Trees!

Yield: Makes approx. 20 oz.

Cost per jar: Approx. $1.60 (Cost varies by soapberry retailer. This is an approximation.)

Shelf Life: Keep refrigerated when not in use for up to 1 month

Time: Approx. 30-35 minutes

Benefits: Cost effective, organic (if you choose organic ingredients), safe for children and babies (externally), simple and easy to obtain ingredients, may be grown in your backyard

Materials:

5 soapberries

20 cups tap water

2 lemons

20 oz glass jar (I reused a wheat germ jar)

Cutting knife

Pot

Mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional)

One of the following: (something to grind the soapberries)

Stick blender

Bullet blender

Coffee grinder

Food processor

Mortal & pestle 

I'm not sure how effective a mortal & pestle may be, but it's worth a try if you don't have any of the above items for some reason.

Instructions:

1. Grind your soapberries and pour into your pot. They do not have to be ground fine.
2. Slice the lemons into fourths.
3. Squeeze the juice out of each lemon into the pot then place the juiced lemon into the pot.
4. Fill your storage jar with water and pour the water into the pot.
5. Bring your mixture to a boil.
6. Boil for 30 minutes or longer.
7. Pour your soapberry liquid into your storage jar. You may strain your liquid at this point.

Where to Buy:

Soapberries (any brand, but preferably organic Sapindus Mukorossi species)

• NaturOli* ($15-20/lb)
• NaturOli Store
• Amazon
• Mountain Rose Herbs* ($6/lb w/ seeds)
• Greener Living* ($20-25/lb)
• Greener Living Store
• Amazon 
• Eco Nuts ($28-38/lb)
• Green Virgin Products ($14-17/lb)
• Wholesale Bulk Soap Nuts ($12-14/lb)

*USDA Certified Organic

Lemons (any brand)

• Any local grocer

Recipe Notes:

I do not strain my liquid because the lemons help keep the product fresher longer (and smell so delicious). However, when using this liquid in a spray bottle or foam bottle, you will need to strain the sediments very well to avoid clogging.

Comments:

When using the soapberry liquid for handwashing dishes, you may see bubbles while preparing the water bath, but notice that they dissipate once you begin adding dishes. Don't worry, this doesn't mean you need to add more soap. Simply wash the dishes in the water and you will notice they will be squeaky clean once it's time to rinse them. You may have to get used to seeing no bubbles while washing your dishes. I know I did. I felt like I was washing them in water because I could see no suds at all, and although I felt like they weren't getting clean, I knew they were because all the food residue was definitely coming off with ease and they were squeaking as I rinsed them. I didn't think I would get used to this and that I may have to give up Soapberry Liquid for handwashing dishes and maybe just use it when I use the dishwasher, but every time I washed them, I loved the way it cleaned like no other and finally stuck with it and began to sometimes prefer it over Biokleen All-Purpose Cleaner.

I have not established an exact usage measurement. For now, I suggest following the liquid usage instructions that come with your soapberries, which usually suggests a tablespoon or so or you should use a little more until you are comfortable with using a low-sudsing product.

At the current time, I have only used NaturOli soap nuts. The other retailers are optional retailers that I considered before my first purchase. Soap nuts are not limited to these retailers. Feel free to do an internet search for more soap nut retailers.

CAUTION:

When ingested in moderate to large quantities, saponins can cause upset stomach or be fatal. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Check out my list of products on my Products page here.