Make Natural Soapnut Detergent at Home: Eco-Friendly, Skin-Safe & Perfect for Handmade Fabrics
🧺 Here is a recipe of Natural Homemade Detergent with Soapnut (Reetha)
Gentle on fabrics. Tough on dirt. Kind to Earth.
✨ Why Soapnut?
Soapnuts are 100% natural, biodegradable, and chemical-free. They contain saponin, a natural cleanser that works like detergent — but without harming your skin, fabrics, or the environment.
🌱 Ingredients:
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10–15 soapnut shells (reetha)
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4 cups water
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Optional:
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5 drops lavender / neem / eucalyptus essential oil (for mild fragrance + antibacterial)
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A pinch of baking soda (for extra stain-removal power, optional for very dirty loads)
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🧼 Instructions:
🔹 For Liquid Detergent (for hand or machine wash):
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Boil the soapnuts: Add 10–15 soapnut shells to 4 cups of water. Boil for 20–30 minutes until the water reduces to half and becomes frothy.
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Cool and strain: Once cool, strain the liquid into a glass jar or bottle. You can squeeze the shells to extract more saponin.
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Add essential oils (optional): Add 5 drops for mild fragrance and extra antimicrobial properties.
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Store in fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze in cubes for longer storage.
✅ How to Use:
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For handwashing delicate fabrics: Use 1/4 cup of the liquid in a bucket of water.
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For machine wash: Use 1/2 to 3/4 cup per load (in the detergent tray or directly with clothes).
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For extra dirt or whites: Add a tablespoon of baking soda.
🔹 For Direct Use with Soapnut Pods (no boiling needed):
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Put 5–6 soapnut shells in a small cotton bag or muslin pouch.
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Toss the pouch directly into the washing machine (works in both front and top load).
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Reuse the same soapnuts for up to 3 washes, then compost them.
🌍 Why You'll Love This Soapnut Detergent:
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Safe for handwoven & naturally dyed fabrics
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No harsh chemicals, bleach, or fragrances
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Biodegradable and greywater safe
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Keeps fabrics soft and breathable
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Zero-waste & budget-friendly
At Eartha Living, we believe caring for clothes is part of caring for the planet. This gentle soapnut detergent is the perfect match for our organic handwoven textiles — rooted in tradition, made for modern mindful living.
