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You are here: Home / Fundamentals / How to Make Soap Nuts Liquid

by Stacy  71 Comments

How to Make Soap Nuts Liquid

How to Make Soap Nuts Liquid

Yay! Y’all asked for more videos and I’ve finally delivered. 🙂 It’s a miracle that I figured this out without injuring myself. Anyway, here is my post on how to make soap nuts liquid. It’s very easy and VERY frugal.

Here is my original post on Soap Nuts just in case you missed it. You guys were really interested in them – and I’ll just tell you again…they rock and I love them.

In the video I said I would tell you here in print how to preserve the liquid if you want to do that – I prefer to make smaller batches. The liquid can spoil (I’m not exactly sure how long before that would happen because I use it quickly) so either make smaller batches or preserve it.

It can be frozen in ice cube trays if desired – you will use 2 ice cubes per load.

You can find the instructions for canning the soap nuts mixture at BuySoapNuts.com

Uses for Soap Nuts Liquid:

–Laundry detergent: I use 2-3 tablespoons per load. You will use half of that for a HE washer

-Shampoo: use liberally as desired

-Dog Shampoo: use liberally as desired when you get the dog to stand still

–Foam Soap: just put this liquid directly in your foaming container

-Mosquito repellent: spray directly on skin (child safe)

-All purpose cleaner: add essential oils as desired or use plain (spray bottle)

-Spot cleaner

–Dishwasher detergent: fill dispenser with soap nuts liquid. Use white vinegar as a rinse aid

-Bad attitude spray: okay, so not really or I would be a millionaire

*Note: Soap Nuts are compostable

Soap Nuts Liquid

  • 5 cups water
  • 15 soap nuts
  1. Combine water and nuts in saucepan. Bring to boil.
  2. Reduce to simmer. Simmer 30-45 minutes so liquid can concentrate.
  3. Strain out soap nuts.
  4. Store in glass jar. Use as desired.

Yield: about 1 quart

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About Stacy

Stacy is a Homemaking and Business Mom Mentor, the author of two cookbooks, creator of multiple e-courses, seasoned life coach, and comedian extraordinaire. Her first priority is her husband and her children - family first. She presses on each day because her calling is to teach, train, and mentor other ladies to have their dreams. She believes if it’s not easy, you won’t do it – because she’s lived it. She’ll bring YOU the awesome so that you can get your home back into control and watch your business soar. For tips and easy strategies, you can follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. Embryonic says

    July 2, 2021 at 11:27 am

    I boiled unused soap nuts, but no foam appeared. Does this mean that they were inactive to begin with?

    Reply
    • staceface1981 says

      October 11, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      Could be – because they do make suds.

      Reply
  2. dawn says

    December 21, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    i will be making soapnut liquid for the very first time. been looking at many recipes for making it and it can get a little confusing. for instance, you state to use 5 cups water and 15 soapnuts. another recipe i saw says 10 cups water and 15 soapnuts. that’s double! and i imagine the liquids from each recipe must be quite different. can you tell me what made you decide on the measurements you use?

    Reply
    • Barry says

      January 8, 2019 at 9:05 am

      The measurements shown in the post are based on our experience, plus what we read from the soap nuts folks. Give it a try using our measurements and see how it works out!

      Reply
  3. Denise says

    January 31, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    This is fabulous news for those of us looking to get off the chemical train. Thank you for sharing this. My only question: does the sample pack provide enough soap nuts to make the liquid detergent? The description doesn’t make any reference to how many nuts would be included in the purchase. Thanks so much again for all the good info!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      January 31, 2015 at 6:04 pm

      It might – if it doesn’t, you could cut the batch in half. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Julie henderson says

    November 24, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    Sorry I hit post before that post was complete.
    Some recipes say to boil for 30-45 min then strain and some say to do 30-45 min then add more water and boil longer. Just wondering which is best to do in your all experiences.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 25, 2014 at 10:00 am

      I haven’t done the second option.

      Reply
  5. Julie henderson says

    November 24, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    It’s hard to find a recipe that works best for me and my area of living. Most recipes are close and differ slightly. I was wondering is it best to have to more diluted or concentrated, for face wash and laundry soap? Thank you

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 25, 2014 at 10:00 am

      This liquid is pretty concentrated.

      Reply
  6. Kissescuddlesandaeroplanes says

    June 22, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Your post was super helpful to me, and I’m loving my soap nuts now, thanks! I love that stuff doesn’t stink anymore and I’m using it as a shampoo and dish soap as well. 🙂 I referenced your blog when I did a post on it since you were so very helpful! http://kissescuddlesandaeroplanes.wordpress.com/2014/06/22/on-using-soap-nuts/

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      June 25, 2014 at 2:22 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  7. Marjorie Russell says

    March 23, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Wondering if the soap nuts have a smell? And can we add essential oils after the liquid has cooled? Thanks so much for all your info

    Reply
    • myersbr2 says

      March 24, 2014 at 8:56 am

      From an FAQ on a site that sells soap nuts:

      WILL MY FINISHED LAUNDRY HAVE A FRAGRANCE?
      Soapnuts are natural so there are no added fragrances – but we’d be less than honest if we didn’t admit that they do have their own, noticeably pungent scent. Don’t worry, though — your laundry WON’T smell like soapnuts when it’s done. In fact, it will have no special smell at all! If you prefer a fragrance (like we do)…
      You can add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil directly on the cotton wash bag before you toss it in the wash. (We really like to use our Energy blend or Lavender essential oil).
      You can also try experimenting with adding the oils into the fabric conditioner dispenser. (We’ve had mixed results with this method, because the oil tends to leave spots on our clothes sometimes. But we do it this way for sheets and towels, because it seems to produce a stronger scent).
      Another way to add scent is to add a few drops of essential oil to a scrap piece of fabric and toss it in the dryer with your clean laundry. (We find that thin fabric — or even a used dryer sheet — works really well).

      Reply
  8. Erin says

    November 1, 2013 at 8:42 am

    So after you make this liquid laundry soap, then these 15 nuts are done forever, but if you use them in the bag inside the laundry then they work several times? I just got my sample pack and haven’t tried them yet. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Well, you’ll get several batches out of one bag…just like you’ll get several batches out of a boiled nut. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Diana Edlin says

    October 31, 2013 at 11:41 am

    Hi Stacy! I’m new to your site and have been tooling around a bit. We are trying to get out of debt (lots of school loans) and move to more natural and healthy life style on one income while raising two (and counting) littles, so I’m super excited to find your blog! Quick question (I hope) I see lots of great recipes for cleaning supplies and laundry detergent, but also a lot of different ones, which do you use most often now that you have tried so many different methods? Which do you think would be best and most sustainable in the long run for a newbie like me? Could you pretty please direct me to your posts on them?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 31, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      Soap nuts for laundry. 🙂
      http://www.stacymakescents.com/soap-nuts-tips

      And all purpose cleaner for most of my cleaning:
      http://www.stacymakescents.com/castile-soap

      Reply
      • Diana Edlin says

        November 1, 2013 at 6:41 pm

        Thank you so much for the quick reply! Suggestions for shampoo/body wash replacement? Just recently dawned on me how many chemicals I’m exposed to – they are everywhere! Its like a conspiracy!

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          November 4, 2013 at 4:17 pm

          You can use this for both – or homemade soap also does the trick. That’s what we use.

          Reply
      • Diana Edlin says

        November 2, 2013 at 11:43 am

        Thank you so much for your quick reply! Any suggestion for shampoo and body wash? I’m rather overwhelmed by the options.

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          November 4, 2013 at 4:16 pm

          A lot of people use this liquid for shampoo and body wash. I use homemade soap.

          Reply
  10. kayla says

    March 14, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    O Stacy I love your blog!!! I do have a question and would like to apologize in advance if its already been asked, when using this soap nuts liquid for an all purpose cleaner do you dilute with water any or just use as is?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      March 15, 2013 at 8:14 am

      I usually mix it with water, but I’m sure it would work fine full strength. 🙂

      Reply
      • Tia says

        April 22, 2017 at 7:42 pm

        What would your dilution ratio be for all-purpose cleaning usage? TIA

        Reply
  11. NGreene says

    February 17, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    This is awesome! I’m investigating and looking forward to getting the sample pack or perhaps the 15-25 load size package. One question… what size load do you use 2-3 Tablespoons for? I always wash large loads in a high capacity top loader. Just trying to get an estimate for the number of loads per pound of berries. (I’m obsessive like that 🙂 )

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 17, 2013 at 5:27 pm

      I use 2 tablespoons for a medium sized load. I try not to do large loads very often. But if doing a large load, I use 3 tablespoons. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kristie says

    February 16, 2013 at 4:44 pm

    So have you tried this in your dishwasher? I have heard that getting dishes clean with something natural can be quite a challenge. I am thinking of maybe soap nut liquid in the soap compartment and 1/2 cup vinegar on the bottom after the washer has been going for a while. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 16, 2013 at 5:39 pm

      I don’t use my dishwasher. LOL When I said I stored my fancy dishes in there, I REALLY meant that. LOL

      Reply
  13. Cheyenne says

    February 15, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    Have you compared to see which is more economical…making the liquid or using the soap nuts directly in your laundry. We purchased some pre-made liquid & have used soap nuts too. Just wondering if making the liquid myself will make the soap nuts go farther in use? Thanks for this post! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 16, 2013 at 8:38 am

      When crunching the numbers, it seems that if you use three tablespoons of the liquid instead of two, the price is about the same. If you use two tablespoons (like I do) the cost is a bit cheaper for the liquid. 🙂

      Reply
  14. LoriH says

    February 15, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Just the push I needed to get started on this . . . I use cold water in an HE front loader so this would work much better for me. Just ordered the nuts using a gift card. Cha – Ching!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 15, 2013 at 11:20 am

      WOOHOO!!! Bout time! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Maria says

    February 14, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    So… I see that you use up the liquid quickly, but what’s the longest you have kept the liquid in the jar? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 15, 2013 at 7:26 am

      Hmmmmmmmm, probably about 3 weeks.

      Reply
  16. Jenny says

    February 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    Love your accent! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      What accent? 😉

      Reply
  17. Joyce says

    February 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm

    I am really interested in trying this, but how well do soap nuts really clean?…. I have tried making my own laundry detergent and while it is much cheaper than the brand names in the store I have found they are not cleaning my clothes as well…. one batch even seemed to leave a reside on some clothes…. I do have two boys who love to go outside and get dirty.. they dig in the dirt and look for treasure some days I just have to hose them off outside lol…
    by the way I do love your recipes and neat ideas Thank You!….

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 5:21 pm

      Well, they get my poopy diapers clean. 🙂 So, that speaks highly of them. But I was skeptical at too first -so I ordered the sample pack.

      Reply
      • Joyce says

        February 15, 2013 at 1:29 pm

        Do you pre-soak or pre-wash those diapers…. or wash them right away? or do the soap nuts really do the job alone?

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          February 15, 2013 at 5:19 pm

          I always rinse my diapers before washing. Here is my routine: dump diapers in, cold rinse, hot wash with soap nuts, cold rinse. Hang dry in sunshine. 🙂 The first cold rinse helps get poop off.

          Reply
  18. Donna says

    February 14, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    First of all I wanted to thank you for sharing all the information you bless us with and to ask a question. My husband works in grease and that as well as the smell of his clothes is a situation I deal with every day. Do you know if the soap nuts would be able to solve both problems?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 5:00 pm

      I’m not entirely sure. I would say yes…but I haven’t had to clean anything like that. I would suggest going with the trial pack that I linked in the Soap Nuts original post and see if that works. 🙂

      Reply
    • Bonnie says

      October 28, 2013 at 9:51 am

      Donna, I realize you posted this 9 months ago, but I am just now reading it. Haven’t tried the soap nuts yet, though I am planning to order – tired of the time factor of making my own. But….my dad and brothers used to work for the highway dept, and tar and oil on their jeans was the norm. My step mom always added some pine oil (real not just pine smelling) to the wash, as oil attracts oil. As I recall, always got their clothes clean. Also, I use “Goop” hand cleaner (found in automotive section at Walmart) to spot treat greasy spots on tshirts and the like. (it is also petroleum based – so the same concept applies). Hope this helps.

      Reply
  19. obearlady says

    February 14, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    ok i did it but the soap is very dark is it made to be dark?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      It should be similar to the picture that I posted at the top.

      Reply
      • obearlady says

        February 15, 2013 at 8:19 am

        cool stuff ty

        Reply
  20. Leslie B says

    February 14, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    I just like the small child Darth Vader breathing into the mic, very cute…

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      She was “helping.” 😉

      Reply
  21. Chesca says

    February 14, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    hi any idea of cost per batch you make?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Nope – I’m terrible at math. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Sandy says

    February 14, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Interesting!! I have never heard of soap nuts until I found your blog. I might try this. Stacy, do more videos please. You are just precious and make me smile. Happy Valentine’s Day.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      🙂 I will! They’re sometimes easier than writing.

      Reply
  23. Lori says

    February 14, 2013 at 10:52 am

    How does it work as a dishwasher detergent?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 11:25 am

      Lori, I listed that in the “Uses” down below the video. I don’t use my dishwasher, but all the things I read said to fill your dispenser and then use vinegar as the rinse aid. 🙂

      Reply
  24. KM Logan @lessonsfromivy says

    February 14, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I’m still so intrigued by soap nuts, but paranoid it would send me into a huge allergic reaction.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 10:55 am

      You could try the sample pack? I haven’t read anywhere of anyone having a reaction but it’s always nice to check first. Amazon sells the sample packs that do 5-8 loads. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Melanie says

    February 14, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Oh. My. Goodness! I’m going on Amazon and buying soap nuts today! I have about a thousand canning jars and since its the middle of winter, I have a lot of empties! Do you use liquid or the soap nuts in the bag for your laundry more? Which do you prefer? I was thinking of using the liquid for most everything else and just soap nuts for the laundry. Hmmm. Another project added to the long list. Lol.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 10:56 am

      I find that I like the liquid best, but I still use the berries sometimes. 🙂

      Reply
  26. Sarah says

    February 14, 2013 at 9:31 am

    I am so excited to try this! I just ordered 4 lbs on amazon for under $40!!!! Yeah, I won’t have to make any more detergent… which foams over when I forget about it and have to clean my stove top… (but it is hot soap, so it is kind of easier to clean stove).. 🙂 Looking forward to all natural cleaning! I love bubbles!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 11:06 am

      🙂 Bubbles are fun, no matter how old you are.

      Reply
  27. Susan says

    February 14, 2013 at 8:58 am

    Stacy,
    Can these actually go into a compost pile? Doesn’t the soapy-ness harm the soil?

    Susan

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 11:09 am

      I don’t have a compost pile, but I read in various places that they were compostable.

      Reply
  28. Tara says

    February 14, 2013 at 8:46 am

    Oh thank you! I can’t wait to make mine. I wash a lot with cold and I think that the liquid would work better with my washer!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 8:55 am

      Yes – will definitely work better with cold water.

      Reply
      • Toan says

        November 14, 2016 at 4:43 am

        Hi Stacy!
        Can you tell me how to preserving soap nuts liquid, if you want to extend the shelf life (except refregeration)
        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          November 14, 2016 at 5:57 am

          I think refrigeration is it.

          Reply
  29. Cindy says

    February 14, 2013 at 7:47 am

    So can the soap nuts be reused or are they ready for the compost after this???

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 7:50 am

      Ready for compost! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Brandy says

    February 14, 2013 at 7:05 am

    How long does it last without canning or freezing? Also, why can soap?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 14, 2013 at 7:33 am

      Because it can spoil. Canning it makes it last just like if you’re canning food. I have no idea how long before it spoils because I always use mine quickly. That’s why I only make a quart at a time. 🙂

      Reply


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