Multiple Uses of Soapberries

Making The Mother Broth! Soapberry Liquid

It’s true that these little balls of wonder can be used for so many applications around the home and all roads lead to this soapberry liquid! It’s the base for all of the recipes and once you’ve mastered the boiling up some berries, you’ll be on your way to eliminating nasty chemicals from so many other areas of your home.

Here is how to make the mother broth…

• Add about 10 whole shells (or equivalent) per litre of water and boil for 15-20 minutes.
• Use the back of a large spoon to gently press the soft berries to squeeze out extra saponins. Be sure not to break them...
• Strain the cooled liquid through a cloth (the small cotton bag in your soapberry bag is perfect, or use an old sock/stocking) to make sure there is no sediment.

How To Make The Mother Broth (Continued)

• We recommend adding citric acid to the hot liquid after boiling and straining the soapberries – this will extend the life of your liquid in all its different applications. Add 1 tsp citric acid per 500ml liquid and stir until dissolved. Because the soapberries are a natural product, the liquid will need to be preserved, or it will spoil over time. Citric acid is a natural preservative which is edible (not recommended though) and available at all supermarkets in the baking section. We recommend making enough liquid to last you no more than 4 weeks.
• Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and there you have it – naturally antibacterial and antifungal, the liquid is perfect for treating mould in the bathroom, kitchen and general cleaning around the house. Add a few drops of laundry tonic to the bottle if you want a fragrance left behind after you clean!

Hint: storing your Soapberry liquid in the fridge will significantly increase its lifespan! To thicken the liquid for other applications add guar gum. 

Soapberry Pre-Wash Stain Remover

Often stains need an extra bit of attention to remove.  Soapberries are fantastic, but, as with any other conventional detergent, stains need to be treated.

Soapberries will work as a pre-wash stain remover in two different forms depending on the type of stain:

• 1  - Use your soapberry liquid in a spray bottle, and spray directly onto the stains. Give them a rub, and throw them in the wash.
• 2  - For more stubborn stains, use the thickened soapberry liquid. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for fragrance. Apply directly to the stain and gently rub until stain is released from the fabric, then add to your wash as per usual.

Soapberry Shaving Cream & Moisturising Baby Wash

Simple. Fresh. Moisturising. This cream is silky smooth and will leave your skin soft, subtle, moisturised and totally smoochable.

• Use your thickened soapberry liquid* and drizzle olive oil (or any other safe moisturising oil) into it, using 1 tbs of oil per 100ml of liquid.
• Add a few drops of laundry tonic. Earth Spice is great for shaving cream, as it has Tea Tree and cloves and Clean Linen is perfect for the baby wash as it contains soothing lavender.
• Using a hand blender, mix to form an emulsified cream.

Soapberry – Stainless Steel & Glass Cleaner

Soapberries are a natural surfactant which break down oils and give the most amazing results as a glass and stainless steel cleaner.

• Simply mix 2/3 soapberry liquid with 1/3 vinegar and a few drops of a Laundry Tonic of your choice in a spray bottle.

Soapberry Kitchen/ Bathroom/ Household Cleaner 


Soapberries are naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so are perfect for treating mould in bathroom areas, and for general cleaning around the kitchen and home.

• Make sure the liquid is strained of sediment, and add to a spray bottle.
• Add your choice of That Red House Laundry Tonic to the liquid to give a fresh smell and boost the anti-bacterial properties of the cleaner. ‘Clean Linen’ contains Tea Tree oil so is great for that ‘just clean’ smell.

Soapberry Body Wash/ Handwash 

This natural recipe will kill the bacteria that cause you to smell funky and leave your skin feeling soft and clean. Soapberries are naturally hypoallergenic too, so great for skin sensitivities or skin conditions.

• Use your soapberry liquid and thicken to your desired consistency starting with 1-2 tsp of guar gum per 500ml. The viscosity of the liquid is a personal choice, so experiment with what works best for a body wash.
• Using a hand-held blender, mix the guar gum through the liquid to remove all the lumps and incorporate properly. 
• Add your choice of Laundry Tonic to the mix for a delicious fragrance. You will smell edible. We promise.