Originally published November 2018, updated August 2026
So many of you love using soap berries to wash your clothes — and why wouldn’t you? They’re organic, natural, hypoallergenic, plastic free, palm oil free, compostable and they work!
But did you know you can also turn soap berries into a natural washing-up liquid?
Below, we show you how to make a concentrated soap berry dishwashing liquid to help you avoid synthetic chemicals, detergents and another plastic bottle. This versatile liquid can also be used in the dishwasher, as an all-purpose cleaner, hand wash, shampoo and more.
New to soap berries? Read our complete guide to how to use soap berries for laundry and cleaning around the home.
How to Make Soap Nut Dishwashing Liquid with Soap Berries
This recipe uses a longer simmering time to create a concentrated soap berry liquid specifically for washing dishes. It begins with two litres of water and makes approximately one litre of finished dishwashing liquid.
DIY Soap Nut Dishwashing Liquid Recipe
Ingredients
- 100g organic soap berries, also known as soap nuts
- 8 cups (2L) water
- 6 drops of pure essential oils, if desired. We used lemon myrtle and eucalyptus essential oil for their antibacterial properties.
Shop ingredients: Organic soap berries | Pure essential oils | Eucalyptus essential oil
Tools
- Large saucepan
- Fine sieve or nut milk bag
- Clean glass bottle or jar with a lid
Shop tools: nut milk bag | Glass bottles, jars and DIY utensils
Method
- Add the soap berries and water to a large saucepan and bring to the boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently for approximately one hour. This extracts the naturally occurring saponin from the soap berry shells and creates a concentrated liquid.
- Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool and settle overnight in the saucepan. This helps the liquid to settle and bind.
- Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or nut milk bag and transfer it to a clean glass bottle or jar.
- Add the essential oils, if using, replace the lid and shake gently to combine.
- Add the used soap berry shells to your compost or garden.
How to Use Soap Berry Dishwashing Liquid
Gently shake the bottle before use. Add approximately two tablespoons to your sink under hot running water, then wash your dishes as normal.
You will notice some small bubbles, but soap berry liquid will not produce the rich lather you may be used to with conventional washing-up liquids. This rich lather is often the result of synthetic thickeners, foaming agents and surfactants.
Don’t let the lack of foam deter you. Soap berry liquid has decent cleaning power and will clean everyday dishes effectively, particularly with a little soaking and a good natural dish brush.
Tip: For very greasy cookware or heavily soiled dishes, allow them to soak and use warm to hot water to help lift the grease.
Can You Use Soap Berry Liquid in the Dishwasher?
This same soap berry liquid can also be used in the dishwasher. Add a small amount of the liquid to the detergent compartment and place white cleaning vinegar in the rinse-aid compartment to help clean and control grease and oil build-up.
As dishwashers and water conditions vary, begin with a small amount and adjust it to suit your machine. Always follow the care instructions provided by your dishwasher manufacturer.
Other Ways to Use Soap Berry Liquid
Soap berry liquid is remarkably versatile. It can also be used as:
- An all-purpose cleaner
- A hand wash
- A shampoo
- A pet shampoo
- A laundry stain pre-treatment
- A natural cleaner for the kitchen and bathroom
Find instructions and more ideas in our complete guide to using soap berries for laundry and cleaning around the home.
How to Store Homemade Soap Berry Liquid
This natural liquid contains a high proportion of water and plant material, so it needs to be stored carefully to avoid spoilage.
Keep your soap berry liquid in a clean, sealed bottle in the refrigerator. It should last for approximately one month when refrigerated or around two weeks at room temperature, although it may spoil more quickly in hot or humid conditions.
Discard the liquid if you notice an unusual smell, a change in texture or colour, or any sign of mould. You can also freeze excess soap berry liquid in small portions and defrost it as needed.
Adding citric acid as a preservative
Some people add a small amount of citric acid to help preserve their soap berry liquid.
Mix one teaspoon of citric acid with one tablespoon of boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add this mixture to the strained soap berry liquid and stir or shake gently to combine. The finished liquid should still be kept in the refrigerator.
As with all our DIY recipes, you can experiment to suit your preferences. Many factors can change the end result, including temperature, humidity, light, water quality and ingredient quality.
Do Soap Berries Work in Hard Water?
Soap berry liquid may not be as effective in areas with hard water or water with a high mineral content. Don’t give up! Persevere and experiment until you find a concentration that works for your home.
You can try using less water when making the recipe to produce a stronger concentration or add a little more liquid when washing particularly greasy dishes.
Ready to Try Soap Berries?
Use soap berries directly in the washing machine or transform them into a versatile natural liquid for washing dishes and cleaning around the home. The shells can be reused before being returned to the compost or garden.
Shop soap berries and natural soap berry laundry products at Biome →
Frequently Asked Questions About Soap Berry Liquid
Can people with nut allergies use soap berries?
Soap berries are fruits rather than botanical nuts, despite the common name “soap nuts”. However, anyone with a serious allergy or particularly sensitive skin should seek individual advice and patch test the finished liquid before using it on their skin.
Can I use soap berry liquid for washing clothes?
Yes. Soap berry liquid can be used as a natural laundry liquid, particularly when washing in cold water because the saponin has already been extracted from the shells. You can also place whole soap berry shells directly into the washing machine.
Are soap berries suitable for grey water and septic systems?
Soap berries are biodegradable and can be used with grey water and septic systems. Remember that anything else added to your wash or cleaning liquid must also be suitable for your particular system.
Are soap berries plastic free?
Soap berries offer a simple way to avoid conventional laundry and dishwashing liquids packaged in plastic bottles. The organic soap berries available at Biome come in a reusable calico bag, and the used fruit shells can be returned to the compost or garden.
Related Reads
How to Use Soap Berries: 7 Natural Uses for Laundry and Cleaning
6 Ways to Wash Clothes Without Plastic and Harmful Ingredients
That Red House: The Story Behind Australia’s Organic Soapberries
