How can I make hand wash from SoapNuts?
Even when the shells seem exhausted they still contain some saponin and you can use them to make a hand wash. Put your old shells, with any new little “broken off” pieces that are too small to put in the bag / sock, in a blender. Add a half a litre of water and blend for a few seconds. The idea is to break all the shells into tiny bits so that they release as much “soap” as possible. Simmer for a few minutes. Cut the pipe of an old dispenser bottle so it reaches about half way down. Allow the blend to settle and pour in to your dispenser, to below the pipe. Give it a shake and pump away. You will get a palm full of SoapNut foam! Excellent as a handwash. Add a few drops of lemon juice as a preservative, and any essential oil you wish.
