Making Natural Soap from Horse Chestnuts | Eco Dish & Laundry Wash 🌿🌰

In this video, I’m preparing horse chestnuts (conkers) and turning them into a natural, eco-friendly soap for washing dishes. I also store some of the chestnuts to use later for homemade laundry detergent. This simple, sustainable method is perfect for anyone interested in natural living, foraging, and zero-waste cleaning. 🌰🌿

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🌰 Natural Horse Chestnut Soap Method

You will need:

Fresh horse chestnuts (conkers)

A sharp knife

A dehydrator or oven

Two glass jars

Optional: pine or spruce needles, peppermint essential oil (or any essential oils you like)

Optional: a spray bottle or re-used washing-up bottle

A small mesh or cotton wash bag (for laundry use)

Method:

1. Collect your conkers. Choose firm, healthy horse chestnuts that haven’t started to mould or split.

2. Prepare them. Cut each conker into quarters - this helps them dry faster and release their natural saponins more easily.

3. Dehydrate.
Place the quarters in a dehydrator for 2–3 hours, or

Use an oven on a very low heat until fully dry but not scorched.

4. Add a handful of the dried horse chestnut quarters to a large glass jar.

Add a few pine or spruce needles for a natural fresh scent.

Optionally, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil (or your preferred oil).

Fill the jar with warm water, close the lid, and shake well until it turns milky and foamy.

5. Use for washing dishes or cleaning.

You can use the mixture directly from the jar, or pour it into a spray bottle or reused washing-up bottle for easy use.

6. For laundry:

Keep some of the dried conker quarters in a separate jar.

When you’re ready to wash clothes, place a handful into a protective cotton or mesh bag (similar to the ones used for soap nuts).

Pop the bag into the washing machine drum with your laundry.

The natural saponins in horse chestnuts act as a gentle, plant-based detergent ideal for eco-friendly cleaning and reducing waste 🌿

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