DIY detergent made from ivy pant and other plants
It can be used for cleaning purposes such as washing dishes, laundry, or even as a general household cleaner.
English ivy (Hedera helix) is one of the most common types of ivy used for making detergent due to its abundance and accessibility. It contains saponins, the natural compounds responsible for its detergent properties. English ivy is widely found in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, making it a convenient choice for DIY detergent making. However, other species of ivy may also contain saponins and can potentially be used for making detergent, but English ivy is often the preferred choice.
You can make a simple detergent from ivy plants by following these steps:
Gather Ivy Leaves: Collect fresh ivy leaves from the plant. Make sure they are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
Chop or Crush the Leaves: Using a knife or a mortar and pestle, chop or crush the ivy leaves to release the saponins contained within them. This helps to extract the detergent properties.
Soak in Water: Place the chopped or crushed ivy leaves in a container and cover them with water. Use approximately 1 cup of chopped leaves for every 2 cups of water.
Let it Steep: Allow the ivy leaves to steep in the water for at least 24 hours. This will give enough time for the saponins to leach into the water and create a soapy solution.
Strain the Solution: After 24 hours, strain the solution through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid plant material. You should be left with a liquid solution that contains the ivy-derived detergent.
Store and Use: Transfer the liquid detergent into a suitable container for storage. It can be used for cleaning purposes such as washing dishes, laundry, or even as a general household cleaner.
Keep in mind that while ivy-derived detergent can be effective for light cleaning tasks, it may not be as potent as commercially available detergents for heavy-duty cleaning. Additionally, always test the detergent on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on surfaces to ensure compatibility and avoid damage.
And if you like me wonder about other plant based and organic detergent solutions, here is the list:
Soap Nuts — Sapindus: Soap nuts, also known as soap berries, contain natural saponins and can be used as a laundry detergent. They are eco-friendly and gentle on fabrics.
Soapwort: Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a plant that contains saponins and has been traditionally used for making soap and detergent.
Castile Soap: Castile soap is made from vegetable oils and is a versatile and gentle soap that can be used for laundry and dishes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: Baking soda can be used as a gentle abrasive cleaner, while vinegar can help cut through grease and remove odors.
Essential Oils: Adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil can provide a pleasant scent and add antimicrobial properties to your homemade detergent.
