DIY English Ivy Laundry Soap

Making soap from English ivy is a fascinating and eco-friendly DIY project! English ivy contains saponins, natural compounds that create a soap-like effect when mixed with water. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own ivy-based soap:

DIY English Ivy Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

• 60 to 100 fresh English ivy leaves (Hedera helix)

• 1 liter of water

• A pot for boiling

• A strainer or cheesecloth

• A clean bottle for storage

Instructions:

1. Collect & Prepare the Leaves – Rinse the ivy leaves thoroughly and chop them into smaller pieces to help release the saponins.

2. Boil the Leaves – Place the chopped leaves in a pot with 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Steep the Mixture – Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight to maximize the soap-like properties.

4. Strain the Liquid – Use a strainer or cheesecloth to remove the leaves, leaving behind the soapy liquid.

5. Store & Use – Pour the liquid into a clean bottle. Use ¾ cup per laundry load or as a

   gentle cleanser.

Safety Tips:

• Wear gloves when handling ivy, as it can cause skin irritation.

• Test on a small fabric sample before using it for laundry.

• Store in the fridge for longer shelf life.

  Happy Soap Making!