Most of us want a clean home without harsh chemicals, but switching isn’t always easy. Not all eco cleaning products are created equal, and it’s hard to know which ones actually work.
That’s where Soapnut Republic comes in. This low-tox, Australian-made range cuts through grease and grime while leaving your kitchen smelling fresh thanks to real grapefruit and lemon essential oils.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Soapnut Republic’s low-tox dish soap costs $14.95.
- It’s Australian-made and Australian-owned.
- It contains natural soapnut berry extract.
What are soapnuts?
Soapnuts are the dried berries of the Sapindus tree. Their shells contain saponins that foam and lift dirt when mixed with water.
In the dish soap, the soapnut extract works alongside milder cleansers derived from coconut and plants, plus citrus and tea tree essential oils for scent. The laundry liquid has even more soapnut in it than the dish soap. It also includes stain-fighting enzymes that help break down food, grass, and protein stains.
What makes it an eco-friendly cleaning product?
Alongside the soapnut extract, the range uses gentle cleansers made with coconut and other plant-derived ingredients. The scent comes from essential oils, not synthetic fragrance. It carries the certified Australian Made logo and is cruelty-free and vegan. Once empty, the PET 1 plastic bottles can go straight in your recycling bin.
Our verdict
I’ve been using both the grapefruit dish soap and the lemongrass laundry liquid, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with both the scent and how well they clean. Neither scent is overpowering. They’re just right.
My washing machine is a front loader, and the laundry liquid works really well. You might spot a few suds in the drum during the cycle, but everything rinses out just fine.
For a low-tox, Australian-made range, the price is reasonable.
DIY multipurpose spray
I’ve always made my own multipurpose spray with vinegar, water, and dishwashing liquid, so I swapped in Soapnut Republic dish soap instead. It works just as well. When I make it, I never measure exactly: I fill a spray bottle halfway with vinegar, top it up with water, then add a squeeze of dish soap last so it doesn’t foam. Just avoid using vinegar sprays on natural stone like marble or granite, and never mix homemade cleaners with bleach.
You can also use the dish soap in our simple DIY stain remover, which mixes white vinegar and dishwashing liquid.
Who would benefit?
It’s ideal for anyone who hates the smell of chemical cleaners or wants fewer harsh products around kids and pets. The brand says it’s gentle on sensitive skin, so it’s worth trying if washing up leaves your hands dry.
It’s also great if you already make your own cleaning sprays and just want something that smells a bit nicer.
What people are saying
When we asked our Facebook community which cleaning product they keep buying, Soapnut Republic came up several times alongside old favourites like Jif, Gumption, Koh and white vinegar.
One reader said she particularly likes the grapefruit dish detergent, while another praised the multipurpose spray on her shower glass.
Where to buy
https://soapnutrepublic.com/collections/australia-exclusive-collection-copyYou can find the full range online at Soapnut Republic. It’s also available in more independent health food stores, grocers, and gift shops, including some Go Vita stores and Rich Glen in north-east Victoria, with new stockists added regularly.
- Multipurpose Spray (Citrus), 500ml: $14.95
- Dish Soap (Grapefruit), 500ml: $14.95
- Hand Soap (Lemongrass & Tea Tree, or Peppermint & Tea Tree), 500ml: $22.95
- Laundry Liquid (Lemongrass), 1L: $26.95.
FAQs
Soapnut Republic is 100 per cent Australian-owned; it makes its Australian range in Melbourne using co-founder Bobby Mitchell’s original formulas, and the range carries the certified green-and-gold Australian Made logo.
A small amount of dish soap mixed with vinegar and water makes a simple benchtop spray. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone.
The brand says it suits front loaders, top loaders and hand washing. I’ve used it in my front loader with no problems. You may see a few suds during the cycle, but it rinses out well.
