Ivy as a Laundry Detergent: A Natural Alternative

In times of increasing environmental awareness, more and more people are looking for sustainable alternatives to conventional detergents and—for example—use ivy as a detergent. Ivy (Hedera helix), i.e. its leaves, contain natural saponins — soap-like substances that can remove dirt. In this article you will learn how to use ivy as a detergent, what advantages this offers and what you should watch for.

Why use ivy as a detergent?

Ivy leaves contain saponins, which, due to their soap-like properties, can remove dirt. These natural surfactants reduce the surface tension of the water and thus enable effective cleaning of laundry. In addition, ivy is available year-round in many regions, making it an easily accessible and cost-effective resource.

Instructions: Make ivy detergent yourself

There are different methods to use ivy as a detergent. Here we present two common approaches:

Method 1: Direct application in the washing machine

1. Collect the leaves: Pick about 10 to 15 medium-sized ivy leaves. Make sure to take leaves from plants that do not grow directly adjacent to heavily trafficked roads to minimize pollutant exposure.
2. Preparation: Rinse the leaves under running water if necessary to remove dirt. Then tear the leaves roughly into pieces.
3. Packaging: Place the shredded leaves in an old sock, a laundry bag or another suitable fabric container and close it securely.
4. Wash cycle: Put the filled sock or laundry bag into the drum of your washing machine together with the laundry and start the desired wash cycle.

Method 2: Preparation of a liquid ivy detergent

1. Collect the leaves: Pick about 10 to 20 ivy leaves.
2. Chop: Cut or tear the leaves into small pieces.
3. Boiling: Put the chopped leaves into a pot and pour 500 to 600 milliliters of boiling water over them. Let the mixture steep for about five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain: After cooling, strain the liquid through a sieve to remove plant residues.
5. Application: Pour the obtained ivy detergent into a suitable container and use about 200 milliliters of the liquid per wash load, placing it in the detergent compartment of your washing machine.

Note: The liquid ivy detergent is stable in the refrigerator for about two to three days. For longer storage you can also dry or freeze the ivy leaves and use them as needed.

Additional tips for optimal washing results

• Water hardness: In regions with medium-hard to hard water (calcareous water), it can be helpful to add Sonett Enthärter to the wash cycle or, alternatively, apple cider vinegar or citric acid, to reduce limescale buildup and protect the fibers of the clothing.
• Stain treatment: Persistent stains should be pre-treated with gall soap or a paste of baking soda and water to achieve optimal cleaning results. We recommend the Sonett Gallseife or Sodasan Gallseife.
• Scent: As ivy detergent has no strong inherent odor, you can, if needed, add a few drops of essential oil such as lavender, orange, or lemon to give the laundry a pleasant scent. We recommend the ARIES Bio Lavendel Öl or the ARIES Bio Orangenöl.

Benefits of washing with ivy

• Environmental friendliness: Ivy is a natural, biodegradable resource that contains no harmful chemicals. By using ivy as a detergent, you reduce the burden on waterways and ecosystems.
• Cost savings: Because ivy is abundant and freely available in many areas, you save the expense of conventional detergents.
• Skin compatibility: Ivy detergent is free of synthetic fragrances and dyes, making it particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

Important notes and precautions

• Toxicity: Ivy contains toxic substances in all parts of the plant, particularly the berries. Although the concentration in the leaves is low and the detergent is rinsed out after use, you should avoid direct skin contact with the fresh plant sap and, of course, keep the homemade detergent out of reach of children.
• Material compatibility: For sensitive textiles such as wool or silk, exercise caution and test the ivy detergent first on an inconspicuous area.
• Washing temperature: For optimal results, it is recommended to wash laundry at a minimum of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, as the saponins are more effective at higher temperatures.

Planting and care

When planting and caring for ivy, the following points should be observed:

• Planting time: Spring is the best time to plant ivy, since the plants will be well rooted by winter.
• Watering: In the first years after planting, ivy should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Once established, the plant also tolerates drier phases well.
• Fertilization: Regular fertilization is not strictly necessary. However, ivy grows better on mulched soil than on bare, mineral soil.
• Pruning: To prevent excessive overgrowth, ivy should be pruned regularly. Long young shoots can be shortened in spring; if necessary the pruning can be repeated in summer.

Other uses of ivy

Ivy offers a variety of applications:

• Facade greening: Thanks to its adhesive roots, ivy is well suited for greening walls and facades. However, care should be taken that the building fabric is intact to avoid damage.
• Groundcover: Ivy can be used as an evergreen groundcover and is particularly suitable for shady areas where other plants struggle to thrive.
• Indoor plant: Ivy is also popular indoors. It prefers bright to partially shaded locations without direct sunlight and higher humidity.

Conclusion

Washing with ivy represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional detergents. With little effort you can produce an effective, natural detergent that is gentle on your clothing and reduces environmental impact. Try it and discover the benefits of this traditional method for yourself.

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