October 11, 2024, 12:53 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
For many, the sight of chestnuts in the fall brings back memories of carefree afternoons of crafting and creating little chestnut men. But chestnuts can be used for much more than just crafting. myHOMEBOOK editor Franka Kruse-Gering reveals how the tree fruit can also be used in other ways.
In the fall, we almost stumble over the many horse chestnuts lying on the paths. Some are still in their shells; others are already scattered freely on the ground. Children, in particular, enjoy collecting them and playing with them. But adults can also use chestnuts. There are several ways to use chestnuts in the household.
Using chestnuts for cleaning
As is so often the case, the power lies within, as is the case with chestnuts. They contain saponins, which are suitable for cleaning as they have soap-like properties. To obtain these, the chestnuts must be crushed.
- If you want to make a cleaning agent, you need about ten chestnuts.
- These must be carefully chopped up so that the saponins can be released. You can use a bag and crush the chestnuts with a hammer.
- The chestnut crumbs are then placed in a container and covered with one to two liters of boiling water.
- Leave this brew to stand for one to two days.
- After the infusion time, the liquid should be strained and can be poured directly into bottles.
The homemade cleaning agent made from chestnuts will keep for about a month. It can be used for smooth surfaces or as a washing-up liquid for dishes.
Making washing powder from chestnuts
Like soap nuts, chestnuts can also be used for washing. Here, too, you make a liquid detergent. A detergent made from chestnuts is preferably suitable for dark clothes.
- About ten chestnuts should be cleanly chopped in a blender.
- The next step is to put the chopped chestnuts and about one liter of water in a sealable container. You can already see the first foam when you pour the water over the chestnuts.
- After at least 12 hours, the detergent can be filtered and used.
It should be noted that chestnuts do not provide good washing performance, as Stiftung Warentest has already tested. It is, therefore, advisable to only use chestnuts to freshen up clothes. For heavily soiled textiles, it is advisable to use stronger detergents.
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How to use chestnuts in the home against aphids
If you want to use chestnuts against aphids, you have not only chosen the gentler way but also the cheaper one. Chestnuts can be turned into chestnut broth in a very simple, economical, and uncomplicated way.
The preparation hardly differs from that of washing powder or cleaning agent.
- About ten chestnuts need to be chopped up.
- The broth is left to infuse for several hours in about one liter of water.
- After straining, the liquid is poured into a spray bottle, and the affected plants can be treated.