There is more to conkers than competitions. They are rich in saponins, which are natural soap-like chemicals, and you can make a fabulous laundry soap from these abundant seeds.
This is how you do it:
Collect your conkers, rinse them off and air dry. Chop into small bits. I used a coffee grinder to create small bits, which you can see in the picture. I am drying these for later use. You can dry them on newspaper in the airing cupboard, or if you are lucky enough to have an Aga – use the coolest oven. Then store in an air tight container.
Add 1 dessert spoonful to an old jam jar of water, and leave overnight to steep. In the morning, shake up, then strain the liquid out and add a dessert spoon of vinegar and a few drops of Lavender essential oil. The word Lavender comes from the Latin word ‘lavare’ which means, to wash. Now you have a very effective laundry liquid which you add to the washing machine.
My bed linens emerged from their wash bright white and smelling crisp and herbal.