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SOAP NUTS
A natural, chemical-free product used for laundry and household cleaning.
WHAT ARE THEY? In India and other South Asian countries, a tree called sapindus mukorossi grows a small fruit surrounded by a firm outer shell. This tree is unique because it produces its own natural saponins, a soap-like product, that coats the shell of the fruit. When the fruit ripens and falls from the tree, local families harvest it, then remove the inner fruit from the shell. The soap nut shell is then dried in the sun, using absolutely no chemical processing or manufacturing processes.
This soap nut shell absorbs water and releases their saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, reducing the surface tension of the water and freeing dirt, grime and oils from your articles of clothing.
When the clothes are rinsed, the soapnut saponins are washed downstream where they remain harmless to the environment. 100% environmentally friendly! No synthetic chemicals, no fragrance chemicals, no foaming agents or other toxins. Just fruit shells grown by nature.
WHY SHOULD I USE SOAP NUTS? Soap nuts are an excellent choice for people who desire to use environmentally friendly products. They are a pure product, and contain no added chemicals, fragrances, dyes or fillers. They are also wonderful for people with skin allergies, eczema, or sensitivities to commercial detergents.

HOW DO I USE SOAP NUTS AS A LAUNDRY DETERGENT? Place 3 or 4 Soap Nuts in the small muslin bag, tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing machine along with your articles of clothing that need washing. You can reuse this batch for 4 or 5 loads of laundry. The soap nuts will be mushy and gray when they need to be thrown out or composted. Alternatively, you can use 3Tbsp (45mL) of soapnuts liquid detergent per large load of laundry.
TO MAKE SOAP NUTS LIQUID: Boil 50g soapnuts (approximately 15-17 whole) with 6 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. When cooled, remove the soap nuts, and pour the liquid into an appropriate airtight container. It is better to make the liquid in smaller batches as it can spoil. You can also successfully can the liquid to preserve it!
To make liquid from soapnuts powder, add 1/4c powder to 6 cups of water and boil for 30 minutes. Strain the sediment, or use as is. Store in an air-tight container.
You can use the soap nuts liquid for more than just Laundry Detergent!
All Purpose Cleaner Keep the liquid in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors, etc. Add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a different scent.
Cleaning Jewelry Soak your jewelry in the liquid for a few minutes. Use an old soft toothbrush to gently remove debris. Rinse with clean water and polish with a dry cloth.
Window and Glass Cleaner Fill a spray bottle with 250mL water, 15mL vinegar and 15mL soapnuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.
In the Dishwasher Fill the soap dispenser with the liquid. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!
Liquid Hand soap and shampoo Fill a squirt or pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands or hair. Your hair will come out soft and manageable.
Pet Shampoo Add the liquid to a squirt or spray bottle to wash your pet's fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable.
Plant Wash and Pest Repellent Add 250mL water, 15mL liquid and 15mL Neem oil (optional) to a clean spray bottle. Shake well. For plant wash, spray leaves and wipe clean. To repel pests, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.
Hand Washing Silks and Delicates Add 15mL soap nuts liquid to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.
Steam Cleaning Spot Treatment Add 45mL to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Are soap nuts an additive to my regular laundry detergent? There is no need to add commercial detergent. Soap nuts do a wonderful job of washing. Try them for yourself.
Are soap nuts safe to use in my HE or front load washer? Yes, they are low sudsing, so they are perfect for these types of washers. Put 4 or 5 soapnuts in the mini wash bag, tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your machine. Use this bag for 4 or 5 loads of laundry. Or you can use 3Tbsp of liquid per large load of laundry in the detergent drawer.
Can I use soap nuts to safely and effectively wash cloth diapers? Yes! Soap nuts are found to be the best detergent for washing cloth diapers. They effectively eliminate all lingering smells. They will 'strip' the cloth diapers of detergent build-up, increasing the diaper's absorbency!
There are no bubbles during the wash cycle. What's wrong? There is nothing wrong! Soap nuts are a natural, low sudsing detergent. There are no added fillers, dyes or chemicals that would create bubbles in the wash. Even without tons of bubbles, the soap nuts will thoroughly wash all your articles of clothing.
Are soap nuts safe for those with nut allergies? Absolutely! They are actually a fruit related to the lychee, so there is need to worry for those with nut allergies.
Are soap nuts safe for those with sensitive skin or skin disorders? Yes! Soap nuts are natural and hypoallergenic. They do not contain added chemicals or fragrance which often irritates people with skin sensitivities. Soap nuts are beneficial for both bathing and as a laundry detergent.
Do soap nuts come in different fragrances? No. Soap nuts are natural so there are no added fragrances. Soap nuts have a distinct smell like apple cider vinegar. However, once you wash your clothes, they will be fragrance free.
Featured Soap Nuts Article:
Soap Nuts - The Environmental Detergent By Matt Johnson
Have you ever thought about all the chemicals that we pour down the drain daily? What impact do they have on our environment? What does this mean for our children's future? How can we minimize the harmful chemicals we use & save the environment at the same time? Soap Nuts are the answer.
What are soap nuts?
Soap Nuts are not actually nuts at all, but berries (also known as soap berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. They contain high concentrations of saponin, which acts as a natural soap when it comes into contact with water.
What can I use Soap Nuts for?
The most common & easiest use of soap berries is as a laundry detergent. Just place three or four shells of in a muslin bag (provided with most soap nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry instead of regular detergent and you are on your way to becoming environmentally friendly. When using soap nuts in your laundry, you do not even need a rinse cycle, thus preventing gallons of water from unnecessarily going down the drain. If you want to expand your soap nuts into a multi-purpose cleaner, simply boil 100 g of soap nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. Fish out the shells, throw them in your compost, & you are left with a highly concentrated, natural, liquid detergent.
How does the use of Soap Nuts affect Grey Water?
They are antimicrobial. After their detergent goes into the sewer system, it helps break down the grey water into a more usable form. The use of soap nuts actually benefit the environment, rather than hurting it as the harmful chemicals we use do. Because of their unique antimicrobial properties, soap berries are also used in aid of soil restoration.
What harmful chemicals are found in my regular laundry detergent?
Regular laundry detergents may contain any or all of the following:
- Enzymes - Are a skin sensitizer, but may cause dermatitis and allergic reactions
- Sodium Hypochlorite - Causes lung irritations, bronchial or respiratory reactions, cardiovascular damage, as well as eye and skin damage.
- Nonylphenoxy Ethoxylates - Is an edocrine disruptor, and can cause an activation of cellular estrogen receptors (even at low levels) This is implicated in causes of a rise in breast and prostate cancer, infertility issues, a decline in amphibian populations and the reversal / feminization of birds, fish or reptiles.
Are Soap Nuts Gentle on my skin?
Yes. They contain no chemicals, and are therefore non allergenic. Many people (myself included) who suffered from eczema and other skin irritations have seen their problems diminish after switching to soap nuts as a laundry detergent.
How does my Purchase of Soap Nuts affect India & Nepal?
Your purchase of soap nuts is beneficial to both the economy & environment of India & Nepal. In these two countries, there are many poor people. Because soap nuts are plentiful, they become non-saleable locally. Therefore, the trees become more valuable & marketable as firewood than for the environmentally friendly soap nuts that they grow. When soap nuts are marketed overseas, it employs local residents to harvest them, which in turn, stimulates the economy. At the same time, it makes the trees more valuable living than dead. This helps save our tropical forests.
Soap Nuts are the Environmental Detergent.
The use of soap nuts reduces the use of harmful chemicals, helps in restoring our polluted earth, and saves our tropical forests. Isn't it time you did your part in painting a greener future for our children?
For more information on soap nuts visit our Soap Nuts articles page.
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