Soap NutsThe Natural Laundry Detergent
- What Are Soap Nuts?
- What Makes Them Clean?
- What Do I Do With My Bag Of Soap Nuts?
- What To Do With The Remaining Shells?
- Traveling With Soap Nuts
- What Else Can I Do With My Soap Nuts?
You May Be Wondering 'What Are Soap Nuts?
Actually, they are an amazing little creation of Mother Nature that are berries and not really nuts. They are also known as Soap Berries or Chinese Soap Berries. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: Sapindus Trifoliatus (the small Soap Nut) and Sapindus Mukorossi (the large Soap Nut). Both varieties are commonly used in cleaning, and both varieties are quite effective. Back to Top
What Makes Them Clean?
Soap nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells. Saponins are naturally occurring surfacants or detergents found in many plants. When mixed with water, the Soap Nuts gently and effectively clean leaving your clothes feeling fresh and soft. They contain NO chemicals, fragrances or dyes and leave NO residue on your clothes or in your washing machine.They are low sudsing and can be used in any type of washer including high efficiency washers.
Soap Nuts are also great for handwashing your delicates. There is no need to use fabric softeners or dryer sheets ( which no one should ever use anyway). Stubborn stains such as blood, red wine or really dirty white socks will require a stain remover to help the cleaning process. Adding 1/2 cup lemon juice and/or 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide will help remove stubborn stains. First rinsing the stain in cold water will also help. Back to Top
What Do I Do With My Bag Of Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts can be used in several ways. One way is to place 5-6 nuts (6-7 nuts for really heavy loads) in a small muslin bag (provided with most orders) and toss in with your laundry. Warm water activates the saponins. If you are washing in cold water, place the bag of Nuts in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before adding to the wash. Don't expect a lot of suds, but, trust me, they are working. Each bag should clean approximately 3-5 loads. When the shells become soft and grayish in color, they are usually all washed out.
Soap Nuts can also be boiled to make a concentrated chemical free detergent. Boil 15-18 whole nuts in 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. The resulting liquid is now a concentrated liquid soap. Use 3 tablespoons for each load of laundry. Back to Top
What To Do With The Remaining Shells?
Soap Nuts are anti microbial and are 100% environmentally friendly.They actually help in breaking down the gray water in your septic system. The shells can be tossed in the compost pile since they are 100% biodegradable. Back to Top
Traveling With Soap Nuts
What a convenient way to take your own personal soap, laundry detergent, shampoo and produce wash on your next camping trip - all in one little bag. Just place a dozen or so Nuts in a ziplock bag (don't forget the muslin bag for laundry) and have enough soap for the entire family. Back to Top
What Else Can I Do With My Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts are a great all purpose cleaner. They are gentle enough for washing little hands and big hands, people shampoo, pet shampoo, dishes, produce, your car and much more. Since most allergic reactions to soap are due to the added chemicals and fragrances, they can be used on the most sensitive skin.