Laundry powder that grows on trees???

SoapNuts: A Natural, Eco-Friendly Alternative

SoapNuts are a 100% natural, biodegradable, economical, and effective alternative to conventional detergents. They can easily replace your regular laundry detergent while being gentle on both your clothes and the environment.

What Are SoapNuts?

For centuries, people in India and Nepal have used SoapNuts for laundry and cleaning. These nuts are the dried fruit of the Ritha tree, which releases saponin—a natural detergent—when in contact with water. SoapNuts can be used for various cleaning purposes, from washing clothes and dishes to cleaning jewelry and household surfaces. They even make a great liquid soap.

SoapNuts are both highly effective and gentle. They leave your laundry fresh and clean while preserving the colors and fabric structure of your clothes for longer periods compared to other detergents. They can be used on all types of fabrics, at any temperature, and are suitable for both front and top-loading washing machines.

Skin-Friendly and Hypoallergenic

SoapNuts are allergy-free and safe for sensitive skin, making them ideal for babies, those with eczema, and anyone with sensitive skin. This chemical-free product is perfect for washing children’s clothes and cloth diapers. SoapNuts are not only ecological but also economical compared to other detergents.

The berries are harvested from wild, mature trees that continue to produce fruit annually. Since these trees grow wild, they aren’t exposed to pesticides or other chemicals. SoapNuts are a natural product, and once they’ve done their job, they can be safely composted, enriching the soil as they decompose.

Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe

Being 100% natural with no added chemicals, SoapNuts are safe for use in greywater systems that irrigate gardens, as well as in septic and sewage systems. They won’t leach harmful chemicals into waterways or oceans and are gentle on those with skin sensitivities and allergies.

SoapNuts sanitize and clean your clothes effectively. When made into a liquid concentrate by boiling crushed SoapNuts in water, they become a multipurpose cleaner suitable for sanitizing surfaces like countertops and tables—perfect for areas where children eat.

How to Use SoapNuts in Your Laundry

SoapNuts can be used directly as a laundry or dishwashing detergent, or made into a liquid cleaner for various household tasks.

To use in your laundry:

1. Place 6-8 whole SoapNuts in the cotton washbag provided with your purchase.
2. Put the bag in the washing machine drum along with your clothes. If you have a front-loader, simply place the cotton bag inside the machine with your clothes.
3. Wash as usual. You don’t need to remove the SoapNuts during the rinse cycle since they leave no harmful residue. If possible, you can even skip the rinse cycle and go straight to spinning.
4. The SoapNuts can be reused 4-6 times, especially in cold water, before composting them in your garden.

How to Make Liquid Soap Using SoapNut Shells

To make a liquid soap:

1. Add about 50g (a handful) of SoapNut shells (without seeds) to approximately 4 cups of water. Crush the shells into smaller pieces before adding them to the water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. This process extracts the saponin from the shells.
3. Let the liquid cool, then remove the shells. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Guar Gum or Xanthan Gum to thicken the liquid.
4. If using the liquid for shampoo or hand soap, add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.
5. You can use the liquid immediately or let it steep overnight. Strain the liquid into an appropriate container and compost the remaining shells.

This versatile liquid can be used as shampoo, all-purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, dishwashing liquid, or for any other cleaning purpose where you would normally use a liquid cleaner.