How to Use Soap Nuts
Soap nuts come as whole shells or ready-made liquid. Here is how to use each one for laundry, dishes, hair and body, cloth nappies and around the house. New to soap nuts? Start with what soap nuts are and how they work.
Soap nuts for laundry
Shells: Put 6 to 8 shells in the cotton wash bag, or a sock tied at the top, and add it to the drum with your clothes. Suitable for front and top loaders and temperatures up to 90ยฐC.
Liquid: Add 2 to 3 capfuls to the detergent compartment and wash as normal. Dilute our soap nut liquid 20 parts water to 1 part liquid.
Soap nuts clean effectively while staying gentle. They keep colours bright, help fabrics hold their shape and leave clothes soft without fabric softener. A 1kg bag of shells does up to 365 loads.
Shells can be used for more than one wash. How many depends on the water temperature, and cooler washes get more uses. To scent your laundry, add a few drops of essential oil to the wash bag.
Soap nuts in the dishwasher
Shells: Put 5 to 6 shells in the wash bag and fasten it to the cutlery basket.
Liquid: Add 2 to 3 capfuls to the detergent compartment and run as normal. Dilute our liquid 20 to 1.
Add white vinegar to the rinse aid dispenser for sparkling glasses and cutlery.
For washing up by hand, use soap nut liquid as you would dish soap. It makes very few lasting bubbles because there are no added foaming agents, but your dishes still come out clean, even after soaking.
How to make soap nut liquid
- Crush about 50g (a handful) of soap nut shells, seeds removed, into small pieces.
- Add them to about 4 cups of water, bring to the boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. This draws the saponin out of the shells.
- Let it cool, then take out the shells. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of guar gum or xanthan gum to thicken it.
- For shampoo or hand soap, add a few drops of essential oil for scent.
Use it straight away or leave it to steep overnight. Strain into a clean container and compost the leftover shells.
Use the liquid as shampoo, an all-purpose cleaner, car wash, hand soap, pet wash or washing-up liquid.
Soap nuts as shampoo and body wash
Shells: Simmer 3 to 4 shells in 500ml of water for 10 minutes. Thicken with guar gum, xanthan gum or cornflour, and add essential oil for scent if you like.
Liquid: Use as a shampoo or body wash. Dilute our liquid 20 to 1, and add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance if you like.
For a deeper clean, massage the liquid or paste into your scalp and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. Soap nut shampoo won't lather the way you may be used to, but it does clean your hair.
Keep it out of your eyes. Soap nut liquid stings. If it gets in, rinse well with clean water.
Washing cloth nappies with soap nuts
These steps help shift stains and odours. Always follow your nappy manufacturer's washing instructions.
- Prepare new nappies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing new nappies first, to improve absorbency.
- Store soiled nappies. Tip any solids into the toilet, then put the nappy in a mesh bag inside your nappy bucket. When the bag is full, put the whole bag in the machine.
- Soak. Soak overnight in oxygen bleach, then wash as usual with soap nuts the next morning. Or run a cold rinse cycle first.
- Wash. Use the temperature the manufacturer recommends, usually 30, 40 or 60ยฐC. In a high-efficiency machine, useย liquid rather than shells.
Shells: Soak 4 to 6 shells in the wash bag in hot water for 3 minutes, then put the bag in the drum with the nappies. This is for a full load in a 5kg machine. Use more for a bigger machine and fewer for a half load. One batch lasts about 6 washes.
Liquid: Pour 2 to 3 cups of soap nut liquid into the drum, add the nappies and wash as normal.
Oxygen bleach: 1/4 cup for light soiling, 1/2 cup for moderate soiling or yellowing, 1 cup for heavy stains.
Other stains: Soak first, or try our stain remover bar.
Fragrance: Add about 10 drops of essential oil to the wash bag.
Soap nut wash for pets and horses
- Wet your pet or horse with warm water.
- Add 200ml of soap nut liquid to half a bucket of warm water.
- Wash with a sponge or mitt as usual.
- Rinse well.
Soap nut liquid is gentle on coats and has no synthetic fragrance. Most coats don't need conditioner afterwards. For white legs, manes and tails, use the liquid more concentrated. Keep it away from the eyes.
Household cleaning with soap nuts
General cleaning
Use soap nut liquid, diluted 20 to 1, as a general household cleaner, a toilet cleaner or a car wash.
Window cleaner
Fill a clean spray bottle with 20 parts water, 1 part soap nut liquid and a splash of vinegar. Shake well, spray and wipe. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.
Cleaning jewellery
Soap nuts are a traditional jewellery cleaner in Indian households. Soak jewellery in soap nut liquid diluted 20 to 1, then rub it with a soft cloth to bring up the shine.