Soap Nuts: The Natural Laundry Detergent That Grows on Trees
Soap nuts (also called soapnuts, soap berries, soapberries or wash nuts) are dried berry shells that wash your clothes naturally. They are 100% natural, biodegradable and compostable, and they replace regular laundry detergent at around [UPDATE] cents a load.
- 100% natural detergent
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Wild-harvested
- No added fragrance
- Affordable and effective
What are soap nuts?
For hundreds of years, people in India and Nepal have done their laundry and cleaning with soap nuts. A soap nut is the dried fruit of the soapnut tree, Sapindus mukorossi, known in India as reetha or ritha. It is a berry, not a nut.
The shells contain a natural substance called saponin. When saponin meets water it makes a mild, soapy liquid that lifts dirt and dissolves oils from fabrics and other surfaces. Oh, and did we mention it is a detergent that grows on trees?
Soap nuts work on all fabrics, at all temperatures, in front and top loading machines. They are gentle, which helps keep colours bright and fabrics in shape for longer. You can use them for laundry, dishes, cloth nappies, homemade liquid soap and general household cleaning.
What soap nuts are free from
- SLS and sulfates
- Parabens
- Perfume
- Bleach and chlorine
- Phthalates
- Phosphates
- Formaldehyde
- Petrochemicals
How do soap nuts clean?
Saponin is a natural surfactant. A surfactant lowers the surface tension of water so it spreads out and flows through fabric more easily, releasing dirt, oils and grime. Soap nuts make very few suds, but the cleaning still happens. Suds in commercial detergents mostly come from added foaming agents.
How to use soap nuts in your washing machine
Soap nut shells: Put 6 to 8 shells in the cotton wash bag, tie it closed and put it in the drum with your clothes. They suit front and top loaders and temperatures up to 90ยฐC.
Soap nut liquid: Add 2 to 3 capfuls to the detergent compartment and wash as normal. Dilute our liquid 20 parts water to 1 part liquid.
Shells can be reused. Cold washes get more uses out of each bag than hot washes, because heat releases more saponin. For scented laundry, add a few drops of essential oil to the wash bag. You do not need fabric softener, as soap nuts leave clothes soft on their own.
Soap nuts also work in the dishwasher, for cloth nappies, as a hair and body wash and for general cleaning. See the full guide on how to use soap nuts.
Benefits of using soap nuts
- Natural: soap nuts are a fruit that grows on trees, with nothing added.
- Renewable: soap nuts are a renewable resource, and the trees are easy to grow.
- Biodegradable: add used shells straight to your compost. They are also fine for septic tanks.
- Affordable: one 1kg bag lasts up to 365 loads. See the cost comparison.
- Saves water and energy: soap nuts leave no soapy residue, so many people skip the extra rinse.
- Gentle: fragrance free, and a popular choice for sensitive skin, baby clothes and cloth nappies. In Nepal, people wash even fine silks with soap nuts.
- No fabric softener needed: soap nuts soften fabrics naturally.
- Reusable: use the same shells 4 times or more.
- Minimal packaging: reuse the cotton bag and recycle the box.
- Not tested on animals.
What does your laundry cost per load?
| Product (1kg) | Loads | Price | Per load | 365 loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoWarehouse Soap Nuts Shells, reused as directed |
365 | $52.50 | $0.14 | $52.50 |
| Ecostore Ultra Sensitive Powder, front loader dose |
64 | $12.08 | $0.19 | $68.89 |
| Earthwise Sensitive Powder, fragrance free |
33 | $6.99 | $0.21 | $77.31 |
| Ecostore Ultra Sensitive Powder, top loader dose |
32 | $12.08 | $0.38 | $137.79 |
Non-promotional prices checked online on 22 October 2026 at EcoWarehouse, PAK'nSAVE (Earthwise) and Mitre 10 (Ecostore). Loads as stated by each brand for a 1kg pack.
Where our soap nuts come from
We import our soap nuts from northern India, where the trees grow wild around villages. At harvest time any villager can collect soap nuts and earn an income from them. That also means fewer trees are cut down to sell as firewood. We believe this does more good for local people and the planet than buying from farmed sources.
Our supplier works directly with the harvesting communities. They provide farmers with selected inputs and technical advice, and help with basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, money and medicines. This is our supplier's own practice. It is not certified Fairtrade.
Our soap nuts are not fumigated on import. MPI inspects each shipment at the border to make sure it is clean and free of debris.
How to store soap nuts
Soap nuts absorb moisture easily. Left open to the air they can turn dark and sticky quite quickly. Store them in an airtight container, or keep the bag tightly closed.
Sticky soap nuts have not gone off. They still wash perfectly.
Soap nuts FAQ
How many soap nuts do I need per wash?
On average 6 to 8 shells for a 5 to 6kg machine. With soft water, 3 to 4 shells may be enough. A bit of trial and error will show what suits your machine and water.
Can I reuse soap nuts?
Yes. Reuse the shells 4 to 6 times, then compost them. Cold washes get more uses than hot. Hot washes release more saponin, so expect 2 to 3 hot washes per batch. Shells that are finished look shiny and soft.
Where do I put the wash bag?
Put it in the drum with your clothes. Every bag of soap nut shells comes with a cotton wash bag, and you can buy extra wash bags.
Do I have to use a wash bag?
You do need something to hold the shells, otherwise they can block your machine. A sock, a handkerchief or a delicates bag works as well as our wash bag.
Can I use soap nuts in a front loading washing machine?
Yes. Soap nuts make very few suds and suit all washing machines, including front loaders.
Are soap nuts safe for my washing machine?
Yes, as long as the shells stay inside the wash bag. Loose shells can block the machine.
Should I take the soap nuts out before the rinse cycle?
No. Soap nuts do not leave a soapy residue, and any saponin left in the water adds softness to your laundry.
Why are soap nuts said to save water and energy?
Commercial detergents leave a soapy residue that needs rinsing out. Soap nuts do not, so many people skip the extra rinse and go straight to the spin cycle.
Will soap nuts clean really dirty clothes?
Use warm or hot water for heavily soiled clothes, as it releases more saponin. Load the machine a little lighter so clothes can move freely. Soap nuts remove general grime but not stubborn stains. For those, presoak overnight in oxygen bleach or soap nut liquid, then wash as normal.
Can I use too many soap nuts?
Yes. If your washing feels stiff afterwards, use fewer shells next time. Hot washes and half loads need fewer shells.
Why do I get brown marks on my washing?
Usually a seed was left in one of the shells, and seeds can leave brown spots. Wash the clothes again as normal. It can also mean too many soap nuts, so try using fewer.
There are hardly any suds. Is that a problem?
No. Soap nuts contain no added foaming agents, so they clean just as well with very few suds.
Do the pieces need to be whole?
No. Broken pieces work better, because more surface area touches the water. Many people crush the shells on purpose.
Are the seeds any good for washing?
No. The seeds are the round black balls, and they contain no saponin. You can try growing them. See our guide to growing a soap nut tree.
If I plant a soap nut, will it grow?
No. The part used for washing is the dried, deseeded shell. If you find a seed in your bag, you can try planting it. See our guide to growing a soap nut tree.
Do soap nuts have a shelf life?
No. In humid conditions they absorb moisture and turn sticky, but they still wash just as well. Store them airtight to keep them dry.
Soap nuts smell a little like vinegar. Will my clothes smell like that?
No. Your clothes will come out with no scent at all. For scented laundry, add a few drops of essential oil to the wash bag, such as lavender for sheets or lemon for work clothes.
Do soap nuts soften clothes?
Yes. They leave clothes soft and fresh, so you can skip the fabric softener.
Will my whites and colours stay bright?
Colours stay bright because soap nuts contain no bleach. Whites can grey a little over time, so wash whites and colours separately. Add oxygen bleach or half a cup of lemon juice to keep whites crisp.
Are soap nuts suitable for delicates like wool and silk?
Yes. They are gentle enough for wool and silk and do not build up residue on fabrics.
Are soap nuts suitable for sensitive skin?
Soap nuts are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and petrochemicals, which makes them a popular choice for people with sensitive skin. As with any new product, if you have skin concerns, try a small wash first.
Are soap nuts a problem if someone is allergic to nuts?
Despite the name, soap nuts are not nuts. They are the dried berry of a tree in the soapberry family, the same family as lychee. If you have a known plant or food allergy, check with your doctor before using them.
Is soap nut liquid OK in my washing machine?
Yes. How much to use depends on how concentrated the liquid is, so experiment to find what works for you.
What do I do with used soap nuts?
Put them in your compost or green waste bin. They are 100% biodegradable.