Description
Grown on trees, Soap Nuts is a fruit (berry to be exact) that contains natural surfactant (Saponin) that works to remove dirt. When this dried fruit comes in contact with water, it releases natural surfactant that creates mild suds that washes your clothes and cleanses your household. Since centuries ago, people around the world have been using Soap Nuts for their laundry, household cleaning, and even for personal body care and hair wash. And today, it is widely recognized as an Eco-friendly alternative to synthetic detergent.
How To Use Soap Nuts For Laundry
There are 2 methods. The first method is to make Soap Nut Liquid and use it as if you would a detergent. The second method is to add Soap Nuts directly into the washing machine together with your clothes.
Method 1: Preparing Soap Nut Liquid
- In a 1 litre bottle, put in 15 whole Soap Nuts. Fill the bottle with room temperature water and let it soak overnight or soak for 8 hours. If you need it fast, boil it for 30 mins and let cool.
- Remove the Soap Nuts and store the Soap Nut Liquid in the bottle for use. It can keep up to 1 week and used for 5 loads of laundry. Minimize air exposure for longer shelf life.
- Note: You can air-dry the Soap Nuts and add them to your next batch of Soap Nut Liquid preparation if you like. Top up with new shells. After use, you can add these used Soap Nuts to your compost.
Using Soap Nut Liquid With Washing Machine
- For an average load of laundry (5-7kg), pour 200ml of Soap Nut Liquid into the detergent compartment of your washing machine or pour directly onto your clothes. And start your wash cycle. Fabric softener is not required.
- Note: For dirtier clothings, add more Soap Nut Liquid. For stubborn stains, pre-treat your clothes with soap bar, liquid soap or washing soda.
Method 2: Adding Soap Nuts Directly Into Your Washing Machine
- Put 6 to 8 whole Soap Nuts into a small cotton bag.
- Soak it in a bowl of hot water for at least 15 mins.
- Toss the bowl of liquid and Soap Nuts into your washing machine together with your clothes and start the wash cycle.
- Remove Soap Nuts during the rinse cycle.
- Air-dry your Soap Nuts and reuse for your next 1 batch of laundry. Top up with new shells if desired. After use, you can add them to your compost.
- Things To Note: Do not overload your washer with too much clothes. Allow space for the Soap Nuts to interact with water to release the saponin. Add more Soap Nuts or reduce the load of clothes if they are dirtier than usual. For stubborn stains, pre-treat your clothes with a stain remover. Regular soap bar, liquid castile soap or Washing Soda works well in removing stains.
charmaine –
Been using the soapnuts for 2 months already, and i like it!
It’s easy to use. I soak the nuts in hot boiling water for 10 minutes, then go about doing my other stuff. When my timer rings, I chuck the soapnuts and the water into the washing machine. To encourage the saponins to release, I set the temp to 30 degrees (40 is probably better but i wanna reduce the electricity consumption).
I use a front load, and previously there was this strange smell my clothes always had if i didn’t sun them properly – and to my horror – there was real bad scum build up from the commercial detergent and softener!!! (go check your rubber ring – use a paper towel and wipe inside! i got a entirely browned paper towel and i realized why my clothes stank!) Now that I switched to soap nuts (and did a couple of rounds of washing with temp set at 90degrees) – i think there should almost no more build up and my clothes should stay stink free! finally i know why!!!
It’s resonably priced – and for that little bit more – i can have the assurance that my skin is chemical free, do my part for the envt (less plastic and chemicals involved), and also I don’t have to use softeners anymore!
my clothes still wash clean (my clothes are normal – no heavy duty dirty clothes) and i’m happy. the only only piece of clothing that doesn’t seem to do well is one particular pair of shorts – the rubber band smells funky. then again, it could be just that shorts – cos’ my other shorts with rubberized bands are a ok.:)
overall, given the price and all the benefits – i will definitely continue using the soapnuts!:)
shane –
After experimenting with soapnuts for a while now, I can surely say that the soapnuts available here on this site contain/produce more saponin than other soapnuts while making soapnut liquid. Therefore it also means these nuts effectively wash a few more loads of laundry compared to the slightly darker brown variety. The price is the only hitch!
SLau –
I’ve been using soap nuts for the past 2 years. My clothes are always clean and fresh, you can’t tell that they haven’t been seeped in lots of chemicals and lather. I’ve also saved lots of money from not having to buy detergent anymore as the soap nuts last me for months. I have even bought the sample size to give away to friends and family, in an effort to help educate others about being more eco friendly.
Anonymous –
You soapnut is amazing!I used it on my hand and although I have sensitive skin,I do not feel uncomfortable at all. Also, now I wouln’t have to worry about what goes into the soap I use and my skin is chemical free now.
Miley –
‘am so glad your soapnuts comes in 1kg now, can’t get enough of it!
I have been using soapnuts for my laundry for more than 2.5 years now. There was no turning back since the day a tiny pack was gifted to me. And now, being a mother myself, i try not to expose my baby to harmful ingredients in products as much as possible. ‘am so glad i can use soapnuts for her laundry – chemical-free. 🙂
Jaclyn –
I’ve been using soap nuts for 3 months since May. Previously was using Nellie’s for all my laundry needs (clothes, towels, cloth diapers, washable pads, delicates) But it was too costly so I read up on soap nuts. I was pleasantly surprised to know that a local company carried them! I tried a sample size and was impressed and dove right into getting a kilo!
I love the fact that it’s biodegradable and has very little packaging compared to commercial detergents.
Initially I tried using the soap nuts in the washing machine but found it a hassle to soak in hot water and keep track of the number of washes. I wash using cold water to conserve energy so I wasn’t incline to increasing the temperature of the wash. After awhile, I decided to make the soap nut liquid and it was so much easier! I would boil 7 whole nuts in 1l of water, switch off the fire once it comes to a boil and let it soak for 8-12h. Then transfer to a glass jar which sits on top of my machine. I usually can get about 11 washes.
I’ve just started to use it to mop my floor and will be using it straight as a all-purpose cleaner. An even greener alternative to using Dr Bronner’s! After reading all the positive reviews on using it as a shampoo, I think I might give that a shot!
Selina –
My sis in law recommended me to try soapnuts. Both my kids have eczema and I have sensitive skin. Using normal detergent sometimes will aggravate the skin condition due to the chemical present and also fragrances. Tried the mini pack and was happy how my laundry turn out, no chemical smell at all. So went to get the 1kg and never look back ever since. Using the soapnuts alone works, however sometimes I add baking soda in the machine for that extra oomph.
Florence (verified owner) –
My 2nd purchase this time round. Seller gave away a foam pump bottle so that I can bring along outdoors. Left a sweet note to me saying to stay safe at this time like this. Thank you! Same to you too, stay safe & tough!