From Skepticism to Enthusiasm
I’ll be honest: when I first heard about soap nuts, I thought they sounded too good to be true. Could these strange little shells really handle the grime from my family’s active lifestyle? For years, I stuck with the usual chemical detergents, even though they left my skin itchy, my clothes smelling artificial, and my conscience uneasy.
The idea of using a natural, organic, and non-toxic detergent intrigued me, but I was skeptical about its ability to handle the stains and odors of everyday life. However, after yet another conventional detergent irritated both my sensitive skin and my daughter’s—who also suffers from pityriasis versicolor—I decided to take the plunge and try soap nuts. I haven’t looked back since. Not only are they effective, but they’re also gentle on my skin, kind to my wallet, and better for the planet. Most importantly, they’ve been the perfect solution for my daughter’s sensitive skin, which no longer experiences irritation.
What makes them special?
Soap nuts are the fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi, also known as the ‘soap tree,’ which grows wild in Nepal and the foothills of the Himalayas. The peel of this fruit contains natural saponin, a substance released into the water when it comes into contact with warmth.
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin.
- Eco-friendly: Biodegradable and septic-safe.
- Multi-purpose: Beyond laundry, they can be used for household cleaning and even as a natural shampoo!
- Cost-effective: A small bag of soap nuts can replace months of store-bought detergent.
For anyone looking to detoxify their home and reduce environmental impact, soap nuts are a no-brainer. Plus, they’re lightweight, easy to store, and require nothing more than water to work their magic.
How to Use Soap Nuts for Laundry
Directly in the Washing Machine Drum
For warm or hot water washes, use approximately 4-5 soap nuts or their equivalent in broken pieces. (Since our soap nuts are sold halved, you’ll need around 8-10 halves.) Place them in a cotton bag, tie it securely, and toss it into the washing machine drum with up to 5 kg of laundry. Once the cycle ends, remove the bag and let it dry without emptying the contents. Each set of soap nuts can typically be reused about three times. When they stop producing saponin, they become thin, soft, and turn a light brown or grayish color.
Using Soap Nuts in Cold Water
To use soap nuts in cold water, follow a slightly different approach. Take the same amount of soap nuts (4-5 whole or 8-10 halves), place them in a tightly tied cotton bag, and soak the bag in a cup of very hot water to create an infusion. Pour the liquid directly into the washing machine drum over your laundry and add the soaked bag along with it. After the wash, remove the bag and allow it to dry. The same nuts can be reused up to three times.
Handwashing with Soap Nuts
For handwashing, simply add about 50 ml of concentrated soap nut liquid to the washing water. Alternatively, you can prepare an infusion of soap nuts as described for cold water washes. Wash your clothes as usual, and enjoy the natural cleaning power of soap nuts.
Washing with Soap Nut Powder
Whether washing by hand or using a machine, soap nut powder is an excellent alternative. Add 2-3 teaspoons of soap nut powder to a cotton bag, run hot water over it, or place it directly in the machine drum. Wash as usual for clean, naturally fresh clothes.
Pro Tips for Soap Nut Success
- Storage: Homemade soap nut liquid is best stored in the fridge and used within 3-4 weeks. For a longer shelf life, freeze it in silicone ice cube trays—instant pre-measured detergent portions!
- No Essential Oils? No Problem! The liquid will have a mild, apple-cider-like scent that vanishes after drying.
- HE Washing Machines: Soap nuts are safe for high-efficiency machines. Just ensure you use deseeded shells to avoid staining.
- Reusable Nuts: Save money by using the same soap nuts for multiple batches of liquid detergent or tossing them directly into a wash bag for use in the machine.
Additional Tips for Best Results
Temperature Considerations: Saponin is released at temperatures above 30°C. For delicate items washed at lower temperatures, use a soap nut liquid instead.
Adjust the Quantity for Water Hardness: If your water is hard, you may need to use about 5 whole soap nuts (or 10 halves) per wash for optimal results.
For Heavily Soiled Clothes: Avoid overloading the machine, as this allows the soap nuts to release saponin more effectively. For extra-dirty laundry, consider increasing the number of soap nuts used.
Stain Removal: Soap nuts alone don’t remove stubborn stains. Pre-treat spots with a stain remover, such as gall soap, or add baking soda or an eco-friendly bleach for enhanced cleaning power.
Fabric Softener Alternative: Soap nuts naturally soften clothes. For an added boost, use a tablespoon of food-grade white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. Avoid using vinegar with dyes or artificial scents.
Soap nuts don’t produce excessive foam, making them ideal for automatic washing machines. They leave clothes smelling neutral and fresh. For a scented touch, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the cotton bag before starting the wash.
For white clothes, use an oxygen-based bleach or baking soda to maintain brightness. Without these, white fabrics may develop a yellowish tint over time. Use one tablespoon of baking soda in the detergent compartment of a 5 kg washing machine for best results.
A Fresh Start for Your Laundry—and Your Life
These nuts are worth trying at least once, out of curiosity, and you will find that they are very effective.
Who knows? You might just fall in love with this simple, sustainable solution.
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