Soapnuts, Soapberries, magical nature provided cleaning nuts. These beautiful earthly creations aren't new by any means. However, if you haven't already discovered these handy little gems then ready yourself for a massive transformation.
The berries from the Sapindus tree are harvested by hand in Nepal, dried and de-seeded leaving them looking a little like nuts, hence the name Soap Nuts, and then shipped directly to us. You can't get much closer to the beauty of nature providing than this.
Soap Nuts contain Saponin which has the ability to clean and wash. When in contact with water they create a mild sud similar to common soap. Naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial they're a 100% pesticide free (originated from certified organic producers) eco friendly wonder cleaner.
Soap Nuts are non-allergenic as they're not part of the nut family - nut allergy sufferers need not be wary and they're also perfect for sensitive skin. Babies, eczema and dermatitis all give this one this one the tick of approval. Economical and environmentally friendly, 1kg of soap nuts can handle up to 150 loads of laundry and if you have a bio-septic system and are therefore alert to what you can and can not put down your household drain, Soap Nuts fit the bill here also.
Below you will find a simple recipe to make a multi-purpose liquid cleaning solution for substituting chemical filled laundry liquid to help you go green at home. This solution can also be used as a bench spray, floor cleaner and tonnes of other practical applications but for the novice we recommend you start here.
Bring 10 Soap Nuts to a gentle boil in 2 cups of water whilst being careful not to over boil and lose the suds.
Once boiling reduce to a simmer, cover and let simmer for 1 hour
Allow to cool completely, discard the nuts and transfer to a closed container for storage.
Add 6-8 drops of your favourite anti-bacterial essential oil such as Eucalyptus Blue Mallee oil Lemon Oil. Or, if you want to freshen up your laundry with your favourite earthYARD blend or essential oil swap the anti-bacterial oil for 6-8 drops of your chosen scent.
To replace your usual liquid laundry detergent, substitute the store bought concentrate to 2-3 Tablespoons of your Soap Nut Solution. We recommend this for front loaders especially as it produces less suds than the nuts themselves.
@Alison
You can absolutely use soap nuts for front loader washing machines, just fill up the soap nut bag that comes with the 250gm and 500gm options with about 6-8 soapnuts, add 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil or blend and throw it in with the washing. That’s it!
Bec - June 6, 2022
@ Dawn
Just put 6-8 soap nuts in the cotton soap nut bag that comes with the 250gm and 500gm options, add 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil or blend and throw it in with the clothes. If you want to use a boiled soap nut solution as an alternative to laundry liquid, add 2-3 tablespoons as you would normally the store bought laundry liquid. Either straight onto the clothes, into a filled machine or in a liquid dispenser, it all works!. For a softener option, ½ a cup of distilled white vinegar is a great natural solution. Add this during the final rinse cycle.
Alison - June 6, 2022
Hello,
I do not have a bio septic system, can I still use these for my front hand loader washing machine?
Thanks
Sorry if this is a silly question 🙋♀️
Dawn - June 6, 2022
Hi there
I’ve always wanted to try soapnuts as an alternative to shop bought laundry detergent.
So, do I fill my laundry detergent container with water and then add the 2 – 3 tbs of the boiled soap nut water or do I add the 2/3 tablespoons in the washing machine laundry detergent container?
…. and what about softener for the towels and bed sheets?
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