| Soapnuts are a macadamia-sized berry which is cracked open and dried in the sun, producing a dark golden 'shell'. These shells (known as 'soapnuts') can be placed into your washing machine instead of detergent and fabric softener, and will leave your clothes clean, soft and without scent. The pods contain a very high percentage of saponins (Mother Nature's soap), a surfactant which removes dirt and oils from clothing when contacted with water. Soapnuts can also be boiled into a liquid concentrate and used as a general purpose cleaner, shampoo, hand soap... lots of things! |  |
WHAT CAN I USE THEM FOR?
Soapnuts are most commonly used as a laundry detergent. They are used instead of chemical detergents and fabric softeners. Soapnut shells are used simply on their own in a cotton bag or lone sock tied at the top and put into the machine with your clothes. They do not need to be removed during the rinse cycle as there is no harmful or irritating residue as is left over from normal detergents. The surfactants in the nuts cleans and softens your laundry in one economic and environmentally friendly swoop!
To use them in your washing machine, place 3-6 whole soapnut shells in a cotton wash bag (or odd sock) and place it in the washing machine with your washing . You will need to use more shells for larger loads, heavy soiling or where hard water is used. You need less shells in smaller loads or in water efficient machines. Soapnuts don’t need to be removed during the rinse cycle and there is no harmful or irritating residue as is left over by normal detergents. Your soapnuts can be reused 4-6 times or longer in cold water, before composting them in your garden. |
You can make your own liquid soapnut cleanser by simmering 100 grams of soapnuts in 3 litres of water for an hour. The strained liquid can then be decanted into bottles and used instead of any liquid soap or cleanser. For smaller quantities try 6 broken up shells in 2 cups of water. The consistency will be thin, but its cleaning power is strong. Dilute as required. |  |