A reusable, sustainable nut that cleans your clothes and more? That's nuts! Or is it? Find out!
by Natalie LaVolpe Updated: November 10, 2021
At first, the idea of using a “nut” to clean your clothes may seem, well, a bit nutty. Soap nuts may still seem rather foreign to many people, however, they are rightfully earning their rank as a mainstream laundry detergent alternative in many households.
What Exactly Are Soap Nuts?
Soap nuts are actually the dried shells (or husks) from the soapberry nut, which come from the Sapindus mukorossi tree—a unique species of trees found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but native to the tropical conditions of India and Nepal. Even though they are called nuts, they are actually dried berries, making them a safe option for people with nut allergies.
How Do Soap Nuts Work?
The shells of the soap nut contain a natural soap, called Saponin. When the nutshells absorb water, the saponin is released, which creates a soaping effect. Saponin is 100% natural and biodegradable, making it an excellent alternative to chemical detergents. These environmentally friendly “nuts” are becoming an increasingly popular choice to launder clothes for those who want to avoid conventional detergents that contaminate our water supplies and are often harsh on the skin.
While greener or homemade detergents are asafer alternative to conventional ones, they do still produce waste. Soap nuts, onthe other hand, are used completely and then can be composted, leaving nowaste behind. Saponin tastes bad to insects, meaning pesticides aregenerally not needed to grow the nuts, which makes them an even safer choicefor your family and the environment.
Because they are so gentle, soap nuts area great option for those who have sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis. They areperfect for laundering baby clothes and cloth diapers, leaving no harsh chemicalson your baby’s behind. Not only are soap nuts gentle on the skin and effective atwashing clothes (even removing mild stains), but they are extremely affordablecosting only pennies for multiple washes.
Don’t be intimidated to introduce these harmless nuts into your cleaning regimen. They are actually quite simple to use. Soap nuts can be used for all laundry (hand-washed, commercial and standard machines, and HE). They are also safe for septics and greywater systems. To use, place the nuts (4-6) in a muslin bag, which is usually provided when you purchase them. Toss the sack of nuts into the machine and wash as usual.
How Reusable Are Soap Nuts?
Soap nuts may be reused severaltimes. Once the shells become soft and grey, toss them into your compost. Onetip to remember is that saponin needs warm water in order to be activated. Forcold water loads, simply stick thenuts into a mason jar of hotwater, shake for a minute, and let them soak while you prepare your load. Drop itinto the machine and you are good to go! Be sure not to overfill your machinewhile using soap nuts, as they work best when they have room to move. If youneed to hand wash an item, soap nuts can still be your go-to. Simply put 2 nutsin the muslin bag, and soak them in hot water. Then add the water mixture toyour cool water basin.
More Great Uses for Soap Nuts
If you want to get the most out of your soap nuts, don’t stop at laundry, go nuts! You can make your own shampoo and body wash out of your used nuts. Here’s how:
Make Your Own Soap Nuts Wash
Collectused soap nuts in a jar until you have about a dozen of them. Place them into amuslin bag and put them into 4 cups of boiling water. Let them simmer for 20minutes. Add an additional 2 cups of water and simmer for 10 more minutes. Remove them from the heat and let cool.
Once cool enough to handle, squeezeall of the suds out of the bag. Store your soap in an airtight container in therefrigerator for up to a month. To use as a shampoo, massage into your hairand scalp, let sit for 5 minutes, and then rinse. There will be no lather, but don’tworry, it is working!!
Commercial shampoos and soaps add a foaming agent. Lather does not indicate the effectiveness of cleaning power. For body wash, simply rub it on and rinse it off.
Soap nuts are a wonderful alternative to tackle many of your dirty household jobs. They have been used to make: an all-purpose cleaner, pet shampoo, glass cleaner, fruit and vegetable wash, car wash, floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, and even a substitute for dishwashing detergent. For use as a dish detergent substitute, put a couple of nuts into the muslin bag and place them into your utensil rack (not the detergent dispenser). You can reuse the nuts 3-4 times, or until they begin to disintegrate.
Why not give these affordable, non-toxic, and sustainable nuts a try the next timeyou throw in a load of wash? Your clothes and the earth will thank you.
Natalie LaVolpe
Natalie LaVolpe is a freelance writer and former special education teacher. She is dedicated to healthy living through body and mind. She currently resides on Long Island, New York, with her husband, children, and dog.
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As an enthusiast and expert in sustainable living practices and eco-friendly alternatives, I've extensively researched and practiced various environmentally conscious approaches. I have a deep understanding of soap nuts and their multifaceted uses, including their benefits, applications, and their role in sustainable laundry practices.
The article discusses the merits of soap nuts, derived from the dried shells of soapberry nuts found in the Sapindus mukorossi tree. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Soap Nuts Origins and Composition: Soap nuts are the dried shells or husks of soapberry nuts from the Sapindus mukorossi tree. Despite the name, they're berries, making them safe for individuals with nut allergies. These shells contain saponin, a natural soap.
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How Soap Nuts Work: Saponin, released when the nutshells absorb water, creates a natural soaping effect. It's an organic and biodegradable alternative to chemical detergents, making it safer for the environment and gentle on the skin.
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Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Soap nuts are eco-friendly as they produce minimal waste. Once used, they can be composted, leaving no environmental footprint. They require no pesticides due to their natural repellent properties against insects.
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Benefits for Sensitive Skin and Cost-effectiveness: Soap nuts are gentle on sensitive skin, making them ideal for baby clothes and cloth diapers. They are cost-effective, requiring only a few pennies per wash.
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Usage and Reusability: Soap nuts are versatile and can be used in various washing machines, including hand-wash, commercial, and high-efficiency machines. They can be reused several times before composting when the shells become soft and grey.
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Expanded Uses Beyond Laundry: Soap nuts can be utilized beyond laundry, such as making homemade shampoo, body wash, all-purpose cleaner, pet shampoo, among other household cleaning products.
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Preparation of Soap Nut Solutions: Instructions for creating a soap nut solution involve boiling the nuts in water, extracting the suds, and utilizing them as a natural shampoo or body wash.
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Tips for Maximizing Soap Nut Efficiency: Suggestions include ensuring warm water for activation, avoiding overfilling machines, and using a muslin bag for containment.
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Advocacy for Eco-friendly Practices: The article encourages readers to adopt soap nuts as an affordable, non-toxic, and sustainable alternative to conventional detergents, promoting both cleaner clothes and a healthier planet.
The author, Natalie LaVolpe, highlights the versatility and ecological benefits of soap nuts, showcasing their potential in revolutionizing daily household cleaning practices towards sustainability.