Soap Nuts (also referred to as soap berries) are the fruit grown on the Sapindus Mukorossi tree. The shells of the berry contain a natural cleaning agent called saponin. When they come into contact with water and agitation occurs, the saponin is then released. Saponin is naturally low sudsing which makes this a perfect natural laundry detergent alterative for all washing machines including high efficiency machines.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Simply place 3-4 shells into a cotton drawstring bag and tie closed. Place the bag in the washing machine with your load of laundry & let them do their magic. (Remove prior to putting your clothes in the dryer) Your laundry will come out scent free and soft as can be. To add fragrance just put 2-4 drops of essential oil on a cloth and add to the cool down cycle in your dryer.
The same soap nuts can be re-used for 3-5 additional loads and then composted or discarded. Soap nuts can also be boiled down into a liquid which can be used for: liquid laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, window cleaner, jewelry cleaner, dishwasher detergent, and even shampoo for you & your pets.
MONEY SAVER! Using cold water with your soap nuts will also reduce your utility bill by using less energy & water. Your clothes will also last longer.
Our soap nuts are grown organically in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. Training and employment is provided to over 200 people in this remote village, helping create and promote sustainable development of such rural communities.
Special Features of Demetria Organics' Soap Nuts:
- 100% Natural & Organic
- Biodegradable: can be composted after use
- Natural Fabric Softener
- Multi-purpose for other household cleaning
- Anti-Microbial: safe for septic systems
- Gentle, yet effective: mild enough for sensitive skin & delicate fabric
- Hypoallergenic: perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies to commercial additives, dyes, and fragrance
- Free of manufacturing processes - From agricultural procedures through to packaging you are receiving a hand processed product
SOAP NUTS TIPS
Hard Water
To prevent mineral deposits from building up add ½ cup of white vinegar to a full load of laundry during your rinse cycle. (for less than a full load adjust quantity of vinegar accordingly)
Tough Stains & Dazzling Whites
Soap are naturally a gentle cleanser. To keep your whites at their brightest, always separate your colours. For tough stains use 1 scoop of an environmentally friendly oxygen bleach in your wash load.
Front loading & high-efficiency (HE) machines
Soap nuts can be used in any washing machine. They are perfect for front loading and HE machines too because they are low sudsing.
Low Sudsing?
Are they working?! We are taught with commercial cleansers and detergents that lots of bubbles = clean. Soap nuts won’t create mountains of bubbles but will get all your laundry squeaky clean without additives and chemicals.
What will my laundry smell like
FRESH & fragrance free! Soap nuts naturally have a slight scent similar to apple cider vinegar prior to their initial use but that fragrance will not transfer to your laundry. If you do like fragrance just add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a cloth and add to the cool down cycle in your dryer.
Are sticky soap nuts bad?
No, they are perfectly alright and will wash normally. Soap nuts soak up moisture very easily through heat and humidity. They should be stored in a cool, dry location. Some individuals prefer them to be sticky as the saponin has already begun to release. You can alternately air dry them in an open container for 24 hrs and they should be back to original form!
*Do not place soap nuts in the dryer
RECIPES
Soap Nut Liquid
Boil 12 whole soap nuts in 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. As this contains no preservatives, make in small batches and keep in a labeled container in a cool, dry place (The refrigerator is great). You can add 1 Tbsp of lemon juice &/or 3 drops of lemon essential oil to aid with preserving the liquid and to add scent.
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Use 3 Tbsp of soap nut liquid per load of laundry.
All Purpose Cleaner
Store soap nut liquid in spray bottle for easy cleaning of any room in your home (bathroom, kitchen…). Add 2-3 drops of essential oils for fragrance & aromatherapy properties. NOTE: Lemon & Lemongrass essential oils are great antiseptics!
Glass Cleaner
In a spray bottle combine:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 Tbsp of vinegar
- 1Tbsp of soap nut liquid
Jewelry Cleanser
Soak jewelry in soap nut liquid for approximately 3-5 minutes. With an old tooth brush scrub away any debris that may have collected. Rinse in clean water and buff with soft, dry cloth.
Shampoo
Pour soap nut liquid into bottle with a foaming pump lid. 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil can also be added for additional therapeutic properties & scent. Massage soap nut foam into scalp & rinse. Repeat if necessary. Keep liquid & foam out of eyes.
Soap Nut Powder
Place 4-5 soap nuts in coffee grinder until finely ground. Powder can be used as a concentrated cleaning paste when combined with water or works great for gently scrubbing soap scum in baths/showers. Store any excess in airtight container.
Found another use for soap nuts? Let us know and we can post your recipe!
