Soap nuts. What are they, and how to use them for cleaning around the house?

Using a ‘’nut’’ for the household cleaning chores may seem odd. However, while soap nuts are still rather foreign to most people, they are rightfully earning their rank as mainstream laundry detergent alternatives for more and more households that choose the green biodegradable way.

What are soap nuts?

Soap nuts are, in fact, not nuts. They are the dried shells (or husks) of the soapberry nut. This species can be found in both the eastern and western hemispheres. However, they are native to the conditions in Nepal and India. Even though they are called nuts, they are dried berries and that makes them safe for people with nut allergies.

How do soap nuts actually work?

The shell of the soap nut contains natural soap called Saponin. When the nutshells absorb water, the soap is released and that creates a soaping effect. Saponin is 100% natural and biodegradable. If you have recently turned to green cleaning or are looking for non-toxic eco-friendly alternatives to regular laundry detergents, this is your best shot. They will not contaminate your water supply, and will not irritate your skin.
The best part, that makes soap nuts better than other homemade green cleaning solutions, is the fact that they are zero-waste. They can be composted leaving nothing behind. Pesticides are not used on the plant since Saponin actually tastes bad to insects and it is not needed.

What can you use soap nuts for?

Laundry
Soap nuts are extremely gentle which makes them perfect for washing baby clothes, or for people suffering from eczemas, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. They are very easy to use as well. When you purchase them, they come in a little muslin bag. Place 4-5 of them in it and toss the bag in the laundry machine. Run your usual cycle. They are suitable for top loaders, as well as front loaders.
If the load you are washing is heavily soiled, add ½ cup of baking soda to the load. If you want to use a cold water cycle, place your nuts in a mason jar full of hot water and let them soak in it while you prepare your load. Those nuts are also good for washing delicates or even hand-washing your clothes.

Shampoo and body wash
Why stop at laundry detergent when you can use the soap nuts for a number of other products as well? Once you have done 5-6 laundry loads with the set of nuts, keep them to the side until you have a dozen of them. Once you have enough, place all nuts in a muslin bag and let them simmer in boiling water for about 20 minutes. Add 2 more cups of water and let the solution simmer for another 10 minutes.
Once the solution has cooled down, squeeze all suds out of the bag and keep your soap in the refrigerator for up to a month. To use as shampoo, massage it into your hair. There will be no foam but it is working! If you want to wash your body with it, simply rub it on, then rinse it. You can add a few drops of argan oil for extra nourishment.

All-purpose cleaner
Those wonderful ‘nuts’ can also be used to make an all-purpose cleaner, pet shampoo, glass cleaner, fruit and vegetable wash, car wash, floor cleaner, carpet shampoo, and even dishwashing detergent. You can make an all-purpose cleaning solution by using the boiling method we mentioned above. However, if you want to make a more powerful, concentrated solution, you can use fresh, unused nuts. If you made a lot of cleaning solution and don’t think you will be using it right away but do not want to waste it, pour it in an ice cube tray and freeze it to use in the future.

How reusable are soap nuts?

You may reuse the soap nuts several times. Once the shells become soft and gray, it is probably time to get rid of them. Once you are done using your soap nuts, place them in the compost, or out in the garden and return their nutrients back into the soil. You can check if your nuts have been used up by squeezing them gently while they are still wet. If you feel some suds, you can use them again for the laundry or to make any of the cleaning solutions we told you about.

Generally, soap nuts are a wonderful alternative to all toxic, commercial products full of harsh chemicals and harmful artificial ingredients. Switch to green cleaning, help the earth and ensure the safety of your health and the health of your loved ones. Waste no time, purchase a bag of soap nuts, and give them a try. You will thank us later.