Greener Living Products

Featured Article # 2

Soap Nuts in General

By Matt Johnson

In the jungles of countries like India and Nepal soap nut trees grow. Sapindus is the species which includes many sub species that grown in tropical zones. Many people think soap nuts are nuts, but in fact, they are not nuts at all, but a fruit. The name most likely came from its pit, which resembles a nut.

Soapy substances called saponins are found in the outer shells of soap nuts. These saponins have the effect of detergents when mixed with water. Each fruit of the soap nut tree contains one, two or three seeds and the fruit itself has a leathery texture and a yellowish or blackish color. They are used frequently, both medicinally and as detergents.

If you overhear any expert talking about renewable detergents, then it is soap nuts that they are referring to. These tiny fruits that grow on soap nut trees are actually very useful for many purposes.

As detergents:

Did you know that soap nuts make an excellent natural laundry detergent? Unlike the harsh detergents that are sold commercially by many manufacturers, these natural detergents are effective, as well as gentle. They do not contain bleaching agents. You can use them safely with or colored clothes. Laundry done with them is chemical free. The laundry also comes out odorless.

Can you believe that a product that grows on soap nut trees can actually be used to get your clothes clean? Fine wool, linen, silks, cotton, they work well on all. The next time you have a tubful of dirty clothes, just grab a bag of soap nuts. You will have freshly washed clothes free of harmful chemicals.

For medicinal purposes:

They are also used to relieve conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They do not contain any chemicals that irritate the skin. Soap nuts are frequently used by people with extremely sensitive skin. They have a unique anti-microbial property that helps kill germs and reduce skin problems. What’s more, soap nuts are also used as cleansers and homemade shampoos to remove lice.

Other benefits:

In addition to these benefits, they are used by jewelers to remove the tarnish from old pieces of metal, like silver. They are also used to clean up contaminated soil in many places. We have many soap nuts reviews and testimonials from people who they have worked for.

Thanks for reading,

Matt Johnson

Buy Soap Nuts Administrator

Featured Article

Soap Nuts

Nature's Natural Laundry Detergent

By Matt Johnson

I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, I wanted to to learn more.

What are Soap Nuts?

They are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Berry is the most commonly used in cleaning, but both varieties are quite effective.

How do They Work as a Detergent?

They contain large quantities of saponin in their shells. It acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without any chemicals, fragrances or dyes, they are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates. They are also tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your clothes soft, clean and fragrance free. No need to use of fabric softeners.

Will They Clean Difficult Items?

Yes and No. They are one of the best detergents to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. Stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, require a stain remover to help the cleaning process. You can also use 1/2c. lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to help brighten your white clothes.

What About My Allergies to Soap?

Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts grow on trees and are chemical free. When we began using them for our natural laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up. It has been gone now for over one year. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.

How do I use Them in my Laundry?

For Natural Laundry Detergent, you can use them in one of two ways:

1. Toss 4 or 5 Nuts in a small muslin bag (provided with most orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take them out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 4 or 5 loads.

2. Boil 12-15 whole Soap Nuts in 6 cups (1.5 quart) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 30 loads of laundry.

Can They be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?

Yes. They can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer detergent, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair. They are a great multi-purpose cleaner.

The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?

No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the gray water in your septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you use them. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle they are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft. They are 100% environmentally friendly.

Win-Win Situation

With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaners you can buy. Buy them In Canada and the US today.

Soap Nuts Natural Laundry Detergent