What Are Soap Nuts?
According to Mountain Rose Herbs:
Soap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing.
Sounds crazy… right?
I thought so too, but was amazed that
they actually work! They leave little to no scent, maybe a slight apple scent, and they don’t bubble, but they do remove stains!
Why Soap Nuts
They are the only true non-toxic and sustainable laundry option I’ve found. Homemade laundry soaps are a great alternative to conventional ones, but still create waste products. Soap nuts can be used completely and then composted for a no-waste solution, and a simple re-usable muslin bag is all that is needed to add them to a laundry load!
Another advantage to Soap Nuts is that they are extremely affordable! A handful of Soap Nuts can be purchased for pennies and used for multiple loads, making them the most cost-effective laundry solution I’ve found too. Since they are no-suds, they are great for front loader and HE machines and they don’t leave residue. They are also cloth diaper safe!
They don’t have the rain fresh smell of commercial detergents, but I like the light apple scent (that disappears when clothes dry).
This is where it gets technical and difficult… just kidding!
To use, put 4-6 Soap Nuts in a muslin or fabric bag and place in washer
How to Use Soap Nuts for Laundry
. Wash as usual with cold, warm or hot water. After washing, remove bag and let dry. Dry clothes as usual. Soap Nuts may be re-used several times until the shells start to become soft and grey, and then they should be composted.
Follow up with wool dryer balls instead of conventional dryer sheets, and you’ll have truly natural clean laundry in no time!
Other Uses for Soap Nuts
Soap Nuts can also be used to make liquid cleaner, to clean dishes, and even in shampoo. I’ll be posting more recipes soon…
I buy mine online, but in the past I’ve seen them in some specialty stores as they’re getting more common.
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