Soap nuts - an experiment

A fellow new mum introduced me to soap nuts as a greener way to do your clothes washing.

I got a sample from the delightfully named In a Soapnut Shell site and tried them out - you put them in a drawstring bag or knotted sock in place of detergent and softener and chuck that in with the wash. They're the shell of a fruit (or drupe, strictly speaking) of a tree that grows in Nepal and India, containing the natural detergent saponin.

I've used them a few times and so far so good - they're fine for delicates, cost a lot less than conventional detergents (3p a wash apparently) and you can bung them on the compost heap once they've lost their efficacy in about 4-6 washes. There's no odour so if you like a bit of scent you can add a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender to the softener drawer. And I like the idea of washing my clothes with the shell of a drupe, so much more interesting than Persil and the like.

I'd like to hear from anyone else who's given them a try - how does it work long term?

Comments

[Andrew]

We've used Soapnuts for about a year now and they're great for everyday use but don't really provide the deep clean of powder.

Also as it may help some people in making the decision. I'm allergic to biological powder but have no problems with Soapnuts - they're a fairly gentle option.

[Pepette]

It's funny that you posted this today as I have been thinking and reading about soapnuts a lot recently and thinking about giving it a try.
My mum has been using them for 3 months now and says she won't go back to normal powder. The only drawback is that she has to wash at at least 40C to get a very good clean. I think it's something to do with the saponin not being released quite well enough in cold water. But I guess the environmental cost of using extra energy is outweighed by the benefits of not using nasty chemicals anymore...
Looking forward to more comments from your readers!

[DJ]

A TV programme last week did a comparison of soap nuts, ecoballs and an eco washing powder. The soap nuts were the least good, the ecoballs in the middle, and the eco washing powder did the best.

This reflects our experience. We now use ecoballs for most loads, but for really stained clothes (grease, oil, mud, muck, creosote, etc) it has to be an eco washing powder.

Still, that's about a 75% reduction in washing powder and the one we use is a "green" one.

[Daniela]

I've just ordered soapnuts for the second time ever - the first time was last year! So it's been a year on the soapnuts (a total spend of about 15GBP for 1kg and an average of a load a week) with excellent results, as long as you bear in mind that a 40C wash does seem to have a better effect than a 30C one. I've usually washed at 30C, and from time to time at 40C. I'm very happy with the soapnuts, and I would never ever go back to any type of non-eco friendly washing powder/detergent. I do use white wine vinegar in the rinse water, and sometimes baking soda for bad stains/smells, and also lemon juice in case of persistent smells due to B.O.! All this works absolutely fine not only for me and my husband, but also for our parrot who would probably be dead by now if we were using the chemicals normally associated with washing powder/detergents/household cleaning products! We're also teflon/non-stick free in this house and cooking is happening on a daily basis without any hardships or problems!

[Kate]

This post has been really interesting. I tried using soapnuts earlier in the year, washing at my usual 30C but have gradually moved back to my normal eco powder because I wasn't finding the cleaning as good. I think I'm going to give them another go now having read that they seem to work better at 40C.
Daniela, I'm interested in the way you use vinegar, bicarb and lemon juice. I've used vinegar in the past but never tried the other two. Where do you put the bicarb and lemon juice?

[James Heywood]

We use eco-balls - which are brilliant. They even was the poo off daughter's nappies! You can also skip the rinse cycle, saving some water and energy.

[Jane Perrone]

Daniela and Kate - what do you use the vinegar for? Does it soften? Haven't tried bicarb or lemon juice and wonder if these are added before clothes go in the wash? Do share!

My big bag of soap nuts showed up today so I am about to start using them. Will report back on how it works out in the longer term.

[Kate]

Well I read somewhere that white vinegar (although I don't know whether you can use any kind of vinegar) is good for removing bad smells, so that is what I use it for, i don't know whether it has any other benefits. I haven't used it for a while, but I think I put it in the main wash tray thing whilst I put a ball with liquid in the washer itself.
Hopefully Daniela will be able to enlighten us both further :-)

[Karen]

I had a big bag of soapnuts last year, but wasn't terribly happy with the results. I did find that there was an odour of sorts; perhaps just the smell of not-quite-clean laundry. Essential oil in the wash didn't seem to help (and I worried about its effect on the plastic parts); and I don't find that white vinegar makes much difference either. So I too use a combination of eco washing liquid and eco balls, and that seems to work better in terms of cleanliness.

However I live in the world's hardest water area, and absolutely nothing seems to stop nappies going crisp. We have even had a water softener installed but that hasn't made any noticeable difference. So if anyone can come up with good suggestions to get the nappies back to soft and lovely again, I would be happy to hear it.

Laundry: the mother's obsession.

[Daniela]

I use vinegar to give washing clothes a boost in the rinse cycle, and also to protect against black mold. While in the rinse cycle I pour in about 1/2 to 1 cup of white wine vinegar. This goes in the drawer where the water is coming through when in rinse cycle (as I've never used powder detergent I'm a bit confused about the names/uses of the three drawers). I've started using white wine vinegar with every wash after a bad case of black mold invading our washing machine and ruining some of the clothes that got washed - after much research on the Internet and speaking to the repair guy it seems this was brought on by always washing at 30C. A hotter cycle is needed at least once a month so you can get rid of any mold spores that might form in the rubber/plastic parts of the washing machine. So once a month I do a washing cycle as hot as possible, no clothes in, and use the vinegar combined with baking soda in the rinse cycle. The baking soda is used usually as a non-toxic, very good general purpose household cleaner and odour eliminator - and can be also added in the rinse cycle when the water is coming through the washing machine drawer (with/without vinegar, one after another - your choice). The lemon juice I just apply it to the underarm areas of the clothes that might need it, and then just chuck them in the washing machine. Or you can use it at the end of the wash if you find bad smell persisted after wash, and then rinse the item! The water here is very hard too - I live in North London - so I don't think there's anything out there to make clothes feel soft and fluffy after being washed...but if you know any secrets concerning this, please do tell them!

[Vera]

Re:Fabric Softening. I have been looking into dryer balls (see http://www.nellieslaundry.com/Dryerballs.html). I have contacted the company over my concern on lead content because these are made in China and they assure me that there is no lead in the balls. This looks like something I'd like to try.

[Matt Johnson]

My wife recently purchased a bag of soapnuts to use for cleaning cloth diapers for our baby girl. They worked better than any other laundry detergent she had tried. She was so impressed that she bought them in bulk & opened up an e-store so that she have a home-based business and still raise our daughter. Her site is http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com Check it out!

[Matt Johnson]

Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Nature’s Natural Detergent

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, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.

What are Soap Nuts?

Soap Nuts 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 of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.

How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?

Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.

Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?

Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.

What About My Allergies to Soap?

Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.

How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?

For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:
1. Toss 2 or 3 Soap Nuts in a small muslim bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.
2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) 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 60 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!

Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?

Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com

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 grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.

Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation

With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.

For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com

[Chelsea]

I just bought soap nuts and used them for the first time. My clothes feel wonderful! I didn't have any heavy stains, so I haven't tested anything with that, but I will add oxiclean when I do. I used an essential oil in the dryer. I just figeured I could de-stress while I wear my clothes!

[Ange]

I've recently started to use soap nuts and I can fairly say I'm 'nuts' about them.

I do wash at 30% and find they get clothes clean, I have a daughter who works with horses, very muddy! a football playing 15 year old lad and a 5 year old and a 3 year old, everything has come out clean I read about adding bicarb to heavy washes but haven't need to do that as yet. Maybe on heavy stains. I can't see myself going back to powders again.

[Matt is annoying]

matt stop spamming your website on every blog that talks about soapnuts... its lame and annoying! you can get soapnuts cheaper on eBay! For example: http://stores.ebay.com/Nine-Lucky-Stars

[Dawn]

Karen: Ecover is good for getting diapers soft....do a google search on it.

[Matt Johnson]

Soap Nuts can be used for more than just laundering clothes. They can be used by men and women alike who are suffering from hair loss. Ayurvedic medicine, practiced mainly in India and Sri Lanka, promotes a way of lifeto prevent hair loss, rather than just occasional treatments. Soap Nuts, which are grown in India and Nepal, are used in Ayurvedic medicine, and have been used for centuries to help against hair loss and dandruff. It is crucial though, to treat the whole body instead of just the symptom of hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, female hair loss, affects some 30 million women in the United States -- with some forms of loss occurring at earlier ages, and being seen in increasing numbers.

Ayurvedic medicine states the following conditions as beneficial for healthy and plentiful hair:
The scalp must be kept cool, so protection from the sun and washing in cold or lukewarm water are paramount.
Balanced diets and proper nutrition are key, so a hair-friendly diet should emphasize proteins, iron, zinc, sulfur, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex and essential fatty acids.
Sesame oil or coconut oil should be applied to the scalp to nourish, lubricate and strengthen the roots, thus improving circulation to the head.

What Causes Hair Loss?
The follicles in hair derive from a protein called keratin. It is normal to lose from 50 to 100 hairs per day, but more than that may be cause for worry. There are many causes of hair loss, and they can be different for men and women.

Genetics: Most genetic hair loss is found in men, but occasionally it is seen in women. This type of hair loss is inherited through the genes of one's mother, causing the hair follicles to stop producing hair much earlier than they should.

Illnesses and Medications: Most endocrine conditions such as lupus, uncontrolled diabetes, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and thyroid conditions can cause hair loss due to the stress they put on the body and the imbalance of hormones.

Medications: Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Birth control pills, lithium (used to treat bi-polar disorder), iostretinoin (used for acne) and of course, chemotherapy drugs can cause major hair loss.

Hair Treatments and Styling: Getting your hair dyed, permed, straightened or highlighted puts stress on the hair shaft and can cause it to break off or fall out temporarily. Wearing your hair pulled back very tightly can also cause permanent baldness around the temples or where there is tension of the hair.

Poor Nutrition: Poor eating habits can also cause hair loss. This is why people with eating disorders often have thin, brittle hair which falls out easily. It is essential to have a balanced diet and get the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fat. When the body is majorly lacking nutrients, the hair will not grow and will look limp and dull.

Disruption of the Hair Growth Cycle: Any major life event, such as childbirth, surgery or trauma, may alter the hair growth cycle.

How Can Soap Nuts Help?
Soap Nuts are a gentle and effective chemical-free cleanser, and as a liquid, can be used as a purifying shampoo. To make the liquid, add 6-8 whole shells to 6cups water, boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the nuts and pour into an appropriate container. Use this liquid as you would your regular shampoo. Pour a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use as conditioner. Rinse well and dry as usual. Continue using Soap Nuts as your shampoo and you should see visible results within a few months.
Remember that you should take a complete approach to your health and focus not just on the symptom of hair loss.

[Erin]

White vinegar has the added benefit of being a natural fabric softener. I add a 1/2 cup at the beginning of the wash. Works great!

[Rea]

Hi I accidentally stumbled on this site. Its very heartening that lot of people are interested in exploring the natural products...I come from India, we used to wash our hair with soap nuts and condition with egg whites (for conditioning) back home. I know there is some other green powdery natural mix (I forgot the name) that we used to use in grandparents house. It is also used to wash hair. These were the products people in India were using for thousands of years. I have started using shampoos only after coming to United States, and I have lost lot of my hair. Now I am inspired to ask my mom to send me some soap nut powder.

[Nancy Medsker]

I love my soap nuts and would never consider going back to any kind of manufactured laundry detergent. The soap nuts effectively clean my cloths and leave them soft and I have very dirty laundry. Try using a non-chlorine bleach for stains and whitening such as Oxy-Clean. Both products are totally safe for the environment. I use 3 nuts three times in lukewarm water with excellent results. For High Efficiency (HE) machines use 1 nut one time in warm water. I believe using these nuts can have a big impact on the environment. Just think of all the energy and chemicals used by the manufacturing and shipping of detergents and their containers. Using soap nuts certainly cuts down on our carbon footprint. We can help the environment 'one nut at a time'. Go to www.Earthcaremarket.com for the best prices on soap nuts. This is my business I started a few months ago because I really believe in soap-nuts. I also love boiling 3-4 nuts in a cup of water for 10 minutes to make liquid soap. This works great for washing dishes. My next experiment is to put one in my dishwasher and see if that works. I will let you know...N

[Nancy Medsker]

I love my soap nuts and would never consider going back to any kind of manufactured laundry detergent. The soap nuts effectively clean my cloths and leave them soft and I have very dirty laundry. Try using a non-chlorine bleach for stains and whitening such as Oxy-Clean. Both products are totally safe for the environment. I use 3 nuts three times in lukewarm water with excellent results. For High Efficiency (HE) machines use 1 nut one time in warm water. I believe using these nuts can have a big impact on the environment. Just think of all the energy and chemicals used by the manufacturing and shipping of detergents and their containers. Using soap nuts certainly cuts down on our carbon footprint. We can help the environment 'one nut at a time'. Go to www.Earthcaremarket.com for the best prices on soap nuts. This is my business I started a few months ago because I really believe in soap-nuts. I also love boiling 3-4 nuts in a cup of water for 10 minutes to make liquid soap. This works great for washing dishes. My next experiment is to put one in my dishwasher and see if that works. I will let you know...N

[Shut Up Matt]

Soap Nuts Suck! What are YOU TREE HUGGERS SAYING???!!! I think most of you are trying to sell your products! I tried them and they did not work very well. I love the fact that they were chemical free but I had to add some Tide/Free tomy washes because soap nuts weren't strong enough. maybe they work well enough for some of you and more power to you, but we didn't come her for an infomercial MATT!

[Shut Up Matt]

Eco Powder is best. Look at all of the post that claim to love soap nuts...they also include an online buying link. Hmmm...are we keeping it real or real commercial. This site is for real consumer opinions and vendors should respect that.

[Sarah]

Hiya,
I use them and I sell them too.
Soap nuts do not suck and if you try they taste like soap, so I wouldn't bother....
Soap nuts are hopeless at keeping your whites truly dazzling white but equally they are good at keeping your colours bright with no fading through the harsh actions of modern powders - eco or otherwise. They are the gentlest thing available so naturally they won't be hard on tough stains, they will need a little boost.
But, they're great at killing slugs in the garden....

[Soap Nuts]

I love soap nuts. When we started using them as our laundry detergent, the eczema across my belly cleared right up.

[Soap Nuts]

Soap nuts are great for getting the musty smells out of wash cloths & towels.

[randy]

I stumbled on your blog. I live in the US and recently bought soap nuts at dwellsmart (online store). I've been happy with them and love the fact that they're 100% biodegradable and completely non-irritating for sensitive skin.

[Lori]

To those of you who think that everyone who is posting about how well soap nuts work is looking to sell their product please read my post with an open mind.

A few months ago I read an article about soap nuts. It was the first I had heard about them. Since I hate chemical smells (even air fresheners)in my home and also have spent a great deal of energy looking for ways to reduce waste, exposure to toxins, and find natural alternatives I decided maybe soap nuts would fit the bill.

I tried them from several different suppliers with varying results. Since I didn't understand why I did independent online research.

What I found is that there are different varieties of the soap nuts, and each has a different amount of saponin (the soap part) in them. Not all people who sell them actual know what they are buying wholesale. We are dealing with an imported product and just like the lead in toys scandal of late the vendor is not always at fault. Yes they should know what they are selling but soap nuts is foreign ground for many of us, especially in the US.

Point is I tried four suppliers. I found the one that works the best for me. I have not had to bleach my whites since I started using soap nuts. I no longer need dryer sheets, fabric softener, or even starch when I iron. Folding my laundry is easier and faster because it's not stiff and doesn't have creases straight from the dryer like it used to because of chemical residue built up in the fabric.

If I wash in hot I use the nuts in a bag. If I wash in cold I use a liquid version I make myself.

I have read a great deal about varying "conditions" which might cause them to need a bit of help to work best.

The hardness of your water is an issue, but that's true of even bar soap. How full you stuff the washer is an issue. Also true of regular and eco-friendly detergents. Type of stain is also an issue. Nothing has gotten turmeric out of my table linens and clothes. I am still working on that. But general stains like on collars and cuffs, food on clothes and biological stains have come out perfectly without using anything extra.

We have a swimming pool so we often have wet towels lying about getting "sour", not to mention sun tan oil on the towels. I have an elderly mother who sometimes has accidents. I work from home but that doesn't mean the laundry or stains get dealt with daily. Often they sit for at least a day or two.

Overall I have been thrilled with soap nuts. My towels are fluffy and even the old ones have regained their softness and absorbency. My antique table linens are looking better with each wash. Our sheets are softer and no longer dingey and no lonager have a lingering "body oil" smell to them, even old ones are looking better with each wash. My mom's clothes come out CLEAN even on bad days.

I use soap nuts liquid variations for my stove top, counters, windows, mirrors, tv screen, computer monitor, keyboard, in the dishwasher, and the carpet cleaner. Lot's of other things, but the point is the range of uses I have found is tremendous from just one totally natural unpackaged item.

I've even recently started to wash my hair with it, use it in the tub for a soak, and in a foot bath for softening and clearing nail fungus on my mate's toes.

Will I ever buy packaged detergent or cleaners again. NO WAY. Even the most eco-friendly of them still requires recycling of a package and a great deal of carbon usage to produce them and get them to market and then recycle the packaging. The monetary benefit of these products is to the manufacturer first and foremost. Soap nuts have positive impact to the harvesters in villages where the trees grow.

NOTE I am not trying to sell you on my brand. I don't have a brand to sell. I do have a favorite brand based on experience with several. I am not mentioning it here purposely.

At the end of the day I truly believe in the power of soap nuts and the envrionmental, moral, and ethical concept behind using them, and so does everyone I have shared my suppply with in the last few months. 100% of the people I introduced to soap nuts have told me they were amazed at the difference, and will never switch back to packaged products and they too are finding tons of other uses for them with great success.

[Anne]

Soap nuts are amazing for hair wash. It leaves the hair so soft and shiny that you don´t need a conditioner. I boil 5-6 nuts i one liter of water. Boil for thirty minutes and strain. If your hair is very dirty or you have had oil or other products in it you'll need to repeat once more.

[Skeleton Mom]

I have used soapnuts for about a year now and am very pleased at the results. Didnt realize how allergic I was to "fragrance" in detergents. Since using the nuts, the skin on my back has cleared up nicely. (Sorry if I grossed anyone out, there...)

However, I do understand that the "nuts" dont always work depending on your type of machine, water and tempurature from what I can gather from the many posts here.

Dont wash many whites myself because I mostly wear black (love white, but destroy it) so its not an issue. Whenever I find that my washer starts smelling not so fresh, I run white vinegar or a tiny bit of bleach thru a cycle with nothing else in the washer. And do this once a month to keep it fresh. Hanging your clothes out to dry on the line on good, sunny days also helps to keep them fresh.

[Soap Nuts]

I love soap nuts for laundry. They are great at getting musty & mildewy smells out. free shipping on orders over $50 ag http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/Store.html

[Soap Nuts]

A good way to keep your whites dazzling while using soap nuts is to let your whites dry on the lawn. The oxygen in the grass bleaches even tough stains whiter than you can imagine.

[Caralien]

For whites, I use Eco Powder--it's the best I've found anywhere.

For everything else, I'm trying to use soap nuts. I bought a lot in bulk (it was cheaper than Maggie's, and I thought of making gifts out of them), but it didn't get our whites clean or fresh enough. I will be trying the suggestion of grinding them in the coffee grinder, as that is easier than trying to find the bag when one shares a washer and dryer with the neighbors.

I agree that it's great that it is natural, but it isn't the best for anything overly stinky or white.

[Soap Nuts Natural Laundry Detergent]

I love how well soap nuts work. They are great at getting odors out of clothes that no other detergents can.

[Ira]

A low cost, green eco friendly, healthy natural way to clean is to make a homemade liquid from soap nuts which grow on the Chinaberry tree and have been used for thousands of years. They work very effectively.

[Account Deleted]

i really like it.its good for me all of us so plz use it its natural gift.

[Ale]

I am dying to try the soap nuts. I found some at a very good price in the store where I get my esssential oils. But they are Sapindus trifoliatus. On a previous post here someone mentions both sapindus trifoliatus and sapindus mukorossi work the same, being the main difference the size. But in some other places they state that sapindus mukorossi works better for cleaning purposes and trifoliatus are most used for herbal purposes. Does anyone know if there is a truly difference besides sizes? As I said, the price for the trifoliatus that I found is REALLY GREAT, I trust the company... I think their products are reliable but I wouldn't like to end up buying soap nuts that are not good for cleaning just to save some bucks

[dshoop]

I'm excited to try a few ideas I read here. I already use soap nuts in the wash, but want to try applications too. I thought that I'd try adding a couple nuts to hot water in a spay bottle to make an all-purpose cleaner. That sounds easier than keeping premade solution in the fridge. Plus, it'll clean more thoroughly being warm. Also want to try not rinsing in the wash. I guess I'd have to just do a rinse and spin cycle on my HE machine. Has anyone tried not rinsing in the wash?

[Claire]

Hey there

Have been doing some reading about the whole soap nut / saponin thing; as are interested in making my own soap concotions.. and this question may be a bit of track, but have any of you come across any decent info about what happens to saponins in grey water (ie. after you flush them down the drain, how fast they degrade and what they degrade into? if at all?). Since they are quite toxic to fish, and indeed are used to control fish populations..

Any leads would be good!