What Are Soap Nuts?
Soap nuts are not nuts at all. They are the dried fruit shells of the soapberry tree (Sapindus), a tree of the lychee family that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Asia. Ours are Sapindus saponaria, also called wingleaf soapberry.
The shells contain saponins, natural plant compounds that foam and clean when they come into contact with water. People in India, Nepal and the Americas have washed clothes, hair and household items with soapberries for centuries.
Today soap nuts are popular as a simple, plant-based alternative to conventional laundry detergent. A handful of shells in a small cotton bag washes a full load of laundry and can be reused several times until the shells become soft and gray. Soap nuts are naturally unscented, so you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you like.
Soap nuts can also be simmered in water to make a liquid soap for laundry, dishes, floors and other household cleaning. Once used up, the shells can go into the compost, so nothing goes to waste.
Our soap nuts contain only dried Sapindus saponaria shells. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Soap Nuts
- Laundry: Place 4 to 6 half shells in a small cotton bag and put it in the drum with your laundry. Use for 3 to 4 washes, until the shells turn soft and gray.
- Liquid soap: Simmer 1/2 cup of shells in 6 cups (1.5 liters) of water for 30 minutes, let cool, strain and keep in the fridge. Use about 2 tablespoons per laundry load or as an all-purpose cleaner.
- Cold washes: For cold water washes, soak the bag of shells in a cup of hot water for a few minutes first and pour everything into the machine.
Safety
For cleaning use only. Do not eat. Keep the liquid away from the eyes, as saponins can irritate. Test on delicate fabrics first. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Read our full guide: How to use soap nuts for laundry: step-by-step
Frequently Asked Questions
How many soap nuts do I need per load?
4 to 6 half shells per load in a cotton bag. Use a few more for large or very dirty loads.
How many times can I reuse soap nuts?
Usually 3 to 4 washes, until the shells become soft, gray and stop foaming.
Do soap nuts work in cold water?
Yes, but they release saponins better in warm water. Soak them briefly in hot water before a cold wash.
Do soap nuts smell?
They have a mild, slightly sour scent that does not stay on clothes. Laundry comes out unscented.
How should I store soap nuts?
Keep them in a dry, closed container. Kept dry, they last a long time.
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