Soap nuts & soap nut powder are plant-based alternatives to synthetic detergents that more and more households are using. They are fragrance-free and work surprisingly well. In this article you'll read how to use soap nuts and soap nut powder, what makes them special and what to keep in mind.
What are soap nuts & soap nut powder?
Soap nuts are the dried shells of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, which grows naturally in India and Nepal. The shells contain saponin: a plant-based soap substance that is released as soon as the nuts come into contact with water.
Soap nut powder is ground from those same shells. The powder dissolves faster in water and therefore also works well at lower washing temperatures such as 30°C. If you prefer a soluble detergent, choose the powder. If you want as little packaging as possible, choose the whole nuts.
Both are plant-based and free from perfume and colorings. After use, you can add them to your organic waste.
How do you use soap nuts & soap nut powder?
Using soap nuts
Put 4 to 6 soap nuts in a cotton wash bag and place the bag directly in the drum with your laundry. After the wash, take the bag out, let the nuts dry and use them again. One portion of soap nuts lasts 3 to 5 washes. Have the nuts turned grey and soft? Then they're used up and you can add them to your organic waste.
Tip: when washing cold (below 30°C), soak the soap nuts in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes first. That way the saponin is released well even at low temperatures.
Using soap nut powder
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of soap nut powder per wash. Sprinkle the powder directly into the drum or dissolve it in a little water before adding it. It works at all temperatures, which also makes it handy for delicate fabrics.
Why do people choose soap nuts & soap nut powder?
- Fragrance-free — no synthetic fragrances, colourings or preservatives. Nice if you'd rather not have perfume in your laundry.
- Plant-based — the cleaning action comes from the saponin in the shell, and the nuts can go in your organic waste after use.
- Reusable — soap nuts last several washes, so you buy new packs less often.
- Economical — one kilogram of soap nuts lasts 100 to 150 washes.
- No fabric softener needed — many users leave out the fabric softener.
- Also for cleaning — dissolved in water, soap nut powder can also be used as a cleaner for the kitchen and bathroom, or as washing-up liquid.
Do soap nuts work for white laundry?
Soap nuts don't contain bleach, so white clothes can become slightly greyer over time. For a white wash, add a scoop of baking soda to the drum, or dry the laundry outside in the sun.
Soap nuts & soap nut powder versus synthetic detergents
Conventional detergents often contain a mix of synthetic substances, such as optical brighteners and artificial fragrances. With soap nuts and soap nut powder, the cleaning action comes solely from saponin, a substance the plant produces naturally.
Curious whether soap nuts suit your laundry routine? Try them in a regular wash and compare for yourself.
Storage and usage tips
- Store soap nuts in a dry, cool place in a closed package — that way they keep for a long time.
- Store soap nut powder preferably in an airtight jar to prevent clumping.
- Use a higher dose for heavy soiling or hard water — you can add a splash of vinegar to the rinse water as an extra descaler.
- Keep soap nuts and powder out of reach of children and pets; they are not edible.
Ready to get started?
Soap nuts and soap nut powder are a simple, plant-based choice for anyone who'd rather not use synthetic detergents. They work at all temperatures and can also be used for cleaning.
View our range of soap nuts & soap nut powder.
