by AJ
I have an Imperfectly Natural Secret - I don’t use Soapnuts as much as I should. That’s going to change!
Between every Christmas and New Year I start thinking about what I would like to achieve over the next twelve months. I think about the usual stuff: cut back on the wine, get more exercise, lose half a stone and don’t put half of it back on again by Easter, spend just an hour a day on housework, so I am not doing five hours on a Friday……
So, what to promise myself this year? The trick about making New Year’s Resolutions is to make sure that whatever targets you set yourself are realistic and achievable. (What works in business, works in your personal life too!) That way you don’t feel a failure when all your good intentions vanish by Twelfth Night!
I have a bag of Soapnuts in my cupboard that I bought last Summer and I am ashamed to confess that I have only used about a third. Actually, who am I kidding? It’s probably more like a quarter. My one and only New Year’s resolution is to make a batch of soapnut liquid and use it for all my cleaning. I will even try to use it for all my “coloureds” in the laundry - don’t know if I will manage it with the “whites” as I am as Imperfectly Natural as anyone, but I may just get myself some ecover bleach and try that as well.
What are Soapnuts?
The only soap that grows on trees!
Soapnuts are not nuts at all but the fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree, commonly known as Soapnut, Soap Nut, Soapberry, Soap Berry, Washnut, and Wash Nut. Varieties grow wild in various parts of Asia, including Northern India and China and the Soapnuts contain saponin, which reacts when it comes into contact with water. It is a 100% natural soap which has been used for thousands of years to clean clothes.
Soapnuts have long been used for commercial soap production, usually together with many chemical additives which are not necessary for the actual washing process and can be damaging to the user as well as our environment. They are becoming a very popular environmentally friendly alternative to manufactured chemical detergents. They also eliminate the need to add fabric softeners to your laundry as clothes stay remarkably soft.
Soapnuts are highly-effective but gentle at the same time. They are mild so they will keep colours bright and they are so non-abrasive that your clothes will stay in good condition for a lot longer than if you use biological detergents. They can be used on all fabrics including delicates like cashmere, silk and wool. They are also great for nappies.
If you want more detailed info about Soapnuts/berries then visit the Sapindusmukorossi website
Why use Soapnuts?
Most people are aware of the damage we are doing to the environment because of the chemicals we use to clean our homes everyday. More people are switching to natural alternatives as we recognise that anything that should be locked away from our children is very toxic and if it is harmful to them then it is obviously harmful to the environment.
But how many of us stop and check the labels of all our shampoos, soaps and other items that we regularly use not only on our skin but our children’s as well?
Soapnuts can usually be used by people with sensitive skin and other conditions
Used for generations in India and Nepal and more recently in Western Countries, it is claimed that soap nuts are very effective in people who suffer from skin complaints including eczema and psoriasis. Soapnuts are extremely mild and, due to the absence of chemicals and other potentially harmful additives, can usually be used by adults and children who have allergies. Ayurvedic treatments include Soapnuts as a key ingredient for shampoos and cleansers.
Are Soapnuts expensive?
NO!
Going “eco-friendly” often involves more expense but Soapnuts are very economical to use and a lot cheaper than normal detergents and fabric conditioners. Estimates of savings range between 50% - 75%.
As Soapnuts contain no natural perfume, you may prefer to add some essential oil such as Lavender, Tea Tree or any fragrance you like. However, if using on children or by anyone who has sensitive skin some essential oils may not be suitable, so please check first. Just add a few drops of the oil to your conditioner drawer on your washing machine or into the cloth bag that you put the Soapnuts in.
Once you have used the Soapnuts for your washing a few times, you can use them to make liquid soap (see below) and then add them to your compost.
How to use soapnuts in your laundry
To start with you may need to experiment to find out how Soapnuts will suit your needs. You will need to consider the following:
- size of your washing machine
- size of the load you are washing
- how dirty the clothes are
- the temperature of the wash
For an average load, with normal soiling, you will probably need 4-6 half shells; a larger and dirtier load may require 6-8 shell halves; smaller loads may only need 2-4.
You just pop the shells into the small sack that is usually supplied with your order (you could also use a knotted sock) tie it up and drop it in the washing machine with the load. However, be aware, that if you are tempted to use those little bags that come with commercial washing powder tablets, because they are much more open they let more water flow through. So each set of nuts will be exhausted sooner. Once you have put the Soapnuts in the load, you will not need to add anything else. Soapnuts wash effectively between 30 and 60 degrees and will last on average about 3-4 washes. If you have a particularly dirty load or a “whites wash” then you may find it better to use fresh Soapnuts.
Soapnuts don’t contain any natural whiteners or brighteners so you may like to occasionally give your whites a boost by using Ecover bleach or bicarbonate of soda. For extra softness, without chemical nastiness, try white vinegar in the conditioner compartment.
When the Saponin has been used up the shells will look dark and feel soggy. However, they will still have their uses! At this point you can use them to make soapnut liquid (see below). They also make a great hand soap, just toss them in your blender with some water and voila hand soap! Cleaning your laundry with soap nuts doesn't leave your laundry with much of a scent so if you you can add a few drops of essential oils to the wash by applying the drops directly to your soap nut pouch before adding it to your washing machine.
If you prefer to use Soapnut Liquid rather than the nuts, then follow the recipes below and use it as you would normally use a liquid detergent. Use approx 3 tablespoons (or 45ml) per laundry load, but again you may need to experiment at first.
How to store your Soapnuts
Soapnuts absorb moisture very easily. They become dark & sticky in a very short period of time if left exposed to the air. Ideally they should be stored in an airtight container or a plastic bag tied tight with a rubber band. However, sticky Soapnuts do not mean that they have gone “off”. They will still wash & clean perfectly.
Soapnut Liquid
Boiling method
Crush about 100g (about 2 handfuls) of Soapnuts
Add to approximately 12 cups/3 litres of water.
Bring mixture to the boil, and simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water. You can use the liquid immediately, or let it steep overnight. Strain into your container and trying making more liquid with the same shells - this may give a weaker concentration but can still be used for lighter cleaning jobs.
You now have a concentrated, chemical free detergent that can then be used as a laundry detergent, shampoo, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid or any other things you would normally clean with a liquid. Experiment with longer boiling times, adding more or less shells and water for stronger and weaker concentrations.
Once you have finished with the shells they can be added to your compost.
Soaking method
Use a ratio of 1 measure of Soap Nuts to 4 measures of liquid and soak overnight, then liquefy the mixture in your blender. Strain through a very fine sieve into a bottle.
Other uses for Soapnuts/Soapnut Liquid around the home
Delicate hand wash laundry
Washing dishes and glasses: hand washing - don’t worry about the lack of bubbles.
In the dish washer: just put 3 shells in the bottom of the cutlery holder and some vinegar in the rinse aid dispenser and your dishes will come out sparkling clean. You can also use approx 50 ml Soapnut liquid in the normal dispenser. However, if you have any pans with badly burnt food on them, then they will probably need hand washing.
Washing hands: Put your old shells, with any new little "broken off" pieces that are too small to put in the bag/sock, in a blender. Add approx half pint of water and blend for a few seconds. You need to break all the shells into tiny bits so that they release as much "soap" as possible. Simmer for a few minutes and then allow the liquid to settle for awhile. Take an old soap dispensing bottle, remove the inner tube and cut it so that the tube only reaches about half way down to the bottom. Pour the liquid into the dispenser so that the level is below the pipe. Give it a shake and then pump. You will get a palmful of foam that you can wash your hands with.
Screenwash in cars
A natural pesticide in the garden: plant spray to deter Greenfly and Aphids. Soapnut liquid, diluted about 5:1 with water, is a highly effective snail killer
Cleaning Jewellery: soak in soap nut liquid and then rub with a cloth to give it a shine
Cleaning fruit and veg: soak for approximately 10-15 minutes in the Soapnut liquid. Rinse off and the solution can then be reused for cleaning floors
Pet shampoo: Parasites can be removed from pets fur and skin by washing with a mild solution of this liquid soap. Your pet will be left clean, soft and should be protected from further infestations
Windows: a 50:50 mix with vinegar and a final polish with a clean cloth is very effective
Do you use “Grey Water”?
If you have one of those homes where “grey water” (from baths, wash basins and washing etc) is collected for using on the garden, then Soapnuts won't be harmful. In fact they will be beneficial as they are a mild, natural insecticide. Your washing machine uses about 50 litres (12 gallons!) of water per wash. Collect that waste and you need not worry about hose pipe bans. The aphids may not be too happy though!
You can buy Soapnuts and essential oils at In a soapnut shell or Ethics Trading or Soapods
