Soapnuts - Nature's Cleaner

Although known as Soapnuts, they are actually a berry that grows in India on a tree known as a Chinese Soapberry Tree or sapindus mukorossi. The trees are harvested sustainably using no chemicals or machinery, thereby supporting local families and economies. Unfortunately, because the trees grow in abundance, they can become more useful as firewood rather than for the soapnuts they grow. By increasing the overseas demand for soapnuts, the trees become more valuable alive, hence we play a part in preserving the tropical forests.

Soapnuts

Traditionally soapnuts have been used to clean skin and hair and to shine precious metals and stones, but in fact soapnuts clean everything including laundry, pets, fruits and vegetables, as well as being an all in one shampoo and conditioner. The outer shell of this berry is rich in natural saponin which is released when in water, making it ideal for a totally natural and efficient laundry and all purpose cleaner.

The native families in India have used soapnuts for centuries to wash their own clothes, allowing the used soapnuts to wash downstream where they remain harmless to the environment.

When purchasing and using soapnuts we too can lessen the impact of toxic chemicals being flushed into our waterways, minimising the destruction of our fish and ocean ecosystems, and our birds that depend on these fish for survival.

Soapnuts clean brilliantly and soften fabrics naturally. Soapnuts are antimicrobial, working on your clothes and assisting to break down grey water in our sewer system. They do not contain any optical whiteners, toxic foaming agents, fragrances, softeners or fillers, guaranteeing the clothes we place on our children and ourselves are safe to wear, with no remaining chemical residue to penetrate our skin and enter our bloodstream.


Soapnut Shells

Quantity Cost Approximate
Number of Washes 		Approximate
Cost per Wash
50g Sample Pack $5 20 - 25 25 cents
500g $20 200 10 cents
1Kg $35 400 9 cents


Soapnut Powder

Quantity Cost Approximate
Number of Washes 		Approximate
Cost per Wash
100g Sample Pack $3 10 30 cents
200g $5 20 25 cents
500g $8 50 16 cents
2Kg $27 200 14 cents


To order Soapnuts contact us.



Uses for Soapnut Shells, Powder and Liquid


Soapnut Shells Soapnut Powder Soapnut Liquid
Laundry washing 4-6 half shells or equivalent, tired in cotton bag, odd sock etc. Can be re-used 3-4 times depending on water temperature, size of load and how dirty the clothes are. 2-4 teaspoons in washing machine or detergent dispenser. It is recommended to dissolve in hot water. 3 tablespoons in washing machine or detergent dispenser.


Points to remember

  • Soapnuts are low sudsing. If washing in cold water, agitate bagged nuts in hot water to release saponin.
  • Soapnuts work best between 30 and 60 degrees.
  • Soapnuts contain no artificial fragrances. Essential oils may be added if desired.
  • Soapnuts can have a slight smell of vinegar that dissipates in use.
  • Soapnuts will appear dark and soggy when exhausted. They can then be composted safely.
  • Soapnuts do not contain any optical whiteners, ensuring colours last longer and look brighter.
  • When washing whites lemon juice, washing soda or vinegar is recommended.
  • Soapnuts soften naturally, eliminating the need to use fabric softener.
  • As soapnuts contain absolutely no chemicals, rinsing is not necessary, providing the opportunity to save valuable water.
  • Ideal for people with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
  • Safe for washing baby clothes and nappies.
  • It is recommended to store soapnuts and soapnut powder in an airtight container.
  • Please note all recommendations are purely guidelines. Dilutions and uses can be guided by your experience and imagination!


To Make Liquid

  • Simmer approximately 10-15 whole soapnuts (or equivalent) in 4 cups of water for approximately 20 minutes. When cooled, soapnuts may be crushed to ensure maximum saponin is extracted or simply removed. Strain and pour the liquid into an appropriate airtight container. OR
  • Simmer 1/4 cup of powder to 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and store in an air-tight container.
  • Liquid may be made stronger or weaker according to your needs.



Soapnut Shells Soapnut Powder Soapnut Liquid
Dishwasher 3 bagged soapnuts in cutlery tray or dispenser. Vinegar may be used for rinse cycle. 1-2 teaspoons in dispenser. Vinegar may be used for rinse cycle. Fill dispenser with liquid. Vinegar may be used for rinse cycle.
Dishwashing liquid Use liquid prepared from shells as above. Essential oils may be added. Keep in a pump bottle. Use approximately 1 teaspoon. Use small amount of liquid.
All purpose cleaner Use liquid prepared from shells as above. Essential oils may be added. Keep in a spray or pump bottle. Prepare as above. Essential oils may be added to prepared liquid. Keep in a spray or pump bottle. Prepare as above. Essential oils may be added to prepared liquid. Keep in a spray or pump bottle.
Shampoo and conditioner Simmer 3 soapnut shells in 500ml water for 10 minutes. Essential oils may be added. 1 teaspoon mixed to a soft paste on wet hair. (more for long hair) Essential oils may be added. Can be thickened with cornflour. Use as normal shampoo.
Hand and body wash Use liquid prepared from shells as above. Essential oils may be added. Mix 1 teaspoon in 500ml water. Essential oils may be added. Place liquid in pump bottle. Essential oils may be added.
Hand washing delicates Simmer 3-4 nuts in 500ml water for 8-10 minutes. Essential oils may be added. Add to sink or bucket. Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons in sink or bucket of water. Essential oils may be added. Approximately 1-2 tablespoons in sink or bucket of water. Essential oils may be added.
Car wash (when applicable) Use liquid prepared from shells as above. Add to bucket of water. 1 teaspoon in half a bucket of water. Approximately 2 tablespoons in half a bucket of water.
Cleaning jewellery Soak in a mild solution. Then rinse, dry and polish. Make a paste and rub jewellery. Rinse, dry and polish. Rub jewellery with liquid, then rinse, dry and polish.
Pet cleaner Use liquid prepared from shells as above. Place in spray bottle. 1 teaspoon in half a bucket of water. Spray liquid on wet fur and wash as usual.