Soapnuts (botanical name : Sapindus Mukorossi) are an all-natural, environmentally safe and economical way to clean. The nut is the dried fruit of the Rittha tree, a species of trees native to India and the lower forests of Nepal. Its shell contains saponin and when the soap nut is brought into contact with water, its saponin is released. It is a good substitute for washing soap and as such is used in preparation of quality shampoos, detergents, etc. In fact, in the rural areas, the skin of the fruit is highly valued as a naturally produced shampoo. It is also used for washing woollen and silk garments.
Uses
Laundry: Soapnuts wash as effectively as conventional detergents. Soapnuts preserve the colour of your valuable laundry better than chemical detergents. Just put 6-8 shell-halves in the cloth bag supplied (or an old sock) and use instead of your regular detergent. The warmer the water the more saponin will dissolve in the water. Shells can be used for more than one wash but the number of washes per shell bag will depend on the water temperature used. Discard any remains in your compost bin when they become dark brown and soggy.
Alternatively make a liquid detergent, as below, and use about 100ml for a full load.
Liquid Soap: A liquid soap can be made by boiling about 50g soapnut shells in 1L of water for 20 minutes. When cooled, but not cold, the mixture can be strained and put into a bottle. It is best not to keep the liquid for more than about 2 weeks.
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 protected from further infestations.
Household cleaning: Good for all household cleaning inside and out including windows, which will be left sparkling after a quick polish with paper towel when dry. A soapnut solution will clean your kitchen and your bath as thoroughly as chemical cleaners do.
Car washing: Add a few soapnut pieces in a warm bucket of water or use the liquid soap you have made and wash your car as usual and polish to a good shine when dry.
Cleaning jewellery: Soapnuts are used as a jewellery polish in India. Soak jewellery in soapnut water then rub, rinse and polish.
Natural pesticide: Soapnuts produce saponins to repel insects. You can use this same product to protect your plants without using chemicals. Fill a spraying bottle with a diluted soapnut solution and spray your plants or use the wash water from your laundry or dish washing.
Other Advantages of using Soapnuts
Soap nuts are a completely renewable, biodegradable material that can be put on your compost heap once spent.
Allergy free and especially good for babies, eczema and sensitive skin. People with allergies and people suffering from dermatitis in particular will benefit from the use of soapnuts, as clothes which were cleaned with soapnuts do not irritate the skin or cause itching.
Keeps your colours bright.
Economical compared to other brands of detergent. 1 kg of soapnuts can be used for up to 150 loads of laundry. You save 20 to 50% compared to normal detergents.
You even save money for the fabric softener because laundry washed with soapnuts turns out surprisingly soft.
Support the local economy of the regions where it is harvested. Families in India often depend on the harvest of their few trees to supplement their income.
Soapnuts are available in the House & Garden section, £4.99 for 250g or £9.95 for 500g