Soap nuts are actually not nuts. They are a berry simithat grows on trees in India and Nepal. After the fruit ripens, it falls to the ground from tree. It is then picked up and then dried under the sun and is ready to use. Saponin, a natural substance, is present in the Soap Nut. When the Soap Nut is soaked in water, the Saponins are released. This helps the water to penetrate the fabric and clean it. The Soap Nut is a good replacement of the commercial detergents also because of the fact that it has a natural anti-microbial property which kills the harmful microbes present in the dirt. Because Soap Nuts do not contain any added dyes or chemicals, they do not create very many bubbles or lather but are capable of cleaning clothes as effectively as the commercial laundry detergents.

 

They are one of the best detergents to get rid of bad odors.  Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new.  Stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, require a stain remover to help the cleaning process. You can also use a natural oxygen booster such as OxoBrite or OxyClean Baby.

 

For Laundry Detergent, you can use them in one of two ways:

1. Toss 4 or 5 Nuts in a small muslin bag (provided with most orders) and throw it in with your laundry.  (Make sure that you take them out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 4 or 5 loads. Compost s when soapnuts become grey and mushy.