Soap Nuts/Berries

SOAP NUTS

(aka Gods Soap, Soap Berries)

Soap nuts are known worldwide by many names such as soapnuts, soapberry, washing nuts, soap nut shells, wash shells, soapberry nut husk, Ritha (Hindi) nut shell, Chinese soapberry and many more. Very simply, soap nuts are the dried shells (or husks) from the soapberry (or soap berry nut). These berries are the fruit from a quite unique tree species. These shells contain a substance called saponin that produces a soaping effect. Saponin is a 100% natural alternative to chemical laundry detergent and cleansers. It can replace many chemical detergents such as those containing sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) that are becoming well known by consumers for being a skin irritant and health hazard.

Soap nuts have been used for centuries throughout the world as a laundry detergent, as soap for personal hygiene, and as a cleanser with a plethora of other uses. It is most commonly used in India, China, parts of Europe and numerous countries in the eastern hemisphere. There is even a species, Quillaja Saponaria (called a soap bark tree) that grows in South America. However, only in recent years has the soap nut and its many benefits made its way to the shores of the U.S.

The Trees and the Soapberry Nuts:
Sapindus (the botanical name) is a sustainable agriculture and forest product. In many ways it is similar to an olive tree. There are several common varieties of the soapberry tree. Sapindus Mukorossi and Sapindus Trifoliatus are the primary sources for the soapberry that has become know as the soap nut. They are both of the family Sapindaceae, and the genus Sapindus. The botanical name is derived from the Latin words, sapo (soap) and indicus (Indian).

Based upon its high amount of 'soap' content and consistency, the highest quality soap nut is Sapindus Mukorossi, which grows primarily in northern India and Nepal. It grows uncultivated in poor quality ground and helps fights erosion, particularly in the Himalayan foothills. It also provides needed income to the local population. It is a relatively hardy tree being resistant to diseases and insects. The tree grows to 10 to 20 meters in height and begins flowering and bearing fruit after about 9 years.

It blooms with small, white grouped flowers in spring and early summer and is harvested annually during the fall season. The soapberry fruits (the soap nut) are round yellow berries that become gummy, reddish tan and wrinkled as they ripen. Its appearance is somewhat like that of a date. The tree synthesizes its own natural saponins, (soap) which coat the shell of the fruit. The tree has great longevity and will produce fruit (soap nuts) for about 90 years.

Soap Nut Tree Species:
The Sapindus Mukorossi variety produces the most consistent quality of soap nuts of high saponin content. Sapindus Trifoliatus, which grows primarily in southern India, Indonesia and Pakistan, is a smaller tree producing smaller fruit that lack consistency and saponin content compared to Sapindus Mukorossi. The soap nuts from the Mukorossi tree are larger, brighter in color and gloss and are more effective in producing the 'soapy' effect. These soap nuts are typically exported from New Delhi (closer to their growth areas in the Himalayans). Soap nuts from the Trifoliatus tree are less desirable, of lower cost and are often exported from Indonesia. All soap nuts being marketed throughout the world contain the all-important saponins. Consistently high saponin content is the primary measure of quality. In this regard,Sapindus Mukorossi reigns supreme.


Harvesting Soap Nuts:
Local farmers and families harvest the prized soapberry fruit after it falls from the tree. The seed is removed from the shell (or husk), and the shells are dried in the sun using absolutely no chemical processing. No commercial manufacturing processes are required in any way for the soap nut to become effective. The soap nut shell is not altered in any way. Hence, soap nuts are absolutely 100% natural, unmodified dried fruit shells. Note: The actual nut (or better yet, seed) does not release saponin, hence has no cleaning properties. It is used for planting new trees and is sometimes used to make necklaces and other jewelry.


Do Soap Nuts Work?
Very, very simply.

But first, the name Soap Nut is misleading for it is the shell that actually works. The soap nut SHELL contains and releases the saponins (soap) when it comes in contact with warm or hot water. (See directions for use in cold water.) Agitation further releases these saponins. The saponins then circulate as a natural surfactant (surface active ingredient). They break down the surface tension between water and oil in the wash water reducing the surface tension of the water aiding it in freeing dirt, grime and oils from clothes. Essentially this is the exact same fundamental principle that applies to how most detergents and soaps work. It's simply not achieved via use of synthetic chemicals.

The name saponin is derived from the Latin word 'sapo', which means soap. There are many plants around the world that are saponaceous (meaning that they contain saponins) but only a few, are known to produce appreciable amounts. Hence, this is why soap nuts are so very special in their ability to be an effective cleanser - directly from the tree. As discussed on other pages, sapindus mukorossi trees have been found to produce the highest and most consistent quality soap nuts.

Ready for use by the end user directly from harvest, extraction of the saponin from the soap nuts requires nothing more than putting them directly in the wash machine in warm water. Drawstring bags are used to contain the soap nut shells, and the shells can be reused until their saponin content has been depleted. Given that the saponins are naturally a low sudsing detergent, they are ideal for high efficiency (HE) washers and even carpet cleaners.

Important points about Soap Nuts:

• Effectively clean laundry - leaving it softer and fresher that you may have ever experienced.
• Antimicrobial properties. Removes microbes from laundry.
• Natural anti-fungal properties.
• Hypoallergenic. Most allergic reactions to detergents are due to the chemicals and fragrances in them. - Great for removing odors.
• Mild and gentle on fabric structure and colors.
• Low sudsing: Good for all washers. Excellent for high efficiency (HE) washers.
• Eliminate the need for fabric softener.
• 100% biodegradable.
• No animal testing.
• Requires no manufacturing processes. No chemicals or fossil fuels needed to produce.
• A primary product from a sustainable source.
• Does not pollute our water systems.
• Good for septic and grey water systems.
• Environmentally safe.
• Natural product with basically an endless shelf life.
• Since Soap Nuts are primarily a resource from only emerging nations, increased demand will provide an additional needed economic stimulus, plus will encourage increased planting, growth and farming. Increased forestation and natural means of harvesting will aid in the reversal of Co2 accumulation.

Virtually untapped potential for eliminating most harmful chemicals from the market.

Laundry with Soap Nuts.

It does not get much simpler. Doing laundry can even be fun! Really.
Most laundry detergents on the shelves of our supermarkets contain numerous chemical substances, synthetic dyes, fragrances and fillers. These chemical substances are effective in deeply penetrating our clothes - cleaning, sanitizing and scenting them. However, these same chemicals build up in our clothes and linens and transfer to our skin leading to short term and/or long term skin troubles for some individuals. They break down fabric fibers and fade colors and they are harmful to our environment. Soap Nuts are simply a better way.

The following list is simply very basic directions. Only he following list is simply very basic directions. Only your imagination will limit what soap nuts can be used for. It is noteworthy to mention that for centuries many Eastern cultures have earned a reputation for producing some of the finest of fabrics and jewelry known to the world. Saponins (soap nuts) played a role in the care of these ultra-fine creations. We encourage you to write us with your own 'recipes', and we will gladly share them.

Basic Laundry Directions: The simplest, most common and traditional method of washing laundry with soap nuts is by using the raw nuts in a drawstring bag, and simply tossing the bag in with your laundry. The soap nuts can also be used to make a 'tea', a fine soap nut powder or concentrated solution. (See other forms and tips.) All forms and methods work great.

SOAP NUT SHELLS (whole and pieces):
Warm or Hot Water Wash:
1.    Put 4 or 5 soap nut shells or equivalent pieces, about a half-ounce, in cotton or muslin drawstring bag and tie bag securely.
2.    Toss in washing machine before you add your clothes.
3.    Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).
4.    Re-use 3 to 5 times. The soap nuts are no longer effective when they become thin, mushy and very light tan or gray.

Cold Water Wash:
1.    Simply make a cup of soap nut 'tea' by soaking 4 or 5 bagged soap nuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 3 minutes.
2.    Pour both the soap nuts liquid and bag in wash.
3.    Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).
4.    Re-use 3 to 5 times. Soap nuts are no longer effective when they thin, turn soft, mushy and very light tan or gray.


Hand Wash:
Add about 2 tbs of soap nut liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your soap nut muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual.
Powdered: Put 2 - 3 tsp soap nuts powder in wash water. Wash as usual.
Liquid: Pour about a quarter cup of liquid soap nut solution into wash water. Shake up soap nut solution before pouring. Wash as usual.


SOAP NUT SHELLS (whole and pieces):
Warm or Hot Water Wash:

1. Put 4 or 5 soap nut shells or equivalent pieces, about a half-ounce, in cotton or muslin drawstring bag and tie bag securely.
2. Toss in washing machine before you add your clothes.
3. Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).
4. Re-use 3 to 5 times. The soap nuts are no longer effective when they become thin, mushy and very light tan or gray.

Cold Water Wash:

1. Simply make a cup of soap nut 'tea' by soaking 4 or 5 bagged soap nuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 3 minutes.
2. Pour both the soap nuts liquid and bag in wash.
3. Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).
4. Re-use 3 to 5 times. Soap nuts are no longer effective when they thin, turn soft, mushy and very light tan or gray.

Hand Wash:

1. Add about 2 tbs of soap nut liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your soap nut muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual.
2. Powdered: Put 2 - 3 tsp soap nuts powder in wash water. Wash as usual.
3. Liquid: Pour about a quarter cup of liquid soap nut solution into wash water. Shake up soap nut solution before pouring. Wash as usual.

Chemical Free Cleaning

• For Household Cleaning: Pour soap nuts liquid into a spray bottle. Use full strength or dilute as desired. Use for sinks, counters, floors, etc.
• For Windows and Glass: Fill a spray bottle with about 8 oz of water. Add a half-ounce of soap nuts liquid and a half-ounce of vinegar. Spray and then wipe clean with dry cloth.
• For Dishwashers: Fill the dishwasher soap dispenser with soap nuts liquid. Wash as usual. Tip: For extra sparkle, add a half-ounce of vinegar to the rinse dispenser or during the rinse cycle.
• For Hand Wash: Add about 2 tbs of soap nuts liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your soap nuts muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual.
• For Steam Cleaning Carpets: Soap nuts work exceptionally well in carpet cleaners because they are so low sudsing and odor reducing. Add about a quarter cup of soap nut liquid to hot water in the portable cleaner. Great for urine stains!
• For Jewelry: Soak jewelry in soap nuts liquid for a few minutes. Use an old soft toothbrush to remove debris. Rinse with clean water and polish with a soft cloth. Soap nuts have been used as a fantastic jewelry cleaner for eons. There's no need for harsh, toxic chemicals!
• For Pets: Same as above. Superb for pets! Your little loved ones will never feel and smell this fresh again! They'll appreciate it, too!
• For Shampoo: Use soap nuts liquid to shampoo hair. Leave in for about 5 minutes. Rinse as usual with warm water. If you prefer more suds, add a little your favorite shampoo. We know it's hard not to want more suds.