Soapnuts (Sapindus mukorossi)

Organically grown in India

Soap nuts can replace many household cleaners. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural cleaner found in many plants including quinoa, alfalfa and soybeans. The saponin content in soap nuts is higher and more accessible than in other plants, which makes it an amazing gift from mother nature as a chemical cleaning alternative.

Saponin found in soap nuts is a surfactant, which makes the water wetter. The water cleans more efficiently by penetrating clothing fibers, while the saponin holds the dirt suspended in the water. Additionally, saponins destroy odors which make them safe and effective cleaners even for the most gentle skin. 

Use

To do laundry, simply place 4-5 soap nuts in a cotton bag or tied them in a sock and re-use for 4-6 times.

Soap Nuts Liquid Recipe

Place 12 to 15 soap nuts (about 1.5 ounces) in about 6 cups of water.

Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour or until the soap nuts turn very light tan or gray and squishy. Let the mixture cool and strain. Wire colanders are best, but cheesecloth works, too.

Make sure you store the liquid in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. Remember it has no preservatives so it will only last a few days.

Another way to use the liquid is to freeze the liquid in ice cube trays, then you can plunk a few cubes into the washing machine for laundry, the dishwasher soap dispenser (just use vinegar as a rinse aid) or melt a cube in a spray bottle with some water for household cleaning.

You can also use the liquid for steam cleaning carpets, washing fruits and veggies, as shampoo, pet shampoo, and jewellery cleaner.