Nuts about Soap

If you are anything like me I’m constantly looking for ways to save money, but want quality over quantity, to be good to myself and the environment, but want products that work really well. Let’s face it, quality usually comes at a high price.

It’s quite a dilemma. Enter Soap Berries!

Soap berries, also known as soap nuts, are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional laundry detergents.

These berries come from the Sapindus mukorossi tree, which is native to India and Nepal. They have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and are now gaining popularity as a sustainable laundry option.

Soap Nuts are the purest form of natural organic laundry soap, detergent and cleaner available on the planet. The shells are dried and cleaned, the seeds are removed and we are left with the soap nut shells.

They work just like normal detergent does, except without the harmful chemicals!!  The shells contain a natural cleaner called saponin (soap), which dissolves in water, forms suds and dissolves fats and oils to help lift grime.  Soapnuts are also naturally low-sudsing which makes them great for all washing machines including energy efficient machines.

Probably the cheapest washing detergent on the market.  They soften clothes and eliminate the need for fabric softener. Completely natural and unprocessed.  Great for those with skin allergies.  Can be used at all temperatures.  100% Organic & Biodegradable, Antimicrobial & Anti-fungal properties.  A sustainable product that does not pollute our water systems.

Soap nuts are a 100% environmentally-friendly and natural alternative to harsh chemical laundry detergents.  They release a substance called saponin , a gentle but potent cleaner that is hypoallergenic, organic and biodegradable.  Soap nuts are produced by Mother Nature, and they can be placed in your green bin for composting.  And you will save a ton of money:  500 grams of soap nuts will take care of over 150 loads of laundry!  Can your current laundry detergent do that?  Also, you don’t have to rinse out your clothes when you use soap nuts.  This is handy when washing your clothes by hand but also means you don’t have to remove the soap nuts from your regular combined wash/rinse cycle in your washing machine, you need only to remove the soap nuts before placing your clothes in the dryer.

One of the main ecological benefits of using soap berries is that they are completely biodegradable and reduces our carbon footprint. Traditional laundry detergents contain chemicals that can harm aquatic life and pollute waterways. Soap berries, on the other hand, are a natural product that breaks down easily in the environment, making them a more sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

In addition to being biodegradable, soap berries are also non-toxic and hypoallergenic. This makes them a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies to traditional laundry detergents. Because they are gentle on the skin, soap berries are also safe to use on baby clothes and cloth diapers.

Soap berries are also a renewable resource. The trees that produce these berries can live for up to 90 years and produce an abundance of fruit each year. This means that soap berries can be harvested sustainably without depleting natural resources.

Laundry detergents comprise a multi-billion dollar industry.  Modern detergent formulations contain several components.  Three main ingredients are phosphate fillers/builders such as sodium triphosphate (50% by weight, approximately), the alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant (15%), and bleaches (7%).  A very bad problem arises from the heavy use of sodium triphosphate, which can comprise up to 50% by weight of detergents.  The discharge of soluble phosphates into natural waters has led to problems with the healthy development and growth of living things, of lakes and streams, often where it is not desirable.  With an increase in phosphates, especially in the absence of species feeding upon algae, algal blooms grow splendidly on the excess phosphorus and can produce toxins, killing fish, dolphins and plants. They can also indirectly cause oxygen depletion at greater depths, through microbial breakdown of dead algal cells. 

1. All-purpose cleaner: Simply boil a handful of soap berries in water to create a natural and effective all-purpose cleaner. Use it to clean countertops, floors, and even windows for a streak-free shine.

2. Shampoo: Say goodbye to harsh chemicals in your hair care routine and opt for a natural shampoo made from soap berries. The saponin in soap berries helps to cleanse and nourish your hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

3. Dish soap: Tired of using chemical-laden dish soaps that leave your hands dry and cracked? Soap berries can be used to create a gentle and effective dish soap that will leave your dishes sparkling clean.

4. Body wash: Give your skin some love with a homemade body wash made from soap berries. The natural saponin will cleanse your skin without drying it out, leaving you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

5. Pet shampoo: Keep your furry friends clean and smelling fresh with a natural pet shampoo made from soap berries. The gentle formula is perfect for sensitive pet skin and will leave their coat soft and shiny.

6. Fruits and veggies can also benefit from being cleaned with soap berries, as a non-toxic and food safe cleaning alternative to remove harmful pesticides.

So next time you reach for that bottle of chemical-laden detergent or cleaner, consider giving soap berries a try. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are also versatile and effective in a variety of household applications. Make the switch to soap berries and experience the natural cleaning power for yourself!