What are Soap Nuts and How Do You Use Them?

What Are Soap Nuts and How to Use Them

In the journey toward living more naturally and sustainably, many people are turning to alternatives for everyday household items—especially when it comes to cleaning. One such alternative gaining popularity is the humble soap nut.

What Are Soap Nuts?

Despite the name, soap nuts aren’t actually nuts. They’re the dried shells of berries from the Sapindus mukorossi tree, native to India and Nepal. These shells contain a natural soap called saponin, which is released when they come into contact with water. Saponin works as a gentle, biodegradable cleanser, making soap nuts a powerful yet eco-friendly option for cleaning.

Soap nuts have been used for centuries in South Asia, particularly in India and Nepal, where they served as a natural alternative to soap and detergent. People used the dried fruit shells of the Sapindus mukorossi tree to wash clothes, as the shells release natural saponins when agitated in water, creating a gentle, effective cleanser. They were also commonly used as a natural shampoo and body wash, especially for those with sensitive skin or scalp conditions, leaving hair soft and manageable.

In Ayurvedic medicine, soap nuts were valued for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. They were used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and sometimes included in remedies for respiratory issues. Their natural versatility made them a trusted staple in traditional hygiene and healing practices.

How to Use Soap Nuts

 

For Laundry

Soap nuts are perhaps best known as a laundry detergent alternative.

Here’s how to use them:

Place 4–6 soap nut shells (or equivalent pieces) in a small muslin bag or sock tied tightly.

Toss the bag into your washing machine along with your clothes.

Wash as normal—soap nuts work in both hot and cold water.

After 4–6 washes, the nuts will start to look gray or mushy and should be composted.

You can boost their power with a tablespoon of baking soda for whites or tougher loads.

For Liquid Soap

You can also make a liquid cleaner with soap nuts, which is versatile and great for handwashing, dishes, or general household cleaning.

To make liquid soap nut cleaner:

Boil about 10–12 soap nut shells in 4 cups of water for 30–45 minutes.

Let cool, strain out the solids, and store the liquid in a glass jar or bottle in the fridge (it will last about 1–2 weeks).

Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon for fragrance.

For Hair and Skin

Soap nut liquid can be used as a gentle shampoo or body wash, especially for those with sensitive skin. It’s mild, sulfate-free, and doesn’t strip the natural oils from your skin or hair.

Why Choose Soap Nuts?

100% natural and biodegradable

Zero-waste alternative (you can compost the used shells)

Hypoallergenic—great for sensitive skin and babies

Cost-effective—one batch can last many washes

Sustainable—grown without synthetic chemicals

A Word of Caution

While soap nuts are generally safe, a few things to note:

Not everyone likes the scent—although they’re usually very mild, however they do not leave any scent on your clothes and a few drops of essential oil directly on the soap nuts can help.

Always patch test homemade products on your skin before full use.

Soap nuts are not ideal for use in very hard water without a water softener.

Only use in cold water for whites

Whether you’re looking to reduce plastic waste, cut down on chemicals, or simply try something new, soap nuts are a wonderful, all-natural cleaning option. Their versatility and sustainability make them a perfect fit for anyone exploring greener living.