How to Use Soap Nuts for Natural Laundry Care

I’ve posted before my homemade recipes for liquid and powdered laundry detergent, but I’ve also been experimenting with another even more natural method that I wanted to share.

To be fair, I must admit that when I first heard about this method a few years ago… I thought it was crazy. Of course, there have been times when I also thought cloth diapering, making my own soap, and keeping chickens were all crazy ideas too…

What Are Soap Nuts?

According to Mountain Rose Herbs:

Soap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing.

Sounds crazy… right?

I thought so too, but was amazed that they actually work! They leave little to no scent, maybe a slight apple scent, and they don’t bubble, but they do remove stains!

Why Soap Nuts?

They are the only true non-toxic and sustainable laundry option I’ve found. Homemade laundry soaps are a great alternative to conventional ones, but still create waste products. Soap nuts can be used completely and then composted for a no-waste solution, and a simple re-usable muslin bag is all that is needed to add them to a laundry load!

Another advantage to Soap Nuts is that they are extremely affordable! A handful of Soap Nuts can be purchased for pennies and used for multiple loads, making them the most cost-effective laundry solution I’ve found too. Since they are no-suds, they are great for front loader and HE machines and they don’t leave residue. They are also cloth diaper safe!

They don’t have the rain fresh smell of commercial detergents, but I like the light apple scent (that disappears when clothes dry).

How to Use Soap Nuts for Laundry

This is where it gets technical and difficult… just kidding!

To use, put 4-6 Soap Nuts in a muslin bag like this one (or you can make one out of fabric scraps) and place in washer. Wash as usual with cold, warm or hot water. After washing, remove bag and let dry. Dry clothes as usual. Soap Nuts may be re-used several times until the shells start to become soft and grey, and then they should be composted.

Follow up with wool dryer balls instead of conventional dryer sheets, and you’ll have truly natural clean laundry in no time!

Other Uses for Soap Nuts

Soap Nuts can also be used to make liquid cleaner, to clean dishes, and even in shampoo. I’ll be posting more recipes soon…

Where to Purchase

I buy mine online, but in the past I’ve seen them in some speciality stores as they’re getting more common.

Have you ever used Soap Nuts? How did they work for you? Any tips? Share below!

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

203 responses to “Soap Nuts for Natural Laundry Care”

jenny strahan

January 26, 2014

I was wondering if you need to rinse clothes after using soap nuts? Just thinking about camping when have limited water?

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1. linda
  
  April 2, 2015
  
  Soap nuts work by reducing the surface tension of water, making the water ‘wetter’ and allowing it to penetrate the clothing fibres to lift dirt, grime and oil from the clothes. This detritus is released into the water and a certain amount of dirty water will remain in the in the material after it is lifted out.
  
  Your clothes will still need to be rinsed but rinsing can be cut to a minimum since you are not trying to remove all the chemicals associated with commercial products.
  
  Reply
Michelle R

January 21, 2014

I have used these too and liked them, but they seem a bit pricey.
So now I want to try baking soda, vinegar and a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract. Has anyone tried that?

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1. Rebecca simpson
  
  February 11, 2015
  
  I wash some of my clothes with no soap at all and they smell clean and fresh. I use warm water only. I do use soap to wash socks, underwear and towels and sheets. Basically I wash church clothes and anything that needs a wash but doesn’t have greasy stains or difficult stains on it this way. When I started doing this I was AMAZED that it took anywhere between 3 & 5 washes to get out all the residue from commercial cleaners. Now when I do use soap it is a homemade version.
  
  Reply
2. linda
  
  March 26, 2015
  
  Soapnuts can be an expensive in the short-term but, if used properly, they are an economical investment and will save you money in the long-term.
  
  Baking soda does work well in the wash but you might find that the quantities you need to use work out as more expensive than the soapnuts.
  
  Reply
Falco

January 13, 2014

I bought a box to try recently. My washing machine water runs off into the bathroom sink. After a few loads I noticed that the water in that sink was beading. The whole sink was covered with white powdery residue.
This made me wonder if there’s residue being left on my clothes, that I can’t see yet. Would it make cloth diapers less absorbent if it repels water like this? Is it safe that I’m wearing it on my skin?
Not sure I should continue using it to find out.

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1. Laura
  
  December 18, 2014
  
  I have noticed that my Bum Genius cloth diapers have lost some of their water repellance since I’ve started washing them with soap nuts. I love them for washing clothes though.
  
  Reply
Rachael

November 12, 2013

I tried skimming over the comments to check but I couldn’t find anything. I am also pretty sure my question answers itself but I just want to be doubly sure… when you say, “wash as usual” you mean without any other products? These replace detergents and only requires water?

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1. anthony hopkins
  
  June 1, 2016
  
  avoid petrochemicals
  
  old fashioned ways are the best
  
  borax,washing soda,vinegar a couple of drops of essential oils.
  small amounts of citric acid and cheap hydrogen peroxide can all be used.
  
  not all at once : )
  
  much safer than modern chemical crud.
  
  Reply
Leah Ann Lindsey-Simpson

September 21, 2013

Katie, I use soap nuts now (LOVE THEM) and I was wondering if you have done Any research about growing the plants that soap nuts come from. I would love to grow my own plants 🙂

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1. Cat
  
  December 25, 2014
  
  There is a native soap berry tree that grows in the US. You can use it’s berries the same way – their just smaller.
  
  Reply
Sara

September 7, 2013

I’ve read if you wash cold, you have to soak the nuts in hot water first and then add to your wash. True?

Reply
1. linda
  
  March 26, 2015
  
  Extract from soapnuts.pro
  “Can I use soap nuts in cold water?
  Absolutely – If the soap nuts are high quality soap nuts with a high saponin content they should be fine right from the start. They should feel a little tacky. If they are dark and dry you should prime them so to speak. Soaking them or making a “tea” may be needed to facilitate the release of the saponin. It is also very helpful to break them into smaller pieces to further facilitate rapid saponin release. For laundry in general – regardless of temperature or detergent type – a little time pre-soaking will produce better results.”
  
  Alternative 1 – you can make your own Soapnut liquid by boiling them until soft, making absolutely sure that there are no seeds included liquidise with a stick blender and sieve off the resulting liquid. Count the number of complete berries you use, take this as your portion control, add an extra 20% for luck then use at the rate of 1 portion for lightly soiled, 2 or more for heavy soiled. (I use just enough water that 1 portion is equal to 1 section of my ice-cube tray and freeze until required)
  
  Alternative 2 – for this your soapnuts do need to be dry to start with (if they are damp or sticky they will gum up the works). Using the same counting method, place your soapnuts in a liquidiser and grind them to a powder – do not over grind or the powder will turn into a solid coating around the side of the jug. Sieve to remove any remaining solids or fibres, weigh and divide the results by the number of portions and use as above.
  
  This powder can also be made into a paste for stain treatment, hand wash or shampoo.
  
  Reply
  1. Ellen Gipson
    
    August 3, 2016
    
    Could you pass on your shampoo recipe please? Thanks
    
    Reply
August Crosby

August 28, 2013

Have you had any issues using this with cloth diapers, like barnyard stink or ammonia build up?

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david kristof

May 30, 2013

I’m using soap nuts and making liquid from them. I loved it for very long, but after a while my white clothes and my gym clothes plus towels got sour smell, so i made my own liquid detergent from natural soap and water. They are working very good so far, but i’m sure i keep the nuts as well.

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1. Leah Ann Lindsey-Simpson
  
  September 21, 2013
  
  I boost my soap nuts with 1/2 a cup of borax and washing soda mix, and a few drops of tea tree oil on 1/2 or 1 cup of vinegar I. The rinse cycle for my towels and sweaty gym clothes for myself, husband, and kiddos. I also wash my clothes longer. I put it on the longest time and I do not overload the washer so the soap nuts can work their magic. Everything comes out clean and absolutely no scent. 🙂
  
  Reply
  1. Kathy Crawford
    
    November 8, 2015
    
    So you take the borax, washing soda mix, tea tree oil and vinegar and you put them where? Do you use this along with the nuts??
    
    Reply
Ally Huang

May 27, 2013

In the back of the package says that it contains the chemical that is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Anyone has any idea about this?

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Jessica Harris

April 21, 2013

I’ve just started using soap nuts and love them. I’m having issues with my white clothes, however, since using the soap nuts… especially socks… They are turning gray and dingy. Any ideas?

Reply
1. anthony hopkins
  
  June 1, 2016
  
  sodiium percarbonate it is the main ingredient used in oxy products.
  3 or 4 table spoons of washing soda
  
  hard water a couple more.
  lemon juice or if you can find it citric acid powder couple of spoons.
  
  couple of cap fulls of hydrogen peroxide
  white vinegar
  
  i always use at least a cup full of washing soda to help the soap nuts along
  borax is another superb natural product
  
  soap nuts in a bag
  half a cup hydrogen peroxide
  1 cup baking soda or washing soda in the wash would be a powerful combo
  
  problem is hard water,washing soda is much stronger than bicarbonate of soda or baking soda
  so washing soda maybe best choice
  
  Reply
Camille Lindquist

April 18, 2013

I was really disappointed by the brand you recommended. I ordered my 1 lb of soap nuts for $6 and was so excited, (not so excited by the $11 shipping! eek!), and they are not deseeded! If you use soap nuts with seeds in them you can end up with stains from the seeds on your clothes. I can crack these open and use them still, but what a pain. You need to mention this in your article, because I just assumed that since you recommended them that they were deseeded because that is how you are supposed to use them!

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1. Mary
  
  April 7, 2015
  
  Omg..seeds! So exciting…If you live in a warm climate, plant them, and grow your own soap nuts!
  
  Reply
  1. kelly
    
    February 22, 2016
    
    Do not plant them! they are invasive here!!!!!
    
    Reply
hailey

February 25, 2013

Do I put soapnuts in the washing machine and use detergent or do I use them independently? I recently made a homemade powdered detergent with the recipe 4 parts baking soda, 3 parts borax, and 2 parts castille soap but I am pretty disappointed with the results after the first weekend of washing. The whites seemed “dingy” and everything appeared to be “fuzzy” 🙁 – hoping to find another solution. Do you have either of these issues with your powdered recipe? Thanks

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  February 25, 2013
  
  I haven’t had either of those issues, but the soap nuts can be used by themselves (in a muslin or cloth bag) and the work great!
  
  Reply
Terrie Talbert

February 20, 2013

I just bought a pound of soap nuts from Mountain Rose Herbs and just so happened upon your sight…glad cause didn’t know how to use them. Wow! It will be cheaper than the DIY laundry liquid I’ve been making. 1 pound has 112 nuts for $6 but I purchased 10 1 pound packages = enough to get a 15% discount so cost me $5.10.
I’m reading here you can use for shampoo but didn’t leave a recipe for how many nuts to how much water and boil for how long? I’d love the recipe! Thanks so much!
Terrie

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Jennifer

February 16, 2013

We love soap nuts! I add a few drops of tea tree oil to the little bag before tossing it in the wash. Helps kill bacteria and leaves a fresher smell.

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Megan Harris

February 4, 2013

I would be very interested in how to use as a shampoo, dish soap and cleaner.

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Michelle Turner

January 28, 2013

I switched to soap nuts after extensive research on being able to recycle my wash water onto my yard including the vegetable & fruit garden when the rainbarrels run dry. This is the only way I can do it and not flood my yard with all the salts in every other commercial or homemade detergent. Also living in the country on a shallow well with a septic system it helps me conserve water water from the well and keep it out of the septic system. With my high energy washer and about 5 loads a week, I get 100 gallons of water for watering everything that needs it. Will soon try making the concentrate for dishes and hair.

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1. Pat
  
  June 15, 2017
  
  Congratulations on reusing your grey water, Michelle!
  
  Reply
Cassandra

January 28, 2013

I got mine from a different vendor and the few loads I’ve done have had a lot white fibers/fuzz all over them. Could this be from the muslin bag that it came with or that particular brand of soapnuts? Has anyone else had this problem? I really wanted to be jazzed about them but it’s very frustrating especially since I line dry and they don’t get removed by the dryer lint screen

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1. Christina Thompson
  
  April 23, 2014
  
  If you think it could be the muslin bag put the nuts in an old sock and tie it off like one other blogger said. I hope this helps.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Reply
Emily Prince

January 24, 2013

I’ve been using soap nuts for over a year for all of the our laundry (my husband and I). I love them! They are cheap, non toxic and work great (even on my hubby’s stinky basketball clothes!). To extra stinky loads I just add some vinagar to the wash. It’s amazing to me now, when I smell other peoples wash in the machine now (I live in a apartment with common use machines) their sented detergents smell so toxic and unnatural to me!

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Kristina Greene

January 23, 2013

I just started using soap nuts a few months ago. I love them! Our clothes are clean even with our hard water.

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JuliaJ

January 20, 2013

I was wondering if using soap nuts would reduce the amount of color that bleeds from the clothing while washing, so my dark-colored clothes wouldn’t fade as fast. Commercial detergent usually is pretty harsh on colors.

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 20, 2013
  
  Good question… I don’t know for sure, but it seems that it makes sense and they are more gentle on clothes…
  
  Reply
2. linda
  
  April 2, 2015
  
  Extract from naturalspasupplies.co.uk
  “[Soap nuts] are especially kind to delicate clothing such as silk, clothes coloured with natural dyes and natural textiles. Because soapnuts are natural and gentle, they help clothes which would normally fade quickly to retain their colours. Soapnuts have anti-fungal, antibacterial and insect repellent properties making them ideal for prolonging the life [of] delicate textiles.”
  
  Reply
  1. Galia
    
    July 30, 2023
    
    Soap nuts sounds like a miracle product! Thanks for this info!
    
    Reply