Soap Nuts are actually berries from the Soapberry Tree ( ‘Ritha’ in Nepali ), which contains Saponin, the natural soap. They are the 100% natural and effective alternative to the chemically made cleaning soap ,detergent , multi purpose cleaner and even shampoo. The nuts or berries grow on trees, ripen and drop to the ground where they are collected and then dried naturally in the sun. The natural soap is released from the Soap nuts when agitated in water.
Soapnuts are found in the Himalayas and China , Nepal and India has been using them as natural soap for centuries. Even today, Nepal is known to produce high quality soap nuts and many people around the world are interested in these natural and eco-friendly substitutes to the harsh cleaner that we have been using.
Soap nuts can be used for cleaning basically anything , from washing clothes, dishes, cloth nappies, as a liquid soap, cleaning and shining ornaments, household cleaner etc. Lets know how soap nuts are different from the synthetic ones:
Advantages of Soap Nuts:
- Highly effective and gentle
These natural soap are eco-friendly alternatives and its effect is impressively high . They are gentle to your skin and your clothes. Since they are free from any types of synthetic chemical agents, toxic addition and are entirely natural, they show no side effects after its use. It will only leave your laundry fresh and clean,while preserving the fabric for a longer period.
It’s mildness makes it suitable to use in any temperature and on any fabrics.
- Allergy free
Soap nuts are completely hypoallergenic. They are suitable to be used by people with eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. They are so gentle that they can be even especially good for babies. Being naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, they can in fact help to prevent many skin diseases.
- Environment friendly
They are 100% natural. With no chemicals and toxic combinations, they maintain their status of being the eco-friendly substitute for synthetic detergents and cleaners.
Ways to store soap nuts
Since they are easily absorbed by moisture, when exposed to the air for a longer period of time, they become dark and sticky. However , they still do their excellent cleaning job even in that condition. Hence, it is ideal to pack and store them in a airtight container for later uses.
Popular recipes
Laundry detergent:
Put 4-7 soap nut shells in a wash bag and place them in the washing machine and wash. The shells can be reused for 3 to 4 times depending on your laundry and machine. After the complete use , dispose of them as compost.
Multi-purpose cleaner:
To prepare the solution as a multi-purpose cleaner , just put a handful of soap nut shells in 500 ml hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool then strain and add liquid to the empty spray bottle . Now the solution is ready to be used in cleaning the entire house . You can dispose of the nut shells in compost and use in your gardens.