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We all want our clothes to be clean and fresh right? But at what price?
Ironically the detergents that many people use to “clean” their clothes are actually leaving your clothes in worse condition than before you threw them in the wash. This is because conventional laundry detergents are full of toxic chemicals and these chemicals leave a residue on your clothing that may be absorbed by your skin or may evaporate into the air for you to breathe in. Some of the concerns in your laundry detergent are artificial fragrances, dyes, enzymes (which can burn your skin), and optical brighteners (which are meant to stay on your clothes and not wash off). Since we pretty much always wear clothes 
our cumulative exposure is great.
This is one aspect of natural living that has always concerned me. About a year ago I created a detergent chart where I rated various detergents based upon the number of non-ideal (unnatural) ingredients they contained. The more natural and eco-friendly detergents got the highest ratings. But still I was always bothered by the fact that even those “natural” detergents were not natural enough. They still contained chemically altered or produced surfactants and more then a few moms emailed me to share this concern. Sadly there have been few options for eco-conscious consumers.
Well a few weeks back I was reading Mothering magazine and I was excited when I read about a 100% natural laundry soap called soap nuts. Soap Nuts are a natural soap that literally grows on trees! I was so excited in fact I dropped what I was doing and contacted the company. I had a great conversation with Dariel Garner, one of the owners and I was convinced that Maggie’s Soap Nuts where just what I had been searching for. Dariel was kind enough to rush me a box of soap nuts for review. 
Dariel explained the fascinating history behind soap nuts and how they are relatively unknown in the Western world. Soap Nuts are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry tree (Sapindus mukorrosi), similar to the lychee. A long time ago, local folks in the South East Asia figured out that when the nuts get wet, they release saponin, a natural surfactant, making them great for washing clothes! Maggie’s Soap Nuts are the only household cleaner made exclusively from Nature, by Nature.
A single soapberry tree produces hundreds of kilos of nuts per year! So they are very sustainable and fall to the ground in Indian and Indonesian forests where they are collected by folks who have used the nuts for centuries.
So the burning question is do soap nuts really work? I was delighted to find that they do! I have used them for several days now and I let my laundry pile up in anticipation of their arrival. My first load of laundry that was washed with soap nuts was a set of organic cotton sheets. It had just rained here in Ohio and my dogs were outside getting muddy. My son accidentally let them out of the mud room and they tore a muddy path down the hallway until they reached my bedroom where they jumped on my bed and rolled around on it. Yuck! Mud and dog hair were everywhere and a strong wet dog odor lingered. So I threw the sheets in the wash along with 4 soap nuts and viola .clean sheets. I slept on them that night to see if they were really clean and I was very pleased. I laundered cloth diapers after the sheets and that is another big test for this product but again I was pleasantly surprised and the diapers smelled very fresh and clean.
I also used the soap nuts to clean the carpet! I simmered a cup of soap nuts in about 4 cups of water, mashing the nuts by hand to release the saponins. Then I drained the liquid using a cheese cloth and I was left with a super concentrated liquid soap that I put in my Bissell carpet cleaner. It worked beautifully. The soap nuts work just as well as commercial soap products.
So how do they work? You take 4 nuts and put them in the linen bag that comes with the box, then use them 2 to 3 times according to the web site. I used mine 5 times. For heavily soiled clothes you can soak the soap nuts in hot water first to soften them up and then throw them in the wash. No fabric softener is needed. Maggie’s Soap Nuts naturally soften and add body to your clothes. Soap nuts won’t get your whites sparkling and white though. Dariel suggested using a bit of natural oxygen bleach. I suggested buying unbleached organic cotton clothing instead to avoid the issue. Soap nuts are great for delicates like wool and silk so that is a big plus.
I think soap nuts are quite possibly the greatest natural product I have come across in a long time. I love the soap that grows on trees! And there is great little free gift that comes in the box I either have some great new natural baubles to wear or I can grow my own soapberry tree! In fact I also found some soap nut earrings that look pretty cool. They would make a great conversation piece.
I hope you are as delighted by soap nuts as I have been. If you have tried them I would love to hear from you. 
Technorati Tags: soap nuts, laundry, cloth diapers, organic, natural, chemicals, detergent
Mama K said,
May 31, 2007 at 9:07 am:
I saw them on a webstore. Very cool. But aren’t they kinda expensive?
Beth said,
May 31, 2007 at 9:54 am:
I really want to try them, Ill have to save up LOL! I have a front loader machine, do you put them in the dispenser tray or in the actual washer? Do you crush them? I dont quite understand how they work LOL
naturproducts™ - soap berries that grow on and fall off trees - a true natural product - coming soon to naturmama® « naturmama® - for natural lifestyles - official blog said,
May 31, 2007 at 7:09 pm:
[...] around East and South East Asia and that in essence is a nut that can be used as soap. A post on Nature Mom [...]
Anu said,
June 1, 2007 at 11:00 am:
Soapnuts…also called Reetha in Hindi(India). I used to use this instead of a shampoo back home in India. I always loved herbal products and my grandmom used to boil a few seeds in water and strain it for me….. which i used as a shampoo. I would love to start making my own shampoo if possible….here too for my kids. Chemical free!!
elizabeth ashe said,
June 2, 2007 at 11:03 pm:
Wow that sounds so cool. I am going in right now to check out that sight. I am always on the look out more ways to become more closer to nature the right way in its purest form. This is another testament that great things can come in the simplest of packages. Wow!!
Diane said,
June 4, 2007 at 1:26 pm:
I am totally intrigued! I’ll be looking for these in my health store today. I’ve used Borax and vinegar for years, but I’m always on the lookout for other solutions. Thanks!
heather cohen said,
June 14, 2007 at 4:34 pm:
I wanted to sing the praises of Nature Moms for bringing to my attention the product Maggies Soap Nuts. My daughter has extremely sensitive skin and I have had trouble finding any detergent that cleans and doesnt irritate her skin. What a wonderful product for children. Her skin is clear and smooth again and I am most grateful for this product. I realize that this product is expensive and I remember when I started going to alternative medicine doctors and buying organic food I was hit harder financially. however, I do believe that if people put their money where their mouth is in terms of insisting on products and foods that are nourishing and safe for the environment and our bodies, that eventually we will drive out all the cheap dangerous unsustainable products that our government pushes on us……let the revolution begin!! thank you
Susan said,
June 29, 2007 at 12:59 pm:
Just wanted to let you know that I’m lovin’ Maggie’s Soapnuts! Not only do I use them in my laundry and get great results, but I’ve been washing my hair with it, too. You don’t get a lot of suds, but I’m finding that I don’t need conditioner, which is amazing since I have very tangly hair! The price seems reasonable since I can use the same nuts for a variety of uses, including washing windows and even my dog!
Cary said,
August 3, 2007 at 1:35 am:
Soapnuts are FANTASTIC! I bought a sample yesterday from my local health food store and tried them, then went back today to buy the large box. They are awesome on laundry and I even made the liquid. Add some cornstarch to the hot liquid to thicken it and it makes it easier to use as shampoo, handsoap, dishsoap, facial cleanser, and body wash. I showered with nothing but the thickened liquid tonight, and I’ve never felt cleaner (and I’m a hygiene freak). I will be using the liquid as a household cleaner also. I will be dumping all others in the morning! Good luck, I hope you love it as much as my husband and I do so far. This stuff is just amazing! And for all that it does, I think the price is wonderful also. But, the price doesn’t matter when it comes to preserving and saving our earth.
alison r. from NM said,
August 27, 2007 at 12:01 am:
Flipping amazing
Vanessa said,
November 5, 2007 at 5:08 pm:
Hi you all! I love soapnuts too, it’s amazing to me that soap actually grows on trees, until I move to India and get my own soap tree, I guess I have to keep buying them. I wanted to let you all know that you can get soapnuts cheaper than at Maggies. It’s a place called Zamuta. Their website is http://www.zamuta.com, you might wanna check it out. Have a good day!
Matt Johnson said,
January 11, 2008 at 12:57 am:
My wife recently purchased a bag of soapnuts to use for cleaning cloth diapers for our baby girl. They worked better than any other laundry detergent she had tried. She was so impressed that she bought them in bulk & opened up an e-store so that she have a home-based business and still raise our daughter. Her site is http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com Check it out!
Matt Johnson said,
February 5, 2008 at 11:53 am:
Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Nature’s Natural Detergent
I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.
What are Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.
How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?
Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.
Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?
Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.
What About My Allergies to Soap?
Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.
How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?
For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:
1. Toss 3 half Soap Nut shells in a small muslin bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.
2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 45 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!
Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?
Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com
The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?
No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.
Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation
With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.
For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com
Matt Johnson said,
February 11, 2008 at 6:11 pm:
Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – The Environmental Detergent
Have you ever thought about all the chemicals that we pour down the drain daily? What impact do they have on our environment? What does this mean for our children’s future? How can we minimize the harmful chemicals we use & save the environment at the same time? Soap Nuts are the answer.
What are Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts are not actually nuts at all, but berries (also known as soap berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. They contain high concentrations of saponin, which acts as a natural soap when it comes into contact with water.
What can I use Soap Nuts for?
The most common & easiest use of soap nuts is as a laundry detergent. Just place three or four half-shells of soap nuts in a muslin bag (provided with most soap nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry instead of regular detergent and you are on your way to becoming environmentally friendly. When using soap nuts in your laundry, you do not even need a rinse cycle, thus preventing gallons of water from unnecessarily going down the drain. If you want to expand your soap nuts into a multi-purpose cleaner, simply boil 100 g of soap nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. Fish out the shells, throw them in your compost, & you are left with a highly concentrated, natural, liquid detergent. For more applications, visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com
How does the use of Soap Nuts affect Grey Water?
Soap nuts are antimicrobial. After their detergent goes into the sewer system, it helps break down the grey water into a more usable form. The use of soap nuts actually benefit the environment, rather than hurting it as the harmful chemicals we use do. Because of their unique antimicrobial properties, soap nuts are also used in aid of soil restoration.
What harmful chemicals are found in my regular laundry detergent?
Regular laundry detergents may contain any or all of the following:
• Enzymes – Are a skin sensitizer, but may cause dermatitis and allergic reactions
• Sodium Hypochlorite – Causes lung irritations, bronchial or respiratory reactions, cardiovascular damage, as well as eye and skin damage.
• Nonylphenoxy Ethoxylates – Is an edocrine disruptor, and can cause an activation of cellular estrogen receptors (even at low levels) This is implicated in causes of a rise in breast and prostate cancer, infertility issues, a decline in amphibian populations and the reversal / feminization of birds, fish or reptiles.
Are Soap Nuts Gentle on my skin?
Yes. Soap nuts contain no chemicals, and are therefore non-allergenic. Many people (myself included) who suffered from eczema and other skin irritations have seen their problems diminish after switching to soap nuts as a laundry detergent.
How does my Purchase of Soap Nuts affect India & Nepal?
Your purchase of soap nuts is beneficial to both the economy & environment of India & Nepal. In these two countries, there are many poor people. Because soap nuts are plentiful, they become non-saleable locally. Therefore, soap nut trees become more valuable & marketable as firewood than for the environmentally friendly soap nuts that they grow. When soap nuts are marketed overseas, it employs local residents to harvest them, which in turn, stimulates the economy. At the same time, it makes the trees more valuable living than dead. This helps save our tropical forests.
Soap Nuts are the Environmental Detergent.
The use of soap nuts reduces the use of harmful chemicals, helps in restoring our polluted earth, and saves our tropical forests. Isn’t it time you did your part in painting a greener future for our children?
For more information on soap nuts & pricing visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com
christmas gifts said,
April 1, 2008 at 3:08 pm:
I wonder how softening they are? They certainly probably produce much less softer clothes to detergents. Now, don’t get me wrong; I think the idea is great (albeit the weird logo/picture at the beginning – what is that exactly?) but we do need to be realistic about them. Sounds great, though- although I was a little dissapointed about how they work with whites etc. I bet they cost a pretty penny as well to bring in to countries like mine that are much less developed. But, I’ll definitely be looking out for these and be asking about them.
Erin Johnson said,
April 9, 2008 at 1:52 pm:
Most commercial detergents have added chemicals/bleach that will produce whiter clothes. Soapnuts do not have anything added to them, so you will have to add your own whitening products. Try hydrogen peroxide - safe to pour directly on stains. You can also use lemon juice or some Oxiclean powder (which is powdered peroxide).
http://stores.HotterThanHealth.com/storefront.bok
Oil paintings said,
April 23, 2008 at 3:37 am:
I was just wondering. What if a group of mothers would work together and process the soap nuts in order to prepare ready-to-use detergents out of these amazing soap nuts? That will save us time in washing our clothes right? So the problem now is how we store them. Well, since they’re basically nut extracts I’m sure in addition to saponins they also have oils so we must make sure that they’re in not-so-cold storage rooms to avoid getting rancid. What do you think?
Organic living said,
June 23, 2008 at 12:47 am:
GREAT web site! Wow! I just subscribed! I love the tips and I want to try soap nuts.
Natural Laundry Detergent said,
September 9, 2008 at 10:06 pm:
I love soap nuts. They are the best laundry detergent I have ever used.