The soap nut has been enjoying increasing awareness and popularity in Europe for several years. The small Sapindus Mukorossi tree has been used in households in India for centuries. The saponin active ingredient in the nuts is a natural soap that can be used in a variety of ways. It offers all the advantages over synthetic products and can be used as a detergent alternative, especially by allergy sufferers. In addition, it can be processed extremely versatilely into liquid detergent or powder. We explain why soap nuts can be used as an alternative to detergents.
Soap nuts as an alternative to detergents: Saponin has this effect
In addition to the active ingredient saponin, the small natural soaps also contain valuable fatty acids and have a natural effectantifungal and antibacterial. People who have a detergent allergy to synthetic detergents can use soap nuts as a real alternative. However, it should be noted that if you have a nut allergy, you should avoid using soap nuts. They prove to be a very beneficial alternative for some ailments such as:
- Psoriasis, eczema, allergy-related rashes
- for dry skin and aging skin
- Babies and small children due to their delicate skin
- for acne-prone skin
- Anti-parasitic for pet fur
How can you use soap nuts?
The small nut offers many possible uses. You can use it as a laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, hair shampoo, body soap, pet shampoo, among other thingsto repel mosquitoes in summeruse. We have summarized exactly how to use the product for you below.
Soap nuts as an alternative to detergents: liquid concentrate as a base
You can produce a liquid concentrate as a basis for many other possible uses. To do this, take a pot with 500 ml of water and boil 4 - 6 soapnut shells in it. Once boiling, turn down the heat and continue simmering on low heat for 20-30 minutes. You can then remove the nutshells and let them air dry for reuse. Once the concentrate has cooled, you can pour it into a bottle and store it in the fridge for about 10 days.
Use as a detergent
Use loose soap nuts as an alternative to detergent
All you need for one load of laundry are 4-8 soapnut shells. To do this, place the nuts in a washing net or in a sock that you tie at the top to hold them together. Place them directly in the laundry drum and select your washing program. Once the machine is finished, remove the nuts and place them in an airy place to dry and reuse later. You can reuse the nuts 3 to 4 times. You can choose from white laundryBaking soda or lemon juiceAdd to it to achieve an even more radiant result. Since the soap nut is odorless, you have the option of adding a suitable essential oil, such as lavender, as a scent. Just a few drops are enough.
This is how you can make washing powder
Put some nutshells in the blender and grind them into fine dust. Make only small quantities and store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. You use the powder by simply adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of it to the detergent dispenser of the washing machine, just as you would with regular detergent. If you want to wash in cold water, we recommend activating the detergent dose in hot water first and then adding it. This starts the foam development.
Make liquid laundry detergent from soap nuts
It's easy to do by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of the ground material with the same amount of warm water. So you can easily put it in the detergent dispenser of the washing machine, even when washing cold. A second option is to dilute the concentrate 1:1 with warm water.
Soap nuts for the household
All-purpose household cleaner
To make a soapnut all-purpose cleaner you will need:
- 250 ml base soap nut concentrate
- 500 ml water
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- optionally a few drops of tea tree oil
Mix everything together well and put it in a spray bottle. You can use it to clean the bathroom, kitchen counters, tables, toilets and more.
Dishwashing detergent made from soap nuts
For a dishwashing detergent, mix 250 ml of the soap nut concentrate with 7 - 8 drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil. Store it in a sealable jar and use it with a dish brush.
For personal care
Hair shampoo made from soap nuts
- 5 – 6 soapnut shells
- 500 ml water
- Optionally 2 – 3 drops of essential oil, such as lavender. If you suffer from skin diseases or problems, simply omit the essential oil.
Boil the soap nuts in the water and let them simmer on a low heat for about 30 minutes. If you want to use essential oil, only mix it in well after the liquid has cooled down. Take a small amount and wash your hair. Then rinse well. If you suffer from psoriasis or irritated skin, the remedy can have a very calming effect. In this case, please refrain from using an essential oil.
Other uses for soap nuts
If you dilute the soap nut base solution 1:2 with water, you have the following possible uses:
- Parasite-repellent shampoo for pets' fur
- Natural pesticide for the plants in your garden or on the balcony
- To ward off mosquitoes
- A mild shower gel
