Soap Nuts:  Frequently Asked Questions

Read below to find answers to some of our most commonly received questions about soap nuts.  More questions?  Contact us here!

Are soap nuts suitable for heavily soiled laundry?

Soap nuts work great for everyday laundry and grime.  However, soap nuts will not remove stubborn stains such as blood or tomato sauce.   For heavily soiled laundry, we recommend using the warm or hot water setting on your washer, reducing the amount of laundry in the washer to allow it to agitate freely, and the use of a stain remover spray if necessary.

What about my delicate and handwash laundry items?

Soap nuts contain a gentle, all-natural cleanser called saponin that will not harm your most delicate fabrics, including silk and wool.  You can use soap nuts to wash delicate items using the gentle cycle on your washer, or place soap nuts in a sink of warm water for hand washing. 

Is it possible to use too many soap nuts?

Yes.  A good indicator that you are using too many soap nuts is that your laundry will be slightly stiff after washing.  If this happens, wash the laundry again in plain water, and then reduce the amount of soap nuts you use in future loads.

Can I use soap nuts in my front loading washing machine?

Yes. Soap nuts can be used in both front loading and top loading washers.  Soap nuts do not produce heavy suds, making them ideal for use in any washing machine. 

I don’t see any suds!  Are my soap nuts duds?

No!  Your soap nuts are still cleaning even though you don’t see any suds. The amount of suds in your washer has nothing to do with the effectiveness of soap nuts.  In fact, most commercial laundry soaps contain ingredients to produce fake suds to fool you into believing their products work better.

Do I have to remove soap nuts during the rinse cycle?

No.  We recommend leaving soap nuts in the washer throughout the entire wash cycle. Soap nuts do not leave a soapy residue, and any remaining saponin, the all-natural cleansing substance found in soap nuts, will help make your clothes feel soft.

Do soap nuts expire after too long on the shelf?

No. Soap nuts remain potent until they are added to water.  You may notice that humid conditions may cause your soap nuts to become a little sticky.  This does not affect their performance in any way.  We recommend storing soap nuts in a sealed jar or plastic container to avoid stickiness.

Do I have to use a bag with soap nuts?

You may choose to use a bag to help contain soap nuts in the washing machine.  This will prevent you from having to search for them while placing your wet laundry in the dryer.  However, it is not necessary to use a bag if you do not wish to do so.

I am allergic to soap.  Can I use soap nuts?

Yes! You can use soap nuts even if you are allergic to soap.  Soap allergies are often attributed to the strong fragrances, colorants, and detergents used in commercial laundry soaps.  Since soap nuts are a 100% natural substance with absolutely no additives, most soap allergy sufferers use them with no problems at all.

I am allergic to nuts.  Can I use soap nuts?

Yes!  You can use soap nuts even if you are allergic to nuts.  Soap nuts aren’t really nuts at all.  They are actually berries that grow on trees.  The term “soap nuts” is just used to describe the hard outer shell of the “soap berry” found on the trees.

How many times can I re-use soap nuts?

Usually, our customers re-use soap nuts 4-5 times before discarding them.  Hot water washing releases more of the natural detergent found in soap nuts, and will result in fewer uses.  Don’t forget…used up soap nuts make a great addition to your compost container!  You will be able to tell when your soap nuts are all used up when they become shiny and no longer have a “soapy” feel.

Do I have to use fabric softener with soap nuts?

Our customers find that no fabric softener is necessary when using soap nuts.  The all natural, residue-free cleansing substance in soap nuts results in soft, fresh, and fluffy laundry for the whole family. 

Where do soap nuts come from?

Soap nuts are actually naturally-occuring “soap berries” which grow on two varieties of Sapindus trees native to Nepal and India.  Our soap nuts are imported from India.

Do soap nuts smell?

When you receive your soap nuts, you may notice that they have a slightly acidic smell similar to vinegar.   This is natural, and the smell will not transfer to your laundry.