Just WiLd about nuts...

A few weeks back I posted a Blog about a grocery challenge...to save money.  Well, an old friend of mine, Jenny made a suggestion about using wild soap nuts as a laundry alternative to washing powder.  I wasnt too sure about it so I googled them.

WOW...I was amazed at what these little nuts do as well as the rave reviews about them.  You can use them as a laundry wash AND softner all in one, boil them up as a natural all purpose cleaner, hair/body wash... the uses are many.  So I went off to my trusty Mrs Flanneries and purchased a small bag of these nuts to try them out.
They are a strange looking nut...almost like a macadamia nut.  I wasnt too fussed on the smell of them.  I emailed a lady at 'Wild soap nuts' a company who lives not far away from me that sell these amazing things.  She told me that when you place the soap nuts into the wash they pretty much leave your clothes perfectly clean, with no fragrance just clean fresh clothes...which is fantastic for those with allergies.  Unfortunalty for me, I kinda like the fresh fragrance of towels flapping in the sun...so she suggested to place a few small drops of any essential oil in the softner compartment of my washing machine...which I did.  WOW! They came out so soft and clean and smelt like Lavander....
I next boiled up about 500g of these small nuts on the stove top, strained them into a spray bottle and again I added a few drops of essential oil, this time Lemon.  My kitchen was sparkly clean and fresh smelling. Honestly, my stainless steel sink has never shined so much!
I was so amazed at these nuts that I am now a convert.  For just $8 I purchased 100g.  This has lasted me about a months worth of washing (plus my all purpose cleaner).  Not bad...me thinks!

In my research I have come to learn...
*These soapnuts are grown wild in forests in the Himalayan foothills, and no chemicals are added at any stage.


*By increasing the demand for soapnuts rather than the wood from the Sapindus mukorossi tree (which has lately been more profitable than soapnuts), you are making the living trees more profitable and thus helping to protect forests.

*Can be used over and over, when they are completely sapped they can be composted.

*Village-friendly practices are employed including fair pay and treatment for workers.

*Soapnuts are completely hypoallergenic, as in, are not likely to agitate or irritate the skin. So gentle they can be used by sufferers of eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Also gentle enough to be used for your baby laundry.


*Soapnuts have a lot of soap in them! They can be used over and over until they lose their efficiency or soapiness.

*Soapnuts are not technically nuts, they are berries. Those with nut allergies have nothing to worry about.

*Soapnuts contain NO optical brighteners, foaming agents, bleaches or chlorine. If necessary you can also add environmentally-friendly oxygen bleach.

*Soapnuts have a light, natural scent, not left on clothing when used for washing. We recommend adding a couple drops of essential oils to the cotton bag (or sock) you put your soapnuts in, which will leave a delicate scent of your choice on your laundry. Our organic Eucalyptus essential oil and organic Tea Tree essential oil are both antibacterial and leave your laundry smelling fresh and clean. While Tinderbox Lavender essential oil can be used when washing bed linen to help you relax at night. Our Tinderbox Clove essential oil and Tinderbox Orange essential oil can repel moths and insects if you are washing linen or clothes to be put into storage. The options are only limited by your personal preferences and requirements. Please note that oils can have strong effects on the body, please check with your health professional on which oils are right for you. Some oils are irritating to the skin and unsuitable for sensitive skin and during pregnancy.


I have been raving to everyone about them.  I have now converted my mum, sister in law and another friend of mine, to at least give them a try.

I am amazed that somthing from nature can do so much.  Our creator has thought of everything.  A little nut that foams up and cleans and softens.  I am in the process of searching for the plant.  I would love to grow this plant myself. Im thinking they are 'only' grown wild in forests in the Himalayan foothills...but you never know if they will migrate here one day...one can only hope.

If you havnt given them a try......do it, you will be pleasantly suprised.