Washing Nuts | 1 kg
Nuts only - Cotton bags not included
Technical information on traditional soap nuts
The soap nuts are fruit shells from the Sapindus Mukorossis, better known as the soap tree. This is a tree that grows up to 1,500 m above sea level in India, Pakistan or Nepal. Although its fruits are not edible, their shells contain saponin, a natural detergent. This is why they are used as a zero waste alternative to traditional laundry detergent. These soap nut shells are 100% biodegradable and compostable. They do not pollute, are not allergenic and can be used for the whole family.
Chamarrel offers you traditional laundry nuts from the Himalayas, packed in a 1kg bag.
Contents: Himalayan soap nut shells Weight: 1 kg Packaging: canvas bag + free wash bag
How to use the laundry nuts
The saponin contained in the shells is released into a soap solution when it comes into contact with warm or hot water. The movement of the washing machine drum, and the rubbing of the nuts with the water and the clothes, allows the cleaning process. Your laundry will be nice and fresh by the end of the cycle.
This traditional (and zero waste) solution has been used for centuries by individuals, but also in the textile industry for gentle laundry care. You can even wash delicate fabrics (silk) and wool with them. The soap nuts can be reused according to these instructions:
- up to 3 times for 40°C machines
- up to 2 times for 60°C machines
- 1 time for 90°C machines
As a reference, 1 kg of soap nuts will last one year for a family of 4 ( estimating 3 to 4 washes per week).
How to use soap nuts in the washing machine
Simply insert 4 to 5 nuts into the pouch provided (or a flannel, sock or laundry net). Place it directly into the laundry and start your usual programme. For very dirty laundry, you can also add washing balls.
A little tip: the smell of the laundry is completely neutral, so if you want to perfume it, you can either add essential oil directly to the bag or add a few drops to the water that you will use instead of the fabric softener. Be careful, for machines at 40 degrees and above, these lose their smell...
Can I use the soap nuts for hand washing?
Yes, but for this it is better to prepare a decoction and use it as a liquid detergent. To do this, after using 100 g of nuts, leave them to infuse for 10 minutes in 1 litre of boiling water. Filter the water, squeeze the nuts in your hands and you will get a liquid detergent.
The strengths of eco-friendly washing nuts
It is a natural alternative to washing powder. The soap nuts clean the textile fibre thoroughly and perfectly, thanks to the saponin they contain naturally.
They do not contain any bleaching agents or optical brighteners that can damage certain fabrics. The laundry comes out soft, totally clean and you can use these nuts with any type of textile without distinction, even the most fragile (wool, silk, linen, angora, etc.).
They are also ideal for washing babies and people with atopic skin (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.).
Finally, it is a zero waste alternative to conventional laundry detergent, much more economical and healthy. After use, the soap nut shells can be disposed of in the compost or directly in your garden to create natural, plant-based soil.
Practical advice
It is recommended that you run your washing machine on empty with a glass of white vinegar once a quarter, as soap nuts do not contain an ion catalyst and do not prevent limescale from being deposited on the machine's heating elements. You can also use anti-limescale balls or EM ceramics.
You can use the decoction to wash clothes by hand, but also to wash your skin and hair, especially if you tend to have dandruff. It is also suitable for washing your pets, as its pH is neutral. The soap obtained can also be used on all types of surfaces (work surfaces, floors, etc.).
