So, I’m here to make an announcement that I’ve been keeping a secret for a while. No, I’m not pregnant again…no, I am not moving, and no I did not finish off the bag of kettle corn (*cough*). I’m pretty well known for making my own laundry detergent…and I made it for a long time. But, I don’t make it any more. I DO NOT MAKE HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT ANYMORE! Whew! I’m so glad to have that off my chest.
I really love homemade laundry detergent – the dry and the liquid versions…but I love soap nuts better!
Soap nuts are not nuts that you eat while making soap…although, eating nuts while making soap sounds like a good party to me! Soap nuts are dried shells of the soapberry. They contain saponin which is a cleaning agent that works like soap and detergent, minus the chemicals – it’s 100% natural. When they get wet, they create suds…and they’ll clean your dirty undies like nothing else!
I switched to soap nuts about a year ago after reading about using soap nuts on Kitchen Stewardship. While I didn’t mind making my own laundry detergent, the idea of having something that I didn’t have to make AND knowing that it was more natural that what I was using was a big draw for me…so I ordered the sample bag on Amazon using Swagbucks. I was hooked. There was no turning back. I fought the nuts and the nuts won.
The draw of homemade detergent is that it’s so stinkin’ cheap. Really…why would I want to move away from something like that? Well…I didn’t. Homemade detergent was running me about $.05 per load. I bought the 4 pound bag of Soap Nuts on Amazon for $44.95.That’s about 800 loads or more. If we just go with the low end (800 loads), that makes each load $.05 each! That’s exactly what I was paying for homemade detergent….but this is even better because I get back that time I was using to make soap AND I know it’s natural.
UPDATE: Apparently the seller who had them at this price is sold out as some readers are reporting a higher price from another seller and no free shipping. We are looking into this matter. Thanks! – :0(
Another plus for me is that I only need one type of soap now – I can use soap nuts on baby clothing, cloth diapers, and our regular laundry. One soap – all loads. That’s a WINNER. Bazinga!
So, how do they work?
1. You put 4-5 berries in a muslin bag that is provided when you buy the nuts.
2. Put the bag down into the washer and turn on the water. If you’re using warm or hot water (I only use warm and hot wash) then you just let them get wet a bit before putting your laundry in. If you’re using cold water, just place the bag of berries in a container of hot water for about 3 minutes before you want to do your load.
3. Launder as usual.
4. Take bag of berries out before drying clothing. (Note – accidentally tossing them in the dryer doesn’t seem to hurt anything, but I like getting mine out.)
5. Love your naturally, clean clothing.
Soap nuts will work for about 5-7 loads, depending on how big your loads are.
So, how can you keep track of how many loads you’ve done? Simply keep a dry erase marker in the laundry room. Make tallies on the top or side of the washer. These easily wipe off when you’re done and ready to make a new list. (This is also great for reminding yourself that you’re laundering something that doesn’t need to be placed in the dryer – just make a note on top of the washer).
FAQs
-Are soap nuts good for those with sensitive skin? Are they safe for babies?
YES!! Soap nuts are hypoallergenic, so they’re great for those with sensitive skin and allergies – especially babies.
-Where do you buy them?
I like buying mine from Amazon for $44.95. That way I know I’m getting free shipping and I still get to buy from a smaller company (NaturOil). The bigger order you buy, the cheaper your loads are. If you are not sure you’ll like them, you could get the sample pack first like I did.
-Are they cloth diaper safe?
You betcha!
-How do I know when my soap nuts are “done?”
Here’s a great post from Kitchen Stewardship about how to know when soap nuts are “done.”
-Can I use them in my HE washer?
Yes! And HE washers yield more loads than regular washers.
-Are they pet safe for bathing?
Yes!!
-Can I add Oxyclean to my wash as usual? Vinegar?
Yep. Doesn’t affect the cleaning power at all.
-Doesn’t leaving them in the rinse cycle create more soap?
No…not as long as your rinse is cold. They do not release saponin in cold water.
NOTE: Keep out of the reach of pets and children. They do resemble date fruit – but they are harmful when eaten. Considering that most kids don’t like the taste of soap, they likely wouldn’t eat any – unless you child has a dirty mouth. HA!!!
So, that’s my spill on soap nuts. I love them. I don’t regret switching at all – and likely this is all I will use going forward. I do still sometimes use ECOS for my cloth diapers…but that’s just habit. 🙂
You can also make your own liquid detergent using the soap nuts. Later on I hope to show y’all how to make liquid from your soap nuts.
very clear and good article easy to understand. Thank you
I have a front load machine. So what would you suggest on using them. Would you do like for a cold wash and soak them first.
Have you used then for washing down before? Do you know how effective they are for that?
Washing down what?
Hello, Stacy. Do you still use your soap nuts for laundry and are you still happy with them? Thanks so much! Always appreciate your honesty!
I’m actually NOT using them right now. Eli has some really bad skin problems, so I’ve had to switch to something super duper gentle…not that Soap Nuts aren’t, but I had to be sure. But I was happy with them the entire time I was using them. 🙂
Do you still use a fabric softener at all or is it not needed?
I use white vinegar as a fabric softener – but not in every load. 🙂
The $44.95 price has dropped to $39.95 =)
Amazon is super fickle. Sometimes the price changes several times a day. 🙂
Just curious if you are still liking them. I bought some and have been using them for a month. I do like that the clothes seem clean and there are no smells, but I’m finding that everything that is supposed to be white is turning yellow! Anyone else?
I have heard that from some people, but have not experienced it for myself. Maybe it’s because I line dry in the summer and the sun bleaches things?
It is very rewarding to be able to make your own detergent. While at the same time not compromising the cleaning power.
Agreed.
Can these be used in a HE washing machine? Would you put them in the soap dispenser or the tub? Would you put them in the hot water to activate them and then throw them in or just throw them in? Not much water in these new machines ..
I don’t have an HE washer, but I believe those questions are answered on their site. 🙂
http://www.naturoli.com/soapnuts/directions.html
Boil 12-15 nuts in 1.2lts of water for 20-30mins. You can use the liquid for detergent/ dish liquid/ foam soap (I didn’t try this since we are using castile liquid)/ tsp of this liquid in floor cleaner water/ shampoo. They are great. Liquid doesn’t last long since gets spoiled. (Generally 2-3 days unless you add food grade preservatives). In india, we leave the soap nuts in room temp. water for few hrs and when you shake & squeeze you would get bubbles & would be used for shampoo. (Also good for cleaning silk clothes)
You can add tbsp. of washing soda if you require in the laundry. No chemical smell & cleans good.
Here is my tutorial: http://www.stacymakescents.com/how-to-make-soap-nuts-liquid
Cool! I’m going to try these. I just ordered some off Amazon. The reviews on Amazon mentioned that certain brands perform better than others so I went with the one you recommended. If they work well for me, I might try some from Mountain Rose Herbs because they are $6/lb for the same species/origin. Thanks for the tip! I’ve been looking for a new laundry detergent.
I keep a small mason jar on the counter near my washer. When I want to use the cold wash, I first put some hot water into my mason jar and add the soap nuts. I let them soak while I’m sorting the laundry and filling up the washer. After a few minutes, I shake the jar (lid on) and when it starts to bubble I know it’s activated. Then I just throw it all in the wash! 🙂
thanks!
So I live in Japan and here we only wash with cold water…you said to soak them in hot water before adding to laundry? That’ll do the job?
This is the first time I have ever heard about these (well, besides on instagram where you pointed me to this very informative post. haha!) . WOW! It almost seems too good to be true. And I am very very tempted to try these out! Except the price up front is slightly a deterrent. I may have to wait a few weeks to be able to eek that out of my budget. But I am out of detergent now! I guess I’ll have to go make some of my own up for now. Thanks for sharing this awesome little tip! 😀
You could try the sample pack! 🙂
Hi Stacy! I’m a mama of four under four (triplets +1) trying to live on a budget and make more things myself! I just made my first batch of homemade laundry detergent last week (borax + washing soda + felsnaptha) which seems to be working great – but this looks even better! Especially since I cloth diaper as well and currently buy a separate detergent for that! And who doesn’t secretly just love the idea of throwing dried berry shells into the wash – I mean, it just doesn’t get much “crunchier” than that – I love it! So, I’d really like to share this with my friends on my own blog – and I just wanted to make sure it was okay to use that top picture of yours (with the link to your website still in the bottom corner) and to post a link to this post -? Is that what they refer to as “linking up” -? I’m still trying to figure all this blogger jargon out:)
Holly, that’s fine with me! As long as you keep the watermark and link to me, that’s kosher. 🙂 Thanks for checking with me first – that’s the right way to do it! 🙂
PS – I’m honored that you would want to do that.
Thanks, Stacy! I’m so happy to have found your blog and your Facebook page! Here’s the link to my blogpost…about your blogpost 🙂
http://oregon-mama.blogspot.com/2013/02/because-it-dont-get-much-crunchier-than.html
Oh my goodness! Your kids are stinkin’ adorable!
hi theses soap nut are the greatest thing around i share my friends they lov then to not going back to store bought no more these are the best ty
I use them daily!
I have been worried about trying these. But now I feel like I won’t have to worry. Ordering tonight!
Worry no longer! I just threw some in the wash. 🙂
Do you throw them away when they are done? Could you compost them?
Yes, they are compostable. I just don’t have a compost pile. 🙂
Hi Stacy
Ilove reading your blogs so I decided I would try the tree tea oil for warts.I bought the Equate brand 100 % tea tree oil.However, the smell is aweful.The first night I tried it I had to get up and wash it off because the smell was so strong my hubby couldn’t sleep.Also my daughter couldn’t stand the smell of it .What brand did you use? Is there one out there with a milder smell? Anxiously awaiting your reply.
Thanks
Madeline
It’s very potent stuff, and that’s why it only takes one drop. Although I find the smell nice – it’s a clean smell. I use Thursday Planation brand for this. 🙂
Stacy-
Thank you for telling us about these! I just ordered the soap nuts, the same quantity you get for $38.95, it seems like a great price. I couldn’t figure out though how you were able to have free shipping, you lucky girl!
I love getting your e-mails, I feel like I’m learning so much.
Have a great day with Jesus,
Mary
They were offering free shipping when I first posted it – but they sold out of that batch and Amazon put shipping charges back up. 🙁 Bummer.
Has anyone tried growing their own? I presume it’s a tree, but do you know anything about where they will grow?
Here’s a Link about “growing your own!”
http://www.soapnuts.pro/2009/07/15/soap-nuts-trees/
That’s great! Except I have the black thumb of death. LOL
They will grow anywhere Stacy is not. LOL
Wow!!! I’ve heard of these but never imagined they’d be so awesome. Thanks for the review.
Steph, you would LOVE them! Right up your alley! 🙂
WHAT
I have read about soap nuts before but this is the most informative review. It answered all my questions. Thank you.
🙂 That’s my job! 🙂
How do you get free shipping? I tried to order, but the shipping is almost $10
When I first put the post up, the shipping was free but the nuts were more – however Amazon sold out of those quickly and they moved to a different seller. So, I’m contacting Naturoli today to see if they would offer my readers free shipping. 🙂
Just wondering if you could use say Purex Crystal thingies, I forget what it’s called now, in your loads and if that would harm the quality of your soap nuts? It would certainly take care of any “manky” *I LOVE that word, lol* smells… just sayin and askin…
I’m not sure…but for me, the idea is to use something natural so that I can avoid the chemicals in traditional stuff. 😉 So, that would defeat the purpose – but that’s only for me. Good thought!
After I finish up our ingredients for our DIY homemade detergent, I may need to try this! Still my homemade stuff is cheaper at just 2 cents per load, but I do love the completely natural element of the soap nuts and how it takes the work of making the detergent out. Hmmm pondering this one…
Although it would save me on CD detergent… My arm is twisting!
🙂 I’m good at that.
I know – I weighed it a long time and then caved for the convenience of the nuts. The liquid homemade is cheaper than the powder homemade – but still…I like the nuts. 🙂
I guess this company got greedy since you posted this article linking them, because now they are charging $38.95 plus $9.25 for shipping, $48.20 for 4lbs
Makes me not want to purchase from them… 🙁
Yes, I can see that’s very distressing – it would aggravate me too. Although, I will say I think it’s Amazon and not the company. When I first posted it, they quickly sold out and moved to a different vendor. The cost was more. Then they came back to the same vendor that day and the free shipping option was gone. We’re contacting Naturoli today to see if they will offer free shipping to my readers. If so, I’ll update the post with that code. 🙂
Thanks do much for sharing this! Very frugal indeed!!!
That’s my tag line! 🙂
Oops! Didn’t mean to steal your tag-line 😉 We’ve got the starter pack in our Amazon cart. I also saw the same company you mentioned sells a five lb. bag for ~$50.00
Yes – I saw that too…it’s a good option. I’m hoping I can get in contact with them and see if they’ll offer my readers free shipping.
Okay, so I’m intrigued. Very intrigued. I have never, ever heard of this! Here is my main question. Does it REALLY, really clean the clothes well? I have two extremely messy boys, one mom who may or may not always remember to put bibs on them, and who may or may not be just as messy of an eater. We need detergent that WORKS. I did the homemade for a long time but eventually gave up because I just felt like the clothes weren’t getting clean enough. Stacy, can you or anyone else speak to this?
It cleans poopy diapers well. 🙂 If you were skeptical, you could just get the sample pack (like I did because I’m a total skeptic) and wash 5 really dirty loads to see how it does. Use your Swagbucks!
Oops on the aga not in it!!!
Hi I’ve tried them once but didn’t like the smell they left on the laundry kind of smelt manky. I’m thinking of making all my cleaning products, running my own business and a co-operative I panick about time and effectiveness of home made cleaning products but have been reading your blog with much interest and think its time to ditch convince for health and frugalness. Thank you for sharing and being inspirational. If you know of any ways to stop the smell other than dryer balls as I dry everything in my aga. I was also thinking how much space regular cleaners detergents etc take think ill have a whole cuboard full of space lol
I haven’t noticed a smell, but I think it varies with the type of water. I don’t know of a way to use the essential oils except on the dryer balls. I’ve tried to use them in the washer, but I didn’t smell anything.
Look luck in your new cleaning adventure! It’s lots of fun. Check out the Simply Clean eBook post for some really great ideas.
Has anyone bought and used the soap nuts PIECES? They are cheaper – the Naturoli site has them, as well as a seller on ebay with free shipping.
I’ve heard they work just as well. And I say go for the free shipping! 🙂
Just thought you should know that the Amazon’s 4 lbs of soap nuts is now $60 (following the link you provided above).
Thanks Melissa! I updated the post. The original sellers of the Soap Nuts sold out and this new vender charges more. Keep checking back to see if NaturOil gets more in stock. 🙂
I too have used soap nuts through two babies. Look for the soap nuts with the “seed” still inside. It is hard to find them but they work longer and don’t fall apart as easily in the bag. When at the store give the bag a shake if you can hear a rattle (it will be distinct) then you know the seed is still inside. They seem to be no more expensive than the seedless ones. After the nuts are spent you have a seed which like a marble, but about half the size. Great for crafting, making rattles ect…. 🙂
Well who knew?! Genius!
I can’t thank you enough for posting this. I’ve been debating buying these for a year, but every time I mention it to my husband, he gets his “Oh no, here comes the crazy all-natural nut case again!” look. I think I’ll order the sample and see if I can win him over! 🙂 And the .05 cents a load argument won’t hurt either.
I get that look all the time – I’m sorta used to it. 😉 You can just refer him to me. Ha!
Funny that I posted about these today too! 🙂 I have LOVED using the soap nuts too. They are great to have around when I forget to make my detergent or just want to change things up for a week of washing.
You know what they say about great minds. 😉
This is such a great idea! I might have to try some soap nuts. I’ll also pass this on to my mom – she loves the idea of using all natural things.
Smart mama! 🙂
I love this. But I have a front loader that locks when the water starts. I can’t then add clothes in. Does this mean I can’t use soap nuts? What would you suggest? I’d love to try it.
I’ve read that you just soften the soap nuts a bit in a bowl of hot water before you toss them in. 🙂
I keep a jar that I fill with hot water and shake, then throw it all in the drum. I only use cold water, so it activates them and deals with the HE locking door. It also lets me check if the nuts are good, ie there has to be suds that develop.
Thanks for that GREAT tip! I don’t have an HE washer, so that was most helpful. 🙂
I love soap nuts. I have been using them for a couple of years. To make liquid, you put some in a pan with some water and boil for a little while (I can’t remember how long, I just eyeball it), then let them sit in the water for a few hours then put in spray bottle or whatever. I use them for everything. Thanks for the review.
I love one thing that can be used for SO many things!
I am going to try these for our family of 7!! Love saving money. Question…I love having nicely scented laundry. Any recommendations on adding a nice smell?? Thanks 🙂 P.S. If you only use warm and hot washes, how to you keep your darks from fading into the whites (when you have clothes with both colors on them…a dark shirt with white sleves??)
You could use wool dryer balls and add a drop or two of essential oil. 🙂
I don’t have the color fading problem often….just occasionally. And if I do, I just treat it with oxygen bleach the next time I wash and it goes away. 🙂
Thank you!!! This sounds great. I must try this. Did you have to pay for the sample pack or is there a charge?
The sample pack is pretty cheap. I used Swagbucks to pay for it. 🙂
I tried soapnuts a while back, but my laundry started smelling funky. I contacted the company for suggestions but they never returned my emails. I always use vinegar in the rinse so I’m not sure what else I could do. I guess I should dust them off and give them another try. I bought a 4-5 lb bag and hate to see them go to waste…
It might be the type of water you have….I’ve heard that can make a difference. You could use them but alternate with a different type of detergent?
I saw somewhere to run a bag of soap nut under warm water and if they still release suds they are good for another load! Saves me from having to keep track 🙂 I love them!!
You have to squeeze the bag while having it under the water.
Isn’t that just so fun? I love doing that and seeing the bubble start to come up. Fascinates me every time. LOL
Yes! That’s what Kitchen Stewardship says…..I linked that post above. 🙂
How many do u get for 44.00?
It’s based on pounds. They’re actually on sale right now for less. You can get 5-7 loads for every 4-5 soap nuts. If the soap nuts are larger pieces, I just use 4. If they’re smaller, I use 5. 🙂
Thanks for the review, I saw these on TV and wondered if they really worked. For now I just buy detergent from the $$ store which works out to be $.03 a load, albeit definitely not all natural. I wonder if people with nut allergies can use these. Almond milk makes me break out in an itchy rash but I can eat almonds, I’m not sure what would happen to my skin if I washed my clothes in nuts 🙂 That sounds so funny, washing my clothes in nuts. I’ll stick with the $ store brand for now.
Interesting….I have no idea. I would think buying the trial pack and seeing what happened would be safest! 🙂
I have been using soap nuts for about two years and absolutely love them. My daughter is allergic to tree nuts and we have had no issues with using soap nuts. I believe this is a berry and not actually a nut. I purchase them when the warehouse is clearing out their inventory and lists a huge sale (I think last time I purchased pieces which work the same).
Yes – the pieces are GREAT! 🙂 Good tip!!
You can use these if you have a nut allergy. They aren’t nuts at all just fruit from a tree. 🙂 My daughter has a nut allergy and we use these with no problem.
Thanks for chiming in, Lexie!!
I have seen something on this a few months ago via a different site.
I was toying with the idea of purchasing them to try because I wanted to save money and I LOATHED making my own laundry detergent. I especially didn’t like having to stir or shake the detergent because it would clump up into a terribly huge mass.
I would absolutely love to try these, but I am also partial to ‘scents’ in the detergent. I could probably use an essential oil but I’m afraid of what it might do to the laundry.
I guess I need to just bite the bullet so to speak and give them a try.
Thank you for posting this…you’ve definitely given me something to think about.
We use wool dryer balls and you can put one drop of essential oil on those for a slight scent in the clothing. 🙂
I just clicked on the amazon link and their actually on sale (for this second) for 38.95! Thanks for the info! I was just about to take the leap to homemade laundry detergent for our family of 7, now I’m rethinking it!
It just got on my nerves that I wrote ‘their’ instead of ‘they’re’. Ugh, glad I got that off my chest 🙂
LOL No worries – I didn’t even catch it.
I know! I don’t need another batch right now, or I would order! 🙂
Very cool! Do you know about using them in laundromats? Do they get rid of bacteria and other such questionables. I guess they do, or you wouldn’t use them on your diapers. Well, I’m sold! Thanks!
I love the idea of writing on the machine with a dry erase. I use a post-it on the door of the front end loader, but a dry erase would be much more fun, because it would feel life graffiti.
I know right? Every time I right on the washer, I grin. Sorta like I’m breaking the rules. REBEL!!!!!
And yes, I think the hot water and vinegar does the job at disinfecting – plus drying in the sun kills germies too.
We can’t line dry in RV parks or church parking lots. Well, we could in church parking lots, but then everyone would see our skivvies. Even though (almost) everybody WEARS skivvies, you can’t actually acknowledge it, much less DISPLAY them. It’s one of those can’t-grow-up issues of mine. 😉
Funny….I would think it would be MORE embarrassing to let someone know that you didn’t wear skivvies at all. 😉
Do they leave spots on whites?
No that I have noticed. I wash Barry’s white work shirts with them. I wouldn’t let a bag of them sit on whites for long or anything.
I started using soap nuts a few months ago, but didn’t know about the hot water. Thanks for sharing! Someone asked me about releasing the soap in the rinse, so now I know!
🙂 Ta da! Not sure why I said that…I just kinda wanted to say TA DA!
Stacy, you are so informative and hi-larious! Thank you so much for sharing and making me have belly giggles. (The dirty mouth ha!) Too funny.
🙂 Thank ya, muchly!
I’m happy to see a review of soap nuts; I had heard about them, but never tried them. I think I’ll try them if only to say I’ve tried them! But, it seems to me that in the end analysis, there’s no true “time savings”. If it’s necessary to keep track of how many times you’ve used each load of soap nuts, and that does appear necessary, then, in my estimation, blending your own (as I currently do) isn’t any more “time-consuming” than keeping track of load usage. That issue probably “all comes out in the wash” (pun intended!).
So, it probably really comes down to, “how ‘earthy’ do you want to be?”, don’t you think?
Either way, gotta try soap nuts. thanks for review.
It really doesn’t take me much time to figure that, since I use the dry erase marker like I talked about in the post. I keep it on top of the shelf by the washer and when I start a load, I just make a tally. It’s pretty quick. 🙂
I have used soap nuts and really enjoyed them. I think you’ve inspired me to do it again. 🙂
Yay!!! You inspire me all the time! 🙂