Dry soap nuts or wash nuts have become increasingly popular in recent years . They are an excellent natural detergent because they contain a natural cleaning essence in their shell.
Although they have received a lot of attention in recent years, washing nuts or dried soap nuts have been known and used for centuries – historically, these washing nuts have always been a widely used item in Indian culture.
They are the fruits of a small tree called Sapindus Mukorossi , native to the Himalayas and the mountainous region between India and Nepal . Once harvested and allowed to dry in the sun, these amazing wash nuts contain a natural cleaning agent called saponin that produces an effect comparable to soap.
The great thing about saponin is that it is a 100% organic substitute for chemically made laundry and cleaning products, such as those containing SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), without all the nasty drawbacks of these chemicals.
Soap nuts dried nuts: the most ecological product for washing
The Sapindus tree grows in a wild environment, mainly around the Himalayas between India and Nepal. One of its main characteristics is that it does not need fertile soil to flourish , quite the opposite, and by growing in harsh environmental conditions, it also protects adjacent areas at risk of erosion. It is incredibly resistant to disease and does not need chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Its fruits, washed walnuts or dried walnuts, are harvested by local populations and are the main a great financial source for these communities, who collect the berries after they become sticky and red and as they ripen and fall to the ground.
The seed is taken out of the shell and left to dry in the sun without chemical or synthetic agents, so the soap nuts are not treated, and what is marketed is a 100% natural, unmodified product.
Who are dry soap nuts recommended for?
This natural product is recommended for people who have an allergy to traditional washing products or who have very sensitive skin and is prone to the appearance of irritations, eczema, itching or hives .
Dried soap nuts, along with saponin, are rich in fatty acids (EFAs) and have an ideal composition to treat the following conditions :
- Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes caused by allergic reactions (due to its antiallergic, antifungal, and antibacterial nature).
- Dry skin
- Mature and aged skin due to the anti-aging and antioxidant effect.
- Delicate skin , especially that of babies and young children.
- Acne-prone skin , as it dries excess oil on the epidermis and reduces the appearance of clogged pores.
What can you use the washing nuts for?
Sapindus mukorossi nuts produce significant amounts of a saponifying agent that can be used as laundry detergent, dish and hand soap, shampoo and bath gel , pet shampoo, and mosquito repellent, among others.
Washing nuts for washing clothes
All you need is about 4-8 seedless soap nut shells:
- Put them in a sock or net bag for the washing machine (you can even use a fine cotton cloth, put them in the middle, and then use a little thread around the top to make sure they don’t come off).
- Put the nuts in the drum of the washing machine and select the program.
- When the wash cycle is over, remove the walnuts from the bag and leave them in a ventilated place to dry before using them again.
- You can reuse the same soap nuts 3-4 times .
Dishwashing liquid with dried soap nuts
To make the washing nut dishwasher gel, you will need to make a liquid compound and you will need these ingredients:
- 15 units or 30 halves of washing nuts.
- 3 liters of water.
- You can also add a few drops of an essential oil .
You can also reuse nuts that you have used in the washing machine to take advantage of them.
Follow the steps below to make nut wash liquid:
- Put the dried nuts of soap and two liters of water in a pot on the fire.
- When to a boil, lower the heat and cook for 1 hour .
- When the 60 minutes are up, turn off the heat and let it sit for at least 8 hours.
- Then strain the water and set it aside .
- Use the walnuts again to cook them with 1 liter of water for 30 minutes .
- Turn off the heat and let them rest for another 8 hours .
- Finally, strain the nuts, mix the two liquids and you will have the soap ready.
This recipe can also be used to make liquid soap nut detergent.
Ingredients for making dishwasher with washing nuts:
- 250 milliliters of liquid soap dried nuts.
- 7-8 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil
- Mix the ingredients and store them in a glass jar .
Soap nuts are especially recommended for clothing and baby items , as they are 100% free of chemicals and allergies, and do not affect the skin of babies and young children. They are also excellent at killing bacteria , so they can be used to wash your pet and household items .
