What are Wash Nuts?

Wash nuts are nuts that grow on the soap nut tree (Sapindus). They are also called 'soap nuts' because these magical nuts contain 'saponin'. When you combine the shells of the nuts with water, a soapy foam is created that can be used as a natural laundry detergent. Indian Wash Nuts contain 100% natural saponins (plant-based glycosides). These substances form a soapy solution in water with unmatched washing power.

Now the Sapindus, which naturally occurs in North India and Nepal, of course doesn't need to wash itself. Instead, the tree uses saponin to protect itself against natural enemies. The Indian population has been aware of the cleansing properties of wash nuts for centuries and has been using the shells for ages to wash cotton, wool and silk clothing. But it's also a fantastic all-purpose cleaner and lovely shampoo.

What are the benefits of Wash Nuts?

• Cleansing – The wash nuts have a cleansing effect on textiles and surfaces in the home, but also on hair and body. They clean and refresh both your whites and your coloreds.
• Mild on skin – The saponin from wash nuts is gentle and therefore also suitable for use on the skin. A shampoo that doesn't sting in the eyes: ideal.
• Biodegradable – You use the nuts 2 to 3 times in the washing machine. After that, you add them to compost, because they are completely biodegradable.
• Zero waste – Scatter used nuts among your plants in the garden. This gives the product a second life and leaves you with nothing left over.
• 100% pure and natural – Just the shell of the wash nut, without any additives.

How do you use Wash Nuts?

There are different ways to prepare wash nuts for use. We mention the methods below, but we'd love to hear if you have any more tips for us!

In the washing machine

Place about 5 wash nuts in a Wash Nuts Bag made of 100% cotton and place it in the wash drum. This bag replaces your normal laundry detergent and fabric softener. Or pour some of the liquid you make using the method below into an eco-friendly cup and place that in the washing machine.

All-purpose cleaner, shampoo or liquid laundry detergent

Place the wash nuts in a blender and add water. Approximately 100 to 150 grams of nuts per 1 liter of water. Mix until you see the water starting to turn brown and you see some foam. Strain into a glass bottle so you have a smooth liquid: your homemade cleaner. Use as shampoo, shower gel, liquid laundry detergent or all-purpose cleaner. It keeps in the fridge for about two weeks, but you can also freeze it.

In the garden

Do you have leftover used wash nuts? Scatter them among your plants in the garden, giving them a second life.

What's so special about Wash Nuts?

Something to clean? You won't need more than the multifunctional wash nut. The soapy substance released when using wash nuts is cleansing and nourishing. The saponin from wash nuts is mild and therefore also suitable for the skin. A wonderful product for your zero waste lifestyle, because after use you scatter the nuts in your garden. The circle is complete again!