Ever heard of a ''Soap Nut Tree'' ?

No? Well you have now and we are pleased to be able to offer information aswell as soap nuts themselves, directly to your doorstep from the himalayas (via treehuggaz!)

Environmentally friendly, sustainably produced, bio-degradable and compostable!

500 grams produces up to an astounding 300 washes & 200 grams for up to approx 150 washes (figures based on using 6 half shells 4 times)

Have you ever worried about how your chemical detergents are affecting the environment, but never found the alternatives satisfactory? These soap nuts are exactly as their title describes...they produce soap, but in 100% natural form! Perfect for washing your clothes, cloth nappies, liquid soap for a multi surface cleaner or even dishwashing and absolutely fantastic for those with sensitve skin, babies and exzema. The soap nut does the lot!

The shells that our supplier imports are from Sapindus Mukrossi - not to be confused with Sapindus Trifoliatus which produces a much smaller, darker nut. The Himalayan nuts are stickier but this means they give even better frothing power for brighter whites.

The supplier of these soap nuts in the himalayas is a leading exporter engaged in the cultivation, processing and extraction of natural herbs and ayurvedic herbs.

It is comforting to know that the trees start producing nuts after nine years and continue to do so for another ninety years!! This makes for a long and sustainable cultivation. The mere presence of the trees prevents soil erosion and helps combat the production of ''greenhouse gases''. By switching to using Soapnuts, we help the Planet in more ways than one.

What can I do with my soap nuts?

Just put 4-8 half shells or equivalent in pieces into a cotton bag (or knotted sock) place in your washing machine, wash on your usual cycle (40 degrees ideally)If you want your laundry fragranced add a few drops of essential oil in the softener drawer, Your washing will come out fresh, clean and soft. You can do 4-6 loads from one lot of soapnuts!When the soapnuts are exhausted they will appear darker and soft. DON'T FORGET......Before adding to compost heap, shells can be used to make liquid soap - see below.

Did you know you can use soapnut shells in the dishwasher?

Just put 3 shells in the bottom of the cutlery holder and some vinegar in the rinseaid dispenser and your glasses and plates will come out sparkling clean (they can't quite cope with baked on food, i.e casserole dishes.

To make Liquid Soap

Simmer about half a dozen Soapnuts for five minutes. Simply use enough water to cover the shells well. If you use nut shells that haven’t been used before you will end up with a fairly “strong” solution. You can dilute the liquid accordingly afterwards. Cool and strain. Alternatively, pour boiling water over Shells and leave to cool.. Procedure can be repeated several times before Shells are disposed of on a compost heap.

Liquid Soap can be used for -

Washing delicate items by hand....................and for washing hands! Washing dishes (particularly good for glassware). Use in place of conventional screen wash in your car! (Dilute with cold water 1:4). Add a few drops of essential oil for an effective spray-on general surface cleaner. Add a little white vinegar for a super-effective window/glass cleaner. Add to a spray bottle and attack greenfly and aphids! Soapnuts are used extensively in Ayurvedic Medicine. technically a Soap Nut is actually a drupe! A drupe is a fruit with an outer fleshy part which surrounds a hard seed. Such as cherries, peaches, mangos and olives.