Do you want to do your laundry without chemical detergents, microplastics and artificial perfumes?
Then soap nuts and soap nut shell powder are the perfect solution. These 100% natural cleaners have been used for centuries in Asia and are now rapidly gaining popularity in Europe as a sustainable alternative to detergent and cleaning products .
With soap nuts you choose a washing routine that is kind to your skin, your clothes and the environment.
What are soap nuts anyway?
Soap nuts – also called soap nuts, soap fruits, or soapnuts – are the dried fruits of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, which grows in India and Nepal. The rind of these fruits contains saponin , a natural soap substance that dissolves when the nut comes into contact with water.
This substance works as a mild, vegetable soap:
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dirt and grease are loosened,
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bacteria have less chance,
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and clothes feel clean and soft, without the need for fabric softener.
Because the saponin is released gradually, you can reuse the same soap nuts 3–5 times , depending on the temperature and type of laundry.
Soapnut shell powder: concentrated power
Besides whole soap nuts, there's also soap nut shell powder . This powder is ground into a powder that dissolves instantly in water. This makes it more potent and versatile than whole nuts.
Uses of soap nut shell powder
Natural detergent
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In the washing machine: 1–2 teaspoons in the detergent compartment.
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Stain removal: Make a paste of powder and warm water and apply directly to stains.
All-purpose cleaner for the household
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Mix 1 tablespoon of powder with 1 liter of warm water.
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Use as a spray for kitchen, bathroom, tiles or floors.
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Add essential oil for extra fragrance and cleansing power.
Personal care
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Shampoo: Mix powder with water to form a thin paste.
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Facial cleanser or mask: mix with water or rose water and leave on for a while.
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Bodywash: dissolved in warm water as a natural soap.
In the Ayurvedic tradition, soapnut powder has been used for centuries for skin problems and dandruff.
For pets
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Diluted solution (1 teaspoon in 0.5 liter of water) works as a mild dog shampoo.
In the garden and plant care
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Spray diluted powder on plants to repel aphids and mites.
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Safe alternative to chemical pesticides.
DIY products
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Liquid detergent
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Dishwashing liquid
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Shampoo bar
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Environmentally friendly cleaning wipes or pads
With one product you get dozens of applications in your home.
The benefits of washing with soap nuts
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100% natural – no synthetics or perfumes.
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Hypoallergenic – ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
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Environmentally friendly – completely biodegradable and compostable.
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Sustainable – one kilo of nuts is good for hundreds of washes.
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Versatile – suitable for washing, cleaning, care and more.
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Gentle on textiles – clothes stay beautiful for longer.
Practical tips for use
Soap nuts
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Place 4–6 half nuts in a cotton laundry bag and place it in the drum.
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Remove the bag from the wash immediately afterward to prevent brown stains. Let it dry on a tray or windowsill.
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Reuse the same bag 3–5 times, until the nuts become soft and pale.
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For white laundry: add some baking soda or lemon juice for extra freshness.
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For extra fragrance: drop some essential oil on the cotton bag.
Soap nut shell powder
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1–2 teaspoons in the detergent compartment for a clean wash.
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Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 1 liter of warm water for a powerful all-purpose cleaner.
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Mix with water or rose water for use as a natural shampoo or facial cleanser.
Soap nuts or soap nut shell powder: which do you choose?
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Soap nuts are ideal if you want to wash as naturally as possible and reuse the nuts several times.
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Soapnut shell powder is faster, more powerful and more versatile, especially useful for cleaning and care.
Many families combine both: nuts for the standard wash and powder for additional applications.
Conclusion: washing with respect for people and nature
With soap nuts and soap nut shell powder, you're choosing a sustainable laundry routine that's clean, skin-friendly, and versatile. You avoid harmful chemicals, protect the environment, and benefit from the power of a pure, natural product.
👉 Discover the collection of organic soap nuts and soap nut shell powder now in the Himalayastyling.nl webshop and experience how easy natural washing can be.
