Soap Nuts Eco Cleaner Laundry Detergent

Our Soap Nuts Eco Cleaner is a 100% natural, plastic-free alternative to chemical laundry detergent — sourced from the dried shells of Sapindus mukorossi, the Indian soapberry tree. Used for centuries across South Asia as a natural cleaner, soap nuts release saponin — a gentle, plant-based surfactant that lifts dirt and grease from fabrics without synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, or preservatives.

Available in four sizes to suit every household:

• 100g, 300g, 500g — packed in a recyclable brown paper bag, with one reusable cotton wash bag included
• 1kg — our best-value size, with one reusable cotton wash bag included. Delivers a minimum of 140 washes at 60°C

• 100% natural — no chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, no additives
• Plastic-free packaging — paper bag or cotton bag, fully recyclable or compostable
• Suitable for all fabrics including cotton, silk, wool, and synthetics
• Safe for sensitive skin and allergy-prone households
• Works at all temperatures from 30°C to 90°C
• Multi-purpose — laundry, shampoo, cleaning liquid, jewellery, garden
• Sourced from Sapindus mukorossi — high saponin content

How to Use Soap Nuts

Laundry (washing machine)

Place 3–6 shells into the cotton wash bag provided, tie securely, and add to the drum with your laundry. Use at any temperature from 30°C to 90°C — suitable for whites, colours, and delicates. For whites, add 1.5 tablespoons of washing soda or bicarbonate of soda to the detergent drawer. To add fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil to the conditioner drawer.

Reuse guide: At 30°C — up to 4 washes. At 40°C — up to 3 washes. At 60°C — 1–2 washes. At 90°C — 1 wash. The shells are spent when they stop foaming when rubbed with a wet finger.

Hand wash

Soak 3–6 shells in hot water for 15 minutes, allow to cool to a comfortable temperature, then wash as normal.

Natural shampoo

Boil 4–5 shells in 100–200ml of water. Allow to cool, then use the liquid as a shampoo. Traditionally used to reduce dandruff, soothe scalp itching, and strengthen hair.

All-purpose cleaning liquid

Boil 8–10 shells in 1 litre of water. Strain through a fine sieve and allow to cool. Use within 10 days (store in a cool place). Safe for hands and completely biodegradable.

Jewellery cleaner

Soak 2–3 shells in 100–150ml of hot water. Rub the soaked shells to create foam, then use a microfibre cloth or soft toothbrush to clean silver or gold. Rinse with clean water.

Garden spray

Boil 5 shells in 500ml of water for 5 minutes. Strain, cool, and dilute 1:4 with water. Spray onto plants twice a week. Saponin has natural antifungal and antiviral properties and deters pests including aphids, spider mites, and whitefly.

🌿 Want to learn more?
→ About soap nuts — what they are, how they work & their uses
→ The Complete Guide to Soap Nuts: Uses, Benefits & How to Use Them