What are Soap Nuts? Soap Berries?

Soap Nuts are actually berries from the Soap Berry Tree (Sapindus mukorossi) and are used as an eco friendly substitute for many cleaning products such as detergent, multi purpose cleaner and even shampoo . They are a relation to the Lychee family. These berries grow on trees, ripen and drop to the ground where they are collected and then dried naturally in the sun.  They contain saponin, Mother Nature’s soap. This natural soap is released from the Soap Nut when agitated in water. 

Where are Soap Nuts From?

Soap Nuts grow wild in the Himalayas and has been used for centuries in India, China and Nepal. Our Mieco soapnuts come from India.

How do they get to Australia?

MiEco Soap Nuts are shipped to Australia by sea to reduce their carbon footprint.

How to use your Soap Nuts:

Simply place 4-6 of these amazing soap nuts into our small wash bag and throw them in with your washing. They will leave your laundry clean and fresh for around 6 washes, no need for any other cleansers or fabric softeners. At around 10 cents per wash, why would you use anything else?

 

Do Soap Nuts clean as well as chemical detergents?

Soap Nuts are 100% Natural cleaning power.  They contain no chemicals nor toxins.  While they may not pretend to get whites whiter or colours brighter, Soap Nuts will definitely leave your clothes clean, fresh and lasting longer and at the same time make the planet stronger and keep you and your family healthier.  Pre soaking your washing in Soap Nuts liquid overnight will assist with especially dirty loads.

Are Soap Nuts safe to use for those with sensitive skin?

Yes, they are. Soap Nuts are completely hypoallergenic. They are so gentle that they are recommended for use by people with eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Are Soap Nuts safe for those with nut allergies?

Absolutely! Soap Nuts are actually berries. They are not a nut!

What should we do with the Soap Nuts once they have been used?

Put them in your compost bin, worm farm or simply scatter over your garden bed.They are 100% biodegradable and great for your garden.

 

Do Soap Nuts have a shelf life?
No. In humid conditions Soap Nuts absorb moisture and become sticky. If this happens it won't affect the Soap Nut’s cleaning capabilities, they will still wash brilliantly. This is why they come to you sealed in a plastic wrap. We recommend you store your Soap Nuts in an airtight container once opened to prevent getting sticky nuts.

 

 

 

 

Soap Nuts are 100%:

• Pure and natural
• Economical
• Non allergenic (not a nut, really a berry)
• Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal
• Biodegradable
• Wild harvested (organic)
• Beneficial to grey-water and septic systems
• Not tested on animals
• Easy to use and most importantly, effective

 

Soap Nut Recipes:

Laundry detergent:
Place 4-7 half shells (or equivalent in pieces) in the washbag (or old sock knotted at top) and place in washing machine. Wash as normal. Soap nut shells can be reused 3-4 times depending on temperature washed at (hotter washes have less rewashes). Then just put them in your compost.

Multi-purpose cleaner:
Put a handful of soap nut shells to 500 mL hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain and add liquid to empty spray bottle. This can be used to clean the house from top to bottom - including windows. You can add few drops of eucalyptus oil (optional). Dispose of shells in compost.

Relaxing/Cleansing Bath:
Place 3-4 Soap Nut shells in washbag and allow to steep in hot bathwater for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES

Jewellery Cleaner:
Mix up a mild Soap Nut/water solution (3-4 soap nut shells with 1 litre hot water) and use to soak jewellery before rinsing, drying and polishing.

Shampoo:
Place 3 Soap Nut shells and 500mL water. Simmer for 10 minutes and add cornflour to thicken if desired as well as any essential oils to scent (Lavender is great). The shampoo will not lather as you may be used to but it will clean your hair. PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES. Try using our Foaming Bottle for a great foaming effect.

In the garden:
Mix up a Mild solution of Soap Nuts/water (3-4 Soap Nut shells with 1 litre hot water.) Spraying the mild solution on garden plants can help keep some parasites away

Pet cleaner:
Mix up a mild solution (3-4 Soap Nut shells with 1 litre hot water.) PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES (can also be useful for prevention of parasites).

Delicates Handwashing solution:
Place 6-8 half shells in 500mL boiling water. Allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes and add essential oils if desired. Add to sink/bucket and use to soak and hand wash delicates.