10 Benefits of Using Soap Nuts in Your Laundry

Soap berries, also known as soap nuts, are a type of berry that grows on the Sapindus genus tree, primarily found in parts of Asia. These berries contain natural surfactants (foaming agents) called saponins, which are released when they come into contact with water. Saponins have natural cleansing properties, making soap berries an eco-friendly alternative to conventional laundry detergents.

Soap berries are generally put into the washing machine drum in a muslin bag to wash clothes. You can reuse them around 5 times before replacing them, and used soap berries can be placed in your compost. Soap berries are naturally odourless, so you may want to add a couple of drops of essential oils to your laundry detergent drawer for fresh smelling clothes.

Here are 10 reasons why soap berries are the perfect choice for your laundry:

1. Hypoallergenic

If you or your loved ones have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies, soap berries are a perfect choice for you. Their gentle and natural composition makes them hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions commonly caused by synthetic chemicals present in traditional detergents.

2. Harsh-Chemical Free

Conventional laundry products may contain sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals that linger on your clothes and pose risks to your health. Soap berries offer an alternative with not harsh-chemicals, ensuring your laundry is free from harmful residues that may disrupt your well-being.

3. Biodegradable

Most conventional detergents contain chemicals that don’t completely biodegrade and linger around forever. Soap berries however, are fully biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally without leaving behind harmful residues or contributing to landfill waste. Our soap berries also come in packaging that can be easily recycled.

4. Natural Foaming Agents

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need synthetic foaming agents for effective cleaning. Soap berries naturally produce saponins, which create a gentle lather that lifts dirt and grime from fabrics, leaving your clothes clean, soft, and residue-free.

5. Kind to Aquatic Life

After each laundry cycle, wastewater containing harsh chemicals like phosphates enters waterways, posing a threat to aquatic life by causing algal blooms. This algae blocks sunlight in the water and can ultimately starve fish and plants of oxygen. Using soap berries would keep waterways uncontaminated and support aquatic ecosystems. Choose soap berries for clean laundry and a cleaner environment.

6. Better for Hormone Health

Many commercial detergents contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with hormone functions and lead to fertility issues and abnormalities of sexual organs. By switching to soap berries, you're safeguarding your hormonal balance and overall well-being, making it a preferred option for people concerned about their hormone health.

7. More Cost Effective

Despite their small size, soap berries pack a powerful punch when it comes to cleaning. A little goes a long way with these natural wonders, making them a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious consumers who seek quality without breaking the bank. Our soap berries cost under £0.15 per load compared to conventional cleaners, which cost upwards of £0.40 per load.

8. Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Many products in stores harm animals directly or indirectly. Even if products state that they are ‘vegan’, they may still be tested on animals (and therefore not be cruelty-free), the word vegan in this case just means that the ingredients are not derived from animal products. Also, as we know the chemicals in these products directly harm aquatic life. All of this can make it really hard for us as consumers to decipher which products are truly vegan and cause the least disruption to animals. We believe soap berries are the answer, they contain no animal products as they can be used in their original form and they are not tested on animals.

9. Anti-Microbial Properties

The anti-microbial properties of soap berries ensure that they effectively cleanse and sanitise your clothes, guaranteeing that each wash leaves your garments fresh and hygienic. Using soap berries allows you to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your clothes are not only spotless but also naturally cared for with each use.

10. Easy to Use

Incorporating soap berries into your laundry routine couldn't be simpler. Just place a few berries in a muslin bag and let them work their magic. No measuring, pouring, or fuss.

In conclusion, making the switch to soap berries offers a myriad of benefits for your laundry, your health, and the environment. From their hypoallergenic properties to their eco-friendly composition and ease of use, soap berries emerge as a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional detergents. Make the eco-conscious choice today and experience the transformative power of nature's laundry solution.