Soap Nuts also sometimes referred to as Washing Nuts or Ritha / Reetha /Aritha (in Hindi) or Anthwaal (Kannada). They are actually the fruits of the soap nut tree and contain ‘Saponin’, which is a 100% natural alternative to chemical laundry detergent and cleansers. When in contact with water, it creates mild suds, which is similar to soap.
Soapnuts are highly-effective and gentle at the same time. It will leave your laundry fresh and clean and compared to other detergents, its mildness will keep colours bright, maintaining fabric structure of your clothes for longer periods. It can be used on all fabrics and at all temperatures. It is a 100% substitute to normal detergents.
Soap nuts are allergy-free and hence are good for your skin especially good for babies, eczema and sensitive skin. This chemical free product is excellent for washing children’s clothing. Soapnuts are Hypoallergenic. They are naturally antibacterial and antifungal and very gentle on the skin.
Washing your skin regularly with soapnuts can also help prevent many skin diseases and is gentle enough to look after your skin. The chemicals in detergents are absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream. In comparison, soapnuts are a 100% natural product.
Soap nuts are both Ecological and Economical when compared to other forms of detergents.
Soap nuts can be used for cleaning basically anything, from washing clothes, as a liquid soap, cleaning and shining ornaments, household cleaner, shampoo etc.
Recipes
Soap nut liquid
Place 12 to 15 soapnuts in about 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for approximately an hour. You could let it steep overnight to make sure you have extracted all the saponin. You will know this is done when the soapnuts turn light brown and mushy.
Strain and store the soap nuts liquid in an airtight glass jar. Since it contains no preservatives, the liquid would have a limited shelf life of a week or so. It can be refrigerated to extend its shelf life. Adding a little lime juice would also help to extend the shelf life to 2 weeks.
However, for personal use, we find it is best to prepare just as much as you are likely to consume.
For Household Cleaning
Pour soap nuts liquid into a spray bottle. Use full strength or dilute as desired. Use for sinks, counters & floors.
For Windows and Glass
Fill a spray bottle with about 250ml of water. Add 15 ml each of soap nut liquid and vinegar. Spray and then wipe clean with dry cloth.
For Shampoo
Use the prepared soapnut liquid to wash hair. Leave it on for 5 min and rinse with warm water. If your hair feels dry, reduce the quantity used.
For Hand Wash
Add about 2 tablespoons (30ml) of soap nuts liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your soap nuts muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual.
For Jewellery
Soak jewellery in soap nuts liquid for a few minutes. Use an old soft toothbrush to remove debris. Rinse with clean water and polish with a soft cloth. Soap nuts have been used as a jewellerry cleaner for ages now – just ask your grandmother.
There is absolutely no need for harsh, toxic chemicals!
For Pets
Use the soap nut liquid as a shampoo for your pets. They will feel and smell so fresh and its mild so they will appreciate it too!
For Carpet Cleaning
Spray or sponge on any carpet stains and blot clean.
For car wash
Use the soapnut liquid in a spray bottle or dilute in half a bucket of water to use as effective and safe car wash.
