Soap nuts are dried shells from the soap berry tree Sapindus Mukorrosi which is a native to India and Nepal. They grow better in tropical and subtropical regions while become smaller in cold countries.
It has historically been used to treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis but amazingly used as an alternative chemical-free detergent, soap and shampoo.
SAPONIN
Soap nuts contains substance called saponin that produces the lather making them a natural cleaning agent. Saponin is a 100% natural surfactant and works like a normal detergent. Saponins are being released when soap nuts are agitated in water. It has also known that saponins are under laboratory research for it's antimicrobial properties.
Saponins are also found in many various plant species, such as agaves, yucca, soapwort and more. What is great about soap nuts is its abundant content of saponin concentration.
SOAP NUTS AS LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Soap nuts derived from the Latin word sapo, meaning "soap" but not literally contain ingredients like the usual soap has. It is natural and organic, and can be used to replace many chemically based, toxic household soap products. That's why it's eco-friendly and also a cruelty-solution alternative as it is not tested on animals.
Unlike your usual detergent, soap nuts doesn't contain any chemicals which are harmful to your skin which makes it ideal for laundry. It's a low-suds cleaner but don't worry as it cleans safely and effectively.
To use it, just put around 5 pieces in a small bag, then toss it to your washing machine. It doesn't stain your clothes and leaves no residues. Furthermore, you don't need to add fabric conditioners as it naturally softens the fabric. Because they are natural, they are perfectly safe for HE and front load washing machines.
WHY USE SOAP NUTS
Aside from being well known used as laundry detergent, many also uses it to make soap, shampoo, cleaning and detoxifying fruit and vegetables. It works wonder as dyeing agent for fabrics and can also be used as insecticide. You can find DIY recipes here.
When you use soap nuts, you can save money while saving the environment.