Soap nuts come from the soap berry tree which grows wild across the Indian sub-continent.
Although referred to as soap nuts they are not nuts at all but the outer shell of the cherry sized berry which the tree produces.
These shells contain high levels of saponins (the active soap ingredient) which make them moist and slightly sticky to feel.
They are light to dark brown in colour, have no smell and are quite pleasant to look at.
Prized for centuries in India for their cleansing properties they were once used to wash expensive silks.
Use in place of any cleaner to clean anything, anywhere.
As a natural product they are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, chemical free and agriculturally sustainable.
Use raw by putting a few in a bag in your washing machine or make into cleaning liquids and pastes.
Using soap nuts to clean your home, wash your clothes and replace your personal hygiene products will cut the amount of chemical you are using in your daily life.
Their hypoallergenic properties make them an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.
They are very economical costing only a few pence per wash load.
To use in your washing machine simply put five or six shells in a canvas bag or sock and put in the drum with your clothes.
That's it, no need to worry about it being in the rinse.
Most sellers give you a small canvas bag to hold the soap nuts and you can use them several times.
No need to use fabric softer, soap nuts leave your clothes nice and soft.
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the rinse.
Alternatively you can use a small amount of soap nut liquid which is very easy to make.
To make a soap nut liquid to replace soap, shampoo and household cleaning products.
Add a small handful of soap nuts to two litres of water simmer until about a litre of liquid remains.
Leave to cool, strain and decant into container for storage.
Add a few drops of essential oil.
No need to use cold water, boil the kettle and save time and energy.
Don't throw the soap nuts away, use them several times to make more liquid.
Pet owners and organic gardeners can take advantage of the insecticidal properties of the berries.
To kill green-fly simply add an egg cup full of the liquid to a litre of water and spray plants.
Ideal for cleaning your best friend.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a small amount of the liquid and use to wash the dog.
Both the soap nuts and the tea tree oil are good against fleas.