The shells of the soap nut contain a natural soap, called Saponin.  When the nutshells absorb water, the saponin is released, which creates a soaping effect.  Saponin is 100% natural and biodegradable, making it an excellent alternative to chemical detergents.  These environmentally friendly “nuts” are becoming an increasingly popular choice to launder clothes for those who want to avoid conventional detergents that contaminate our water supplies and are often harsh on the skin.

While greener or homemade detergents are a safer alternative to conventional ones, they do still produce waste.  Soap nuts, on the other hand, are used completely and then can be composted, leaving no waste behind.  Saponin tastes bad to insects, meaning pesticides are generally not needed to grow the nuts, which makes them an even safer choice for your family and the environment.