SoapNuts NZ now ships products Worldwide! All orders must be deliverable to a valid postal address. If you would like to have your goods delivered to a Post Office Box, please check with us prior to ordering! We make every effort to get your order out as quickly as possible. Please allow up to 4 working days for delivery of your goods within New Zealand.
The delivery cost of all international orders is calculated on a weight/region basis. The cost of delivery will be clearly displayed for your approval during the checkout process, prior to finalising your order. All international orders are sent by International Air. Delivery times vary depending on destination, but you should be getting your goods within 2-3 weeks.
You may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied to the purchaser or recipient once the package reaches the destination. SoapNuts NZ (SmartRange Ltd) have no control over these charges and cannot predict which customers or shipments will be subject to the charges. SoapNuts NZ (SmartRange Ltd) therefore accept no responsibility for any duties or taxes charged and we will not alter our documentation in order to defraud these agencies. Customs and import regulations vary widely between countries. It's entirely your responsibility to ensure that any goods which you order are not prohibited/restricted within your delivery country.
SoapNuts NZ (SmartRange Ltd) accepts no liability for the refund/replacement of any goods or any costs relating to, or arising from, the importation or confiscation of any goods by your countries Customs Office or other government body. Likewise any import duty or tax payable on your order is not our responsibility and is beyond our control. SoapNuts NZ (SmartRange Ltd) accept no liability for any goods lost in transit outside New Zealand.
All prices on this website include 15% GST for NZ customers. International orders are excluded from NZ tax.
Our shipping rate is a flat rate of $7.00 (regardless of weight) - FREE SHIPPING for all orders over $99!
A surcharge for rural delivery applies.
To find out the total shipping costs for your order, please add the products into the shopping cart, click on "Estimate Shipping & Taxes", fill in the details and our system will automatically calculate the correct costs.
We believe our SoapNuts are of an excellent quality and we want our customers to enjoy using our products and come back for more!
If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase or have any queries we want to hear from you so that we can make it right.
We will happily exchange or refund any product that was purchased through www.soapnuts.co.nz, if it is returned in its original packaging and condition, and accompanied by the invoice number, within 14 days of purchase. We will not be responsible for any shipping fees incurred for purposes of exchange unless the goods were faulty.
Refunds will be given at the discretion of SoapNuts NZ and as legally required.
If you are unsure of what product is best suited to meet your needs, or you have a curly question for us, please send us a quick email before you order and we will ensure you purchase the right product the first time.
Just place the washbag with your clothes into the drum. Add a few drops of any essential oils if you like to have a fragrance on your clothes. One washbag will be provided with any bag of SoapNut shells or powder. You can purchase more washbags from our website.
It could be that you had a seed left in one of your SoapNuts. Unfortunately thats what the seeds are doing, they leave brown spots on your fabric. Just wash the clothes again as normal by using SoapNuts.
Another possibility is that you have used too many SoapNuts. Just try to use a bit less for your next load.
Yes, the SoapNuts we are selling are fairly traded (the fair trade isn't certified). Our supplier is also involved in contract farming. It means that they are suppling the farmers with selected input including technical advice if required. They also supply the farmers with the basic necessities like food, shelter, clothes, money and medicines.
No, they aren't fumigated when we bring them into the country. MAF inspect the berries to ensure they are clean and don't have any additional debris attached which maybe harmful.
No, the SoapNut used for washing is the berry casing, which has been dried and deseeded. Occasionally you may find a seed still attached to the berry in your bag of SoapNuts- it is a small, black, and hard, it looks like a solid blueberry. If you find one soak it overnight in warm water and then plant into seed mix and keep damp, warm and in bright light, it will take time to germinate but you can grow yourself a SoapNut tree. Find the information on how to plant a tree here.
We import our SoapNuts from Northern India. Our SoapNuts grow wild around villages. This means at harvest time any villager may collect SoapNuts and receive an income for them. This also reduces the number of trees chopped down for firewood sale. We believe this has a greater good for local people and the planet than buying from any farmed sources.
Washbags are provided with any purchase of SoapNuts from The SoapNut Shop. These are for your convenience only and additional washbags may be purchased from the shop. You can choose to use a sock, a handkerchief, or a delicates washbag to hold your SoapNuts if you choose.
If you washing feels stiff after washing with SoapNuts, try reducing the number of SoapNuts until you no longer has this effect. Less SoapNuts are required for a hotwash as this releases more saponin.
Use less SoapNuts if you only have half a load.
No, because SoapNuts do not leave a soapy residue. Any remaining saponin adds softness and body to your clean laundry.
Yes. SoapNuts produce low suds and are suitable to use in all washing machines.
No. The seeds are the round black balls. They contain no saponin. So the only thing that might be of any use is to plant them. Depending on the climatic conditions, it might grow. However, it normally takes 9 years before you will see any results. If you still want to experiment, then soak the seed in warm water for 24 hours and then sow it about an inch into the ground.
Click here to find out more information about how to plant a tree.
Use warm/hot water for washing soiled clothing, this releases more saponin (soap) from the SoapNuts. Also reduce the clothes in the machine to allow clothes to move freely. SoapNuts won't remove stubborn stains but will remove general grime. You may presoak clothes in liquid SoapNuts prior to washing for extra cleaning power if required. Or your could presoak the clothes overnight in Oxygen bleach and then wash as normal with SoapNuts.
Yes. Depending on the concentration of the liquid, you can add it accordingly. It is best to experiment and see what works best for you.
Yes. It is a 100% natural product without any harsh chemicals. The life of the machine will only be greater if you use SoapNuts. If you are switching to using SoapNuts, it will even clean your machine of any chemical residues from any previous washing.
Always put the SoapNut shells or the powder into the cotton bag provided. Otherwise it could block up your machine and you definitely don't want that to happen.
Commercial detergents need to be rinsed out of the clothes completely as they leave a soapy residue. Since SoapNuts are a 100% natural product with no soapy residue, you can stop the rinse cycle and go straight to the spin cycle, hence saving valuable electricity and water.
No. In humid conditions SoapNuts absorb moisture and become sticky. If this happens it won't affect the product or its cleaning capabilities, it will still wash brilliantly. We recommend you store your SoapNuts in an airtight container to prevent getting sticky nuts.
Put them in your compost bin or throw them in the waste bin. They are 100% bio- degradable.
Reuse shells 4-6x and dispose of in your compost bin. You will find that you will get more washes from doing cold washes than hot. Hot water washes (up to 40 degrees) release more saponin, we find that we get 2-3 hot washes. The berries get very shiny and fleshy when they have done their dash.
No. Actually it is better if the nuts are in smaller pieces. Many people crush the SoapNut shells into smaller pieces so that the contact surface with the water increases.
No. Your cleaning will be just as effective without the presence of suds. There are no commercial foaming agents or chemicals added, which are commonly used in commercial detergents.
It all depends on the size and quality of the SoapNuts. But on average, around 6-8 shells are sufficient. This is based on a washing machine which can take 5 to 6kg of clothes. If the water is soft, then even 3-4 shells will do the trick. A bit of trial and error will help you understand what best suits your washing conditions.
Your clothes will have no scent at all. If you like scented laundry add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil to the washbag. Try using lavender oil for sheets and pillowcases for a relaxing sleep, lemon oil for work clothes to make you feel fresh and sharp, and tea tree for cloth nappies for a little bit of extra antiseptic and antibacterial protection.
Check out our website for a whole range of different essential oils.
No. You will be perfectly safe. SoapNuts are a dried berry and aren't a nut at all - it is a fruit that grows on trees. The dried berry looks a little like a nutcase hence the name SoapNut.
SoapNuts are the perfect cleaning product for sensitive souls. They are chemical free and hypoallergenic. We recommend using SoapNuts if you are allergic to soap and laundry powders and if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis.
No. SoapNuts leave clothes gorgeously soft and fresh, say goodbye to purchase fabric softeners.
Colours will be brighter because SoapNuts contain no bleach. Whites will experience some greying over time. We recommend washing whites and colours separately. Add an eco friendly laundry bleach such as our Oxygen whitening powder or 1/2 cup of lemon juice with your whites to keep them looking crisp and white.
Yes, they are suitable for washing the most delicate of fabrics such as wool and silk. Its gentleness maintains the fabric structure of the material and it doesn't leave a build up of residue on fabrics.
For hundreds of years, people in India and Nepal have been doing their laundry and cleaning with Soap nuts. The Soapnut is the dried fruit of the Ritha tree and the saponin released is a 100% substitute to normal detergents.
SoapNuts can be used for cleaning basically anything, from washing clothes, dishes, cloth nappies, as a liquid soap, cleaning and shining ornaments, household cleaner etc.
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. Soap nuts can be used on all fabrics, at all temperatures and they work in front and top loaders.
SoapNuts 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 and cloth nappies.
SoapNuts are both ecological and economical when compared to other forms of detergents. Buy Soap Nuts today either from our online shop or from any of our retailers.
SoapNuts are:
Yes, the Soap Nuts we are selling are fairly traded (the fair trade isn't certified). Our supplier is also involved in contract farming. It means that they are supplying the farmers with selected input including technical advice if required. They also supply the farmers with the basic necessities like Food, shelter, clothes, money and medicines.
Soap Nuts trees grow wild over some parts of India & Nepal. This is classified as wild produce and comes from lands that are completely organic and where no pesticides, insecticides or any artificial mediums have ever been used.
Sapindus Mukorossi (Himalayan) is the Soap Nuts tree that grows in North India. Their fruits and seeds are slightly bigger than the South Indian Soap Nuts. The shells are a golden colour when harvested but become a darker red colour once dried. The trees grow upto heights of 20 meters. Flowering and fruiting occurs in the months of May to February.
Its easy if you have the seeds!!! SoapNuts seeds germinate quite easily. Just soak the seeds for 24 hours in warm water. Then sow them about an inch into the soil. A sunny location with well drained soil is ideal. Be patient however, the tree starts flowering after 9 years. For further information go to "Plant a tree"
Soap Nuts contain saponin, a natural and effective surfactant. A surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of liquids so that the liquid spreads out, this allows for easy flow throughout water and the release of dirt, oils, and grime.
SoapNuts are used in Ayurveda practises as an ingredient in shampoos and cleansers. In scalp treatments they are used to treat headlice, dandruff and hairloss. For skincare they are used traditionally to treat mild to moderate skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. As ayurvedic beauty treatments they are used to eliminate fine lines and freckles and to heal cracked skin and remove chemical stains.
It is claimed the fruits are credited with expectorant and emetic properties and when prepared by an Ayurvedic doctor it can treat epilepsy, chlorosis and excessive salivation. It is also used as a sedative to the uterus and is used to ease childbirth. It can also be prepared as a digestive aid, an anti-venom, or to treat diarrhea, cholera and paralysis.
The SoapNuts berry is so rich in iron it is considered a hemolytic and is used often to treat anemia.
Try this traditional ayurvedic recipe for a relaxing bath:
Blend herbs with a mortar and pestle and then pour into bath with honey and oil. Relax.
Soap Nuts absorb moisture very easily. They become dark & sticky in a very short period of time if left exposed to air. Ideally the nuts should be packed in an airtight container or the plastic bag should be tied tight with a rubber band.
However, sticky SoapNuts do not mean that they have gone bad. They will still wash & clean perfectly. SoapNuts powder, however, if not stored perfectly in air tight conditions, will become lumpy very easily. Once in lump form, the powder is difficult to use, even though it still retains all its original washing properties.
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.
Clinical trails have been conducted on the use of neem, quinine hydrochloride and SoapNuts extract as a spermicide, replacing the use of Nonoxynal-9, and it is now being produced and distributed in India. Tests of its effectiveness showed that it compared favorably with the chemical-based foams and gels. It was safer and easier to use, caused no irritation or discomfort, it was nearly 100% effective. The effect does not appear to be hormonal and is considered a safe and effective alternative to other methods that use hormones.
SoapNuts Shells: Place 6-8 shells in a small pouch of cotton or a sock tied at the top. Place inside the washing machine with your clohtes. Suitalbe for both front & top loading machines and for temperatures up to 90 Degrees.
SoapNuts Powder: add 2-3 teaspoons of powder into the washbag & place inside the washing machine with your clothes. Suitable for both front & top loading machines.
SoapNuts Liquid: Add 2-3 caps of Soap Nut liquid into the detergent compartment and wash as normal. Suitable for front & top loading machines. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Soap Nuts 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. Its leaves your clothes incredibly soft and all this without the need for fabric softeners or conditioners.
Soap Nuts are both Ecological and Economical when compared to other forms of detergents. 1kg of soapnuts shells can be used for up to 365 loads of laundry - if you do 1 load a day you are looking at $0.12 per load.
If you wish to change the scent of your clean laundry, you can add a few drops of essential oils straight onto the cotton bag.
Shells can be used for more than one wash but the number of washes per shell bag will depend on the water temperature used. Washing at lower temperatures, Soap Nuts can be used more often.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts shells, powder or liquid here.
SoapNuts Shells: Place 5-6 SoapNuts into the washbag and secure to the cutlery holder. You may add vinegar to the rinse aid dispenser for sparkling clean glasses.
SoapNuts Powder: add 2-3 teaspoons of powder into the washbag and secure to the cutlery holder.
SoapNuts Liquid: Add 2-3 caps of Soap Nuts liquid into the detergent compartment and wash as normal. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Add some vinegar in the rinse aid dispenser and your cutlery will come out sparkling clean.
Use Soap Nuts liquid (see below instructions) for washing your glasses, dishes, cutlery and pans as usual. Don’t be deceived by the lack of bubbles on the effectiveness of the cleaning.
There are no artificial foaming agents so there will be very few if any lasting bubbles but your washing up will be cleaned effectively even if left to soak.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts shells, powder or liquid here.
How to make a liquid soap using Soap Nuts shells ?
- Add about 50g (handful) Soap Nuts Shells (excluding seeds) to approx 4 cups of water. Crush the shells into smaller pieces before adding.
- Bring to boil, then simmer for approximately 10 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water.
- Let the liquid cool down and then take the SoapNuts shells out and add 1 to 2 teaspoon of either Guar Guar Gum or Xanthum Gum. This will help to thicken up the liquid.
- If liquid is used for shampoo and liquid hand soap, add a few drops of any essential oils to give it a bit of a smell.
You can use the liquid immediately, or let it steep overnight. Strain into appropriate container and compost the remaining shells.
The liquid can then be used as shampoo, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing-up liquid or for any other purposes you would normally clean with a liquid.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts liquid here.
SoapNuts Shells: Use 3-4 SoapNut shells and add to 500ml water. Simmer for 10 minutes and add Guar Guar Gum, Yanthum Gum or cornflour to thicken. You can use any essential oils to scent.
SoapNuts Powder: Use 1 teaspoon (for short hair and 2 teaspoons for long hair) of SoapNut powder - mix with a little water into a paste and wash hair as normal. The shampoo will not lather as you may be used to. It will definitely clean your hair.
SoapNuts Liquid: Use as body wash and hair shampoo just as it is. If you prefer to have a fragrance please add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts shells, powder or liquid here.
Here's some help on how to wash your cloth nappies and it should help to get rid of all stains and odours. Please always follow the manufacturere instructions.
1. Wash new nappies
Please follow the instructions on how to wash your new nappy first to improve absorbency.
2. Storing soiled nappies
When baby soils the nappy, change as usual and then place the soiled nappies into the nappy bucket (you might like to use a mesh bag so you don’t need to touch it) and when the mesh bag is full simply pick up bag and place in washing machine. For nappies with poo on it, dispose it in toilet first then place the soiled nappy (in mesh bag) in nappy bucket, change as usual.
3. Soaking
Washing cloth nappies is a breeze with SoapNuts! We recommend to soak the nappies in Oxygen Bleach prior to washing (overnight). The next morning just wash them as usual by using Soapnuts.
Or before washing with SoapNuts, just run them through a cold cycle first (recommended so urine and the bits get washed away).
4. Washing
Please follow the manufacturer instructions if you can wash your nappies at 30, 40 or 60 degrees. If you have an high efficiency / A rated washing machine then we recommend to use the SoapNuts powder or the liquid instead of the SoapNut shells.
Soapnut shells: Put 4-6 Soapnut shells into washbag, soak them for three minutes in hot water, then put soaked SoapNuts into drum with cloth nappies. Wash as directed. Please note that by using 4-6 Soapnut shells, this is based on a 5kg washing machine and a full load. If you have a bigger machine and doing a full load please add more, or if you are doing half a load or less use less. It will last for about 6 washes.
Soapnut powder: Add 2-3 tablespoons of Soapnut powder in washbag, put in drum of machine with cloth nappies ~ it will last for about 3 washes.
Soapnut liquid: Once you have made your own Soapnut liquid or bought the already made up, pour 2-3 cups into drum of washing machine, add wash load, and wash as normal.
Oxygen Bleach: For light soils add 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup for moderate soiling or to bleach yellowing whites, use 1 cup for heavy soiled/stained nappies.
Any other stains: We recommend to use the soaking method first or try the natural stain remover.
Fragrance: You can also add a few drops (about 10) of any essential oils straight onto your washbag. We've got a range of 7 different oils ~ Essential oils: Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang plus the Frangipani Fragrance.
Soak your fruit and vegetables for approximately 10 minutes in the Soap Nuts liquid. Rinse off and enjoy this food free from harmful chemicals and residue. The Soap Nuts solution can then be reused for household cleaning. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts shells, powder or liquid here.
Soap Nuts are commonly used in Indian households for cleaning and shining jewelry due to its effectiveness. Jewellery is soaked in Soap Nuts liquid and then rubbed with a cloth to give it a shine. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts shells, powder or liquid here.
Using Soap Nuts is an effective and natural alternative to repel insects off your plants and around the house. This easily replaces chemicals. Your left over Soap Nuts liquid from washing or laundry can be used for this purpose.
SoapNuts Liquid: Add 20 parts water, 1 part Soap Nuts liquid to a clean spray bottle. Shake well. For plant wash, spray leaves and wipe clean. To repel pests, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces, and allow to air dry.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts liquid here.
Soapnuts liquid: Cleansing Rinse (Shampoo) for Pets and Horses
- Soapnuts liquid will not strip haircoat of natural oils, maintaining shine. There is no need for conditioner afterwards
- It will not irritate skin or cause breakouts caused by using harsh chemicals or synthetic shampoos
- Pets/horses with white legs, manes and tails, use concentrated Soapnuts liquid
- Make sure to keep away from the eyes
How to make SoapNuts liquid please see above under Liquid Soap.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts liquid here.
Apply the liquid Soap Nuts on scalp and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Make sure the liquid does not get into the eye as it will burn. Rinse hair with water. Following this procedure regularly will not only help prevent dandruff, but will also keep your hair soft and strong. You can also replace the soapnut liquid with Soap Nuts powder. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Instead of using the Soap Nuts liquid we also recommend to use the Soap Nuts powder as your hair shampoo - mix with a little water into a paste and wash hair as normal. The shampoo will not lather as you may be used to. It will definitely clean your hair.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts shells, powder or liquid here.
Fill a clean spray bottle with 20 parts water, 1 part SoapNuts liquid, and a splash of vinegar. Shake well. Spray and wipe windows clean. Polish glass with a clean, dry towel or newspaper. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts liquid here.
SoapNuts Liquid: Can be used as a general household cleaner, toilet cleaner, to wash your car, and a lot more. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid.
Keen to give the Soap Nuts a go? Order your Soap Nuts liquid here.
As a 100% natural, environment friendly, bio degradable, economical & effective alternative, SoapNuts can easily replace your "normal" detergent.
Did you know that Soap Nuts is probably the most sustainable cleaning product on planet earth?
SOAPNUTS, Soap Nuts or Soapberry, also sometimes referred to as Washing Nuts or Wash Berry are naturally grown and have amazing cleaning powers. The shells of these fruits/berries contain a natural substance called Saponin. Once they come in contact with water, they create mild suds similar to soap. This soapy substance has remarkable detergent properties, easily replacing normal detergents. It works effectively by removing dirt and dissolving oils from clothes and other surfaces.
Oh, and did we mention it's a detergent that grows on trees?