Whole Soap Nuts - Straight From Nepal

Clearance: once these are gone, we won't be restocking. Grab a bag while they last.

You get 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) of deseeded soap nut shells plus 4 small linen bags for soaking or laundry.

Soap nuts are the dried fruit of the soapberry tree, and the shells are loaded with natural saponins. Soak them in water and you get a gentle, plant-based soap you can use as a wetting agent, a foliar spray, an emulsifier for neem oil, or even laundry detergent. We've used these in house at BuildASoil for years. Nothing fancy, just a simple natural tool that works.

How to Make Soap Nut Liquid

Cold soak (easy way): Put about 10 shells in 6 cups of water, using one of the included linen bags to keep it tidy. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight. Pull the bag out and you're done. Milder than the boiled version, so you may need to apply a bit more or a bit more often.

Boiled concentrate (strong way): Simmer about 10 shells in 6 cups of water for 30 to 60 minutes, then cool and strain. For general use, dilute around 1 part liquid to 10 parts water and adjust from there. Spent shells go straight in the compost.

In the Garden

Spray foliage top and bottom, early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn. Use weekly or as needed for pests and powdery mildew. Works great as the surfactant when emulsifying neem oil, and a splash in your water makes an effective wetting agent for hydrophobic soil.

In the Laundry

Drop 4 to 8 shells into one of the included linen bags and toss it in with your clothes. Each bag is good for about 4 wash cycles, then compost the shells.

Storage and Tips

Soap nut liquid has no preservatives, so keep it in the fridge and use it within a week. If it smells sour or shows mold, dump it and make a fresh batch. Being a natural product, foaminess and strength will vary a little from batch to batch.