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Soapberries available from Alanza @ R105 per 500g bag.
Also now available in a 200g packet for only R48.00
OR   

A sample packet for only R20 each - you can do 15 washing loads with this.

Introducing Soapberries (soapnuts)

A washing detergent that grows on trees…literally

Soapberries grow wild in India, Indonesia, Nepal & Bali.  This 100% natural product replaces effectively chemical washing powder and represents both an economical and ecological alternative.   Soapberries have been used in these parts for 100’s of years, long before modern day soaps were invented.  

Soapberries are totally biodegradable as they are a 100% vegetable product, they can be used on all kinds of fabrics including delicate fabrics like silk.

After use, soapberries can be placed in the compost. Washing with soapberries does not pollute the water the way chemical detergents do. The sale of soapberries brings income to the native people involved in the harvest.

They have been used for many purposes including removing tarnish from jewellery and treating all sorts of ailments from migraines to epilepsy.  They are also used for cleaning contaminated soil.

Soapberries are Economical
With a kilo containing around 325 soap nuts, a family can make around 270 washings. Fabric softener is not needed when using soapberries as there is no residue left in the clothes to make them hard.  Your washing machine will last longer as there are no harsh chemicals to attack washing machine parts.

Hypoallergenic
Soapberries will not irritate sensitive skins and are great for eczema and skin allergy sufferers, making them particularly appropriate for babies’ clothing nappies and linen.

Why use soapberries?

If you are like most people, your house is littered with cleaning products and chemicals that are harmful to your family and pollute the environment.
Clearly an alternative is needed for those concerned with the health of thosewe love, and the well-being of our planet. New products come and go, and it is often difficult to find one that has stood the test of time.

Soapberries are an excellent choice for people wanting to us environmentally friendly products. They are a pure product, and contain no added chemicals, fragrances, dyes or fillers. They are also wonderful for people with skin allergies, eczema, or sensitivities to commercial detergents.

What are soapberries?
They contain high concentrations of saponin, which acts as a natural soap when it comes into contact with water. 

Laundry
The easiest way to use them for laundry, is to simply pop 3 to 6 soapberries in the small muslin bag (supplied), tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing machine along with your articles of clothing that need washing. You can reuse one batch for 4 or 5 loads of laundry.

When using them in the laundry make sure you take the following things into consideration; the size or your washing machine, size of the load you are washing, how soiled the items your washing are and the temperature you are washing at. For an average load of laundry you will use 2 to 3 shells, larger and dirtier loads may require 4 an extra shell or two and smaller loads may only need 1 to 2 shells. Water quality also affects how many soapberries are required, in areas with hard water more are needed (in the same way more detergent is used in these areas).  
You do not need to add any other detergent, but a few drops of tea-tree or lavender essential oil, will not only leave your wash smelling lovely, but also disinfect it. Soapberries wash effectively between 30 and 60 degrees and will last on average about 4 to 5 washes at these temperatures, if you wash at higher temps they will need to be replaced sooner. When the Saponin has been used up the shells will look dark and feel mushy, at this point you can safely throw them on your compost heap.

Soapberries are highly-effective and gentle at the same time. They will leave your laundry fresh and clean and compared to other detergents, its mildness will keep colors bright, maintaining fabric structure of your clothes for longer periods. It can be used on all fabrics including delicates like silk, cashmere and wool. It leaves your clothes incredibly soft and all without the need for fabric softeners or conditioners.  Soapberries are both Ecological and Economical when compared to other forms of detergents. 1 kg of soapberries can be used for up to 150 loads of laundry.

Since they do not have any built in bleaches like regular detergent does, it is beneficial to add ¼ cup of borax when washing whites.

For hotter wash cycles I use the liquid.  It really works well for washing cloth nappies and baby clothes.  There is no nasty residue left behind to cause nappy-rash or other irritations.

If you prefer soapberry liquid, approximately 3 tablespoons (or 45ml) can be used per laundry load

Washing Dishes

Use soapberry liquid for washing your dishes. Don’t be deceived by the lack of bubbles, since there are no artificial foaming agents so there will be very few if any lasting bubbles.  This in no way impacts on the ability of the liquid to clean your dishes. If you are using a dish washer, just pop 3 shells in the bottom of the cutlery holder and some vinegar in the rinse aid dispenser and your dishes will come out sparkling clean.

Cleaning & Detoxifying Food
Soak your fruit and vegetables for approximately 10-15 minutes in the diluted soapberry liquid. Rinse off and enjoy this food free from harmful chemicals and residue. This soapberry solution can then be re-used for household cleaning

Shampoo
Simply use soapberry liquid instead of regular shampoo, it is not as thick as
standard shampoos, and does not create as much artificial lather, so beware that you do not use too much, as a little goes a long way.  Soapberry shampoo will leave your hair clean, naturally. A tip for first-time users: if your hair feels slightly dry after using soapberry shampoo, you may have used too much.  It will naturally help prevent dandruff and keep your hair soft and strong. When using to treat dandruff apply the liquid soapberry on your 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. Also works well as a body wash!  Adding a few drops of tea-tree oil to the shampoo will help prevent a dry scalp, and is great for treating dandruff.  Otherwise adding a few drops rosemary essential oil is great for dry hair that tends to frizz, the rosemary really helps make hair more manageable.  An alternative is to simply add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary when making soapberry liquid.

The beauty of soapberry shampoo is that it is really gentle and allergen free, so even the most sensitive skins will not have a problem using it.

Jewellery Cleaning
Soapberries are commonly used in Indian households for cleaning and shining jewelry. Jewelry is soaked in soap nut liquid and then rubbed with a cloth to give it a shine.  Use an old soft toothbrush to gently remove debris. 

Natural Pesticide, Plant Wash & Pet Shampoo
Using soapberries is an effective and natural alternative to repel insects off your plants, animals and around the house. This easily replaces chemicals. This is a great use for left over soapberry  liquid from washing or laundry.  To repel pests on plants, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.  To use as pet shampoo / pest repellant, use in a spray bottle.  Soaking your pet thoroughly with the liquid before rinsing off (leaving some residue on the fur, will help repel insects and is harmless).  Add tea-tree oil to the pet shampoo for a nice clean fragrance and extra pest repellant qualities.

Window and glass cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with 250mL water, 15mL vinegar and 15mL soapberry liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.

Hand washing silks and delicates
Add 15ml soapberry liquid to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes.
Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.

Steam cleaning spot treatment
Add 45ml to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.  A table spoon of bicarbonate of soda added to this is especially good for removing cat smells.

How do I store Soapberries?
Soapberries absorb moisture very easily. They become dark & sticky in a very short period of time if left exposed to air. Ideally the nuts/berries should be packed in an airtight container or a plastic bag tied tight with a rubber band. However, sticky soapberries do not mean that they have gone bad. They will still wash & clean perfectly.

How do Soapberries work? 
Soapberries contain approximately 12% saponin which is a natural detergent. Similar to soap, when the shells of the soapberry come in contact with water the saponin is released this is excellent for cleaning laundry and leaving it beautifully soft. 

Do I need to add any other detergents when using Soapberries?
There is no need to add any commercial detergent, brighteners or softeners. Soapberries do a wonderful job of washing on their own.  Though a ¼ cup of borax can be added to whites or particularly stained clothes, to remove stains and bring out the whiteness (this is because they do not contain any harsh whiteners or bleaches).  
Conversely coloured clothes retain their colour longer when using soapberries, than with regular detergents.

Do soap nuts come in different fragrances?
No, but soapberry herbal soap can be bought from Alanza – made from 100% organically grown herbs – lavender, rosemary, comfrey, rose, mint etc.