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Introducing a laundry detergent that grows on trees!
Okay, these do not qualify as fun or fashionable but they overwhelmingly fit the other criteria for Chartreuse Products. Soap Nuts are completely natural, extremely effective, and remarkably affordable. These little “nuts” are actually berries which grow on trees and compost naturally back to the earth. Soap Nuts will clean and deodorize the toughest laundry. And they’re cheaper then traditional laundry detergent. What more could you ask for? 
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| Item # | Item Description | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH008 | 8 oz (224g) approximately 80 loads | $14.95 |  |
| CH009 | Sample Size (4-5 berries in a muslin bag) | $2.00 | |
| CH020 | Liquid Soap Nuts, 8oz 96 loads HE, 48 regular loads | $24.95 | |
| CH021 | Sample Liquid Soap Nuts, 1oz | $3.00 | |
I’ve tried many “earth-friendly” laundry options. The alternatives either failed to live up to their “earth-friendly” promise or they just plain didn’t work, at least on my three boys filthy clothes. Soap Nuts are different. These dried berries grow on the Soapberry trees in Nepal and have been used for centuries by locals as their primary washing soap. The dried berries release saponin, a natural detergent. They will leave your laundry odor-free as clean as the best conventional detergents and as soft as the best fabric softeners. But unlike conventional products, they don’t contain harsh chemicals so they’re great for sensitive skin and allergies. They won’t fade your clothes. They won’t pollute our rivers and streams.
A note on allergies: Though they are known as Soap Nuts, they are actually dried berries so they are considered safe for people with nut allergies.
For cold water washes: Place four to five berries in the drawstring bag provided (or an old sock.) Tie securely. For best results, before using the berries for the first time, soak them in a cup of hot water for three minutes to soften slightly. Pour water and bag directly in the machine before adding clothes. No additional fabric softener is required. Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry. (Leave nuts in bag.) Reuse 5 to 7 times. Nuts are no longer effective when they turn soft, mushy and light tan to gray in color. Wet the berries and then squeeze between your fingers. If you can still feel the saponin on your hands, the berries can be used in another cycle. When the saponin is completely used up you can place the berries in the compost.
For hot or warm water washes: place three berries in the drawstring bag provided (or an old sock). Tie securely. Put the bag directly in the machine at the beginning of the cycle. Berries used in hot or warm water can only be used once. Compost after use. Whites may benefit from the additional use of a chlorine-free bleach. No additional fabric softener is needed.
Soak 2 bagged berries in ½ cup of very hot water for 3 minutes. Pour water into hand wash basin.
We have selected a soap nut importer who can provide consistent, high-quality soap nuts. Like any dried fruit or berry, quality can vary dramatically and careful handling is required to ensure the best quality berries are selected. The soap nuts grow in rural villages in Nepal. The crop provides an income alternative to farmers who would otherwise be tempted to cut down the trees. The soap nuts are wild crafted (grown in their natural environment). The berries are picked and then sorted twice before being packaged. Our importer cares as much about the environment as well do. They are careful to minimize waste and packaging at all stages of the process.
