Loose Soapnut Shells 500g
Loose Soapnut Shells 500g
Soapnut shells — known as Ritha in India, where they have been used for centuries — contain saponin, a natural surfactant that acts as soap on contact with water, giving you up to 30 washes from a single 500g pack with no synthetic chemicals released into your laundry or your drains.
Only 3 left in stock
Dispatched directly by Clean U Skincare from United Kingdom
UK standard delivery typically 1–3 business days
Soapnuts are one of those genuinely old ideas that hold up under scrutiny. The shells of the Sapindus mukorossi tree — called Ritha in India — have been used as a laundry wash for centuries, and the reason is straightforward: the shells naturally contain saponin, a surfactant that activates on contact with water to create a gentle lather. No synthetic chemistry required.
Clean U Skincare sources these shells, removes the black kernel (which contains no saponin and would reduce effectiveness), dries them to their characteristic reddish-brown colour, and packs them in cotton bags. The 500g pack is divided into five 100g bags for easy storage, and comes with three muslin bags ready to use.
Key facts:
- 500g total, split into 5 x 100g bags
- 3 muslin bags included
- Packaged in a jute bag
- Up to 30 loads per pack
- Each bag of 4–5 nuts can be reused 2–3 times depending on water hardness and load size
- Works at 40–90°C
- Suitable for delicate fabrics including silks
- Suitable for allergy sufferers
- Releases no synthetic chemicals into wash water
- Fully compostable after use — dispose in compost or food waste
- Muslin bag can be dried and reused
How it works: Saponin is a naturally occurring surfactant found in the shell of the soapnut. When the muslin bag tumbles in warm water, the saponin releases and creates a mild lather that lifts dirt from fabric fibres. The process is gentle enough for silks and sensitive skin, and effective across the standard wash temperature range.
How to use: Put 4–5 soapnut shells in a muslin bag and tie securely.
Place the bag in the middle of your laundry in the washing machine and run the cycle as usual.
The shells can be used up to 2–3 times depending on water hardness and load size.
If the load is very large or the water is particularly hard, add 2–3 more shells to the bag.
Once finished, the shells can be disposed of in the compost or with food waste. The muslin bag can be dried and reused.
About Our Brand Clean U Skincare
Many individuals seek skincare that is both genuinely effective and gentle, particularly when moving away from conventional, synthetic-heavy formulations. Clean U Skincare addresses this need by providing natural, organic, and vegan options designed to nourish the skin without compromise, offering a clear alternative in a crowded market.
What truly sets Clean U Skincare apart is its deep connection to traditional Indian beauty heritage. The brand intentionally moves beyond fleeting trends, instead focusing on age-old recipes and time-tested botanical knowledge. This ancient wisdom is then thoughtfully combined with wild-crafted and exotic ingredients, each carefully chosen for its specific skin benefits and verifiable provenance.
The brand's commitment to wild-crafted ingredients highlights a deliberate and responsible sourcing philosophy. These botanicals are gathered from their natural habitats rather than through mass cultivation, which not only supports more sustainable harvesting practices but also helps to preserve the integrity of the traditional knowledge that has informed these unique formulations for generations.