FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
About soap nuts
What are soap nuts?
Soap nuts — also known as soapberries — are the dried shells of the Sapindus Mukorossi fruit, a tree native to the Himalayas in India and Nepal. The shells contain a natural compound called saponin, which acts as a gentle surfactant when it comes into contact with water, lifting dirt and grime from fabric without any synthetic chemicals. They've been used as a natural cleaning agent in South Asia for centuries.
Do soap nuts actually work?
Yes — for the vast majority of everyday laundry, soap nuts clean very effectively. Clothes come out fresh, soft, and clean without any chemical residue. For heavily soiled items or stubborn stains, we recommend pre-treating with a natural stain remover before washing, just as you might with any detergent.
How do I use soap nuts in my washing machine?
Place 4–5 soap nut shells into the cotton wash bag provided, tie it securely, and add it directly to the drum with your laundry — not in the detergent drawer. Wash as normal. At the end of the cycle, remove the bag and leave it to air dry. Reuse the same shells for 4–5 washes before composting them and refilling the bag.
What temperature should I wash at?
Soap nuts work best between 30°C and 60°C. For washes below 30°C, soak the wash bag in a cup of warm water for about 60 seconds before adding it to the drum — this activates the saponin and ensures an effective wash even at lower temperatures.
How many washes do I get from one bag of shells?
Each wash bag filled with 4–5 shells lasts for approximately 4–5 washes. When the shells become grey, soft, and papery, they've released all their saponin and are ready to be composted. Our 1kg bag gives you up to 300 washes in total.
How many washes does a 1kg bag give?
Our 1kg bag of soap nuts gives you up to 300 washes — that works out to less than 5p per wash. For most households doing 5–6 washes per week, a 1kg bag lasts several months.
Are soap nuts safe for sensitive skin and eczema?
Yes — soap nuts are completely free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, enzymes, and preservatives, which are among the most common causes of skin irritation and eczema flare-ups from laundry products. They're naturally hypoallergenic and suitable for even the most sensitive skin, including babies and young children.
Are soap nuts safe for babies?
Yes, soap nuts are one of the safest options available for washing baby clothes, muslins, and bedding. Because they contain no synthetic chemicals or fragrances, they leave no irritating residue on fabric — making them ideal for newborns and young children with sensitive skin.
Can I use soap nuts in cold water?
Yes, though they work best above 30°C. For cold washes, pre-soak the wash bag in warm water for about 60 seconds before adding it to the drum. This kick-starts the saponin release and gives you a good clean even at lower temperatures.
Are soap nuts suitable for wool and delicates?
Yes — the gentle saponin formula is safe for wool, silk, and delicate fabrics at cool temperatures. Soap nuts are a great option for anything you'd normally hand wash or put on a delicates cycle.
Do soap nuts work in front-loading and top-loading machines?
Yes — soap nuts work in both front-loading and top-loading washing machines. They're also suitable for high-efficiency (HE) machines. Simply place the wash bag directly in the drum in all cases.
Do soap nuts foam or lather?
No — soap nuts produce very little or no lather, which can feel unusual if you're used to conventional detergents. This is completely normal. Saponin doesn't need to foam to clean effectively. The absence of lather is actually a sign there are no synthetic foaming agents in the formula.
Do soap nuts have a smell?
Soap nuts have a faint natural smell when wet — sometimes described as slightly vinegary or fermented. This scent does not transfer to your laundry; clothes come out completely odour-neutral. If you'd like to add a natural fragrance to your laundry, add a few drops of essential oil to the drum or to a set of wool dryer balls.
Do I need fabric softener with soap nuts?
No — soap nuts leave clothes naturally soft without any additional fabric softener. Because saponin doesn't leave a residue in fabric fibres the way synthetic detergents do, your clothes feel cleaner and softer naturally.
Are soap nuts vegan?
Yes — soap nuts are 100% plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Are soap nuts biodegradable?
Yes — soap nuts are completely biodegradable and compostable. After 4–5 washes, simply empty the spent shells onto your compost heap or into your food waste bin. No plastic, no synthetic chemicals, nothing wasted.
How should I store soap nuts?
Store unused soap nuts in a cool, dry place — the resealable bag they come in works perfectly. Avoid damp environments as moisture will cause the shells to start releasing saponin prematurely. Keep the used wash bag out of the machine between washes and allow it to air dry fully before the next use.
Can I use soap nuts for anything other than laundry?
Yes — soap nuts are surprisingly versatile. You can simmer spent shells in water to make a liquid soap nut solution that works as a gentle all-purpose cleaner, washing up liquid alternative, or even a natural shampoo. It's a great way to get extra value from the shells before composting them.
About wool dryer balls
What do wool dryer balls do?
Wool dryer balls tumble between your clothes in the dryer, separating fabric layers to allow hot air to circulate more efficiently. This reduces drying time, softens clothes naturally, and reduces static — all without any synthetic chemicals or fragrances.
How many dryer balls do I need?
We recommend using all 6 balls from the pack together for the best results. More balls means more agitation, better airflow, and faster drying times.
How long do wool dryer balls last?
With normal use, our pure New Zealand wool dryer balls last for 1,000 uses or more — that's years of laundry from a single pack.
Can I add fragrance to wool dryer balls?
Yes — add 2–3 drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender and tea tree are popular choices) to each ball and allow them to absorb for a few minutes before adding to the dryer. This gives your laundry a gentle, natural fragrance without any synthetic chemicals.
Are wool dryer balls suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes — because they contain no synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or coatings, wool dryer balls are a great alternative to conventional dryer sheets for anyone with sensitive skin or eczema. Just avoid adding essential oils if fragrance is a trigger.
Orders & delivery
Where is my order?
You can see the status of your order by logging into your account and clicking on the "My Orders" section. The order status will let you know whether your item has been dispatched. If you haven't received your order and it's past the estimated delivery date, please get in touch and we'll investigate straight away.
I've just placed an order but put the wrong address — can I change it?
If you notice any incorrect information on your order, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to make the change before it's dispatched.
Can I specify a safe place for my delivery?
Yes — please contact us if you'd like us to leave your order in a safe place or with a neighbour if you're not in. Please note we may not be able to offer this for higher value orders.
Is it safe to order online?
Yes — our website has all the necessary security in place to ensure a safe transaction. All payments are processed securely and we never store your payment details.
Returns & refunds
Can I return an item if I don't like it?
Absolutely. We offer a 30-day hassle-free returns policy and will issue a full refund as long as the item hasn't been used.
How do I return an item?
Get in touch with our team using our contact form or by calling us on 0344 880 3882 and we'll arrange everything for you.
Still have a question?
If you can't find the answer above, we're always happy to help. Get in touch and we'll get back to you personally.
