Eco Nuts® are completely sustainable dried fruit shells that come from the Sapindus mukorossi tree in Nepal, India and Indonesia. The ones we harvest come from high up in the Himalayas and are the highest quality "soap nut" on the market. These fruit shells have been used in India and China for centuries, and are now gaining popularity in America and Europe as a renewable, biodegradable and organic alternative to chemical detergents and expensive “Green” laundry soaps.
Eco Nuts® contain saponin, a natural cleaner that works as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing, lifting stains from the fabric and leaving dirt suspended in the water that is rinsed away.
Eco Nuts® are gentle on both clothes and skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies and psoriasis. Because they are so mild, they are perfect for baby clothes and cloth diapers. The antimicrobial properties of Eco Nuts® also make them great for septic and grey water systems. But don’t expect these shells to foam up like commercial soaps, which have artificial foaming agents. Foam simply does not represent cleaning power.
A common reason why Cloth Diapers leak is residue buildup. Even if you use free and clear or other so-called natural detergents, all of these leave a residue on your fabric which will cause the fabric to become less absorbent. Fabric softener will additionally make the diapers less absorbent. This residue can also cause diaper rash. Diapers are more prone to residue buildup because they are more absorbant than other fabrics. Eco Nuts leaves very little residue, so you don't have to strip as often, and will remove any residue buildup left behind by other products
Eco Nuts ® are great for cloth diapers because while they are antimicrobial, they do not contain any dyes, enzymes, softeners, or fragrances which contribute to the deterioration and excessive wear/tear on diapers.
The saponin in Eco Nuts ® actually helps to loosen fibers in the dryer instead of tighten them, keeping your diapers as absorbant as they were when you first bought them, even after many many washes. This loosening effect that saponin has on fibers is also why no fabric softener is needed for your diapers to be soft and fluffy.