Laundry 'nuts' claim no more detergent

Laundry detergent is changing. The liquid is packed in tablets and gel packs. Another product looks like a nut.

Yes, a nut from a tree. And its seller claims it can replace expensive detergent.

They're called Eco Nuts and claim to help you cut your costs and make laundry more convenient.

Natural Berry from Trees

Nicole Gallagher, spends lots of time in her laundry room washing countless loads of clothes for her husband and three kids. She was stuck on using brand-name liquid detergent, until a product called Eco Nuts caught her eye online.

"They look like acorns, sort of. They come with little sacks that you basically put the nuts inside of, and just throw them in with your wash. You get a bunch of loads of laundry out of them," Gallagher said.

Eco Nuts are a berry, and they grow on trees in the Himalayas. They naturally produce soap. They're organic and odor-free.

"They don't leave a fragrance on the clothes afterwards. So they just smell clean when they come out of the wash," Gallagher said.

Cheaper Than Detergent

Eco Nuts claims to do your dirty work for a fraction of the cost. We did a cost comparison. Most brand name laundry detergents cost between 15 and 30 cents per load. Eco Nuts cost just 9 to 12 cents a load.

"That's all I use now. It's so economical," said mom Erin Schillo.

Moms say the sack you throw the nuts in also make laundry convenient.

"It's not like measuring detergent, running out of detergent. You just keep reusing the same little thing," Gallagher said.

Our laundry testers say you don't need to add anything to your washer beside the nuts. Not even fabric softener.

"It makes everything really fluffy too. My towels look like brand new. They're like two inches thick," Schillo said.

Some Downsides

But testers and reviewers find some drawbacks.

       -They don't make suds, which some people can't get used to.

       -They don't remove deeply rubbed in stains, so you will still need to pre-treat stains with a liquid.

       - Eco Nuts aren't available in many stores, so your best bet is to buy them online. That means you'll spend a few dollars on shipping.

But you can use Eco Nuts in top loading, front loading, and all high efficiency washers, because they form few suds.

Have you tried them?  Post your experience below or on my Facebook page, so you don't waste your money.

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