I tried a sample of these I bought on Amazon and liked them so much that I bought a small box (which at the time said "36 - 50 loads", now it says "36 loads" though it doesn't appear that the size has changed). That little box lasted me almost a year! Just put the soap nuts into the cotton sack (provided) and throw it into the wash. No need for chemical detergents, and I've found I don't even need fabric softeners! Just remember to take the nuts out of the clothing before throwing the clothes into your dryer.