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Soap Nut Natural Detergent

Every now and again you will find something that will change your life...Soap nuts is about to do that for you!

These amazing little shells of the soap nut berry contain soap (saponin) which we can use to clean not only our clothes but vegetables, house and pets!

So how does it work? The soap nut shells release saponin (soap) when it comes in contact with water. The saponins then circulate as a natural surfactant (surface active ingredient). They break down the surface tension between water and oil in the wash water reducing the surface tension of the water aiding it in freeing dirt, grime and oils from clothes. Essentially this is how chemical detergents clean our clothes…but now you can do it without the chemicals.

For more info or how to buy them click here


There are so many benefits of using soapnuts, here are the main ones:

  1. Effectively clean laundry - Eliminates the need for fabric softener.
  2. Antimicrobial properties. Removes microbes from laundry.
  3. Natural anti-fungal properties.
  4. Hypoallergenic.
  5. Great for removing odours, like urine.
  6. Mild and gentle on fabric structure and colors.
  7. Low sudsing: Good for all washing machines.
  8. 100% biodegradable.
  9. Requires no manufacturing processes.
  10. No chemicals or fossil fuels needed to produce.
  11. A primary product from a sustainable source.
  12. Does not pollute our water systems.
  13. Natural product with basically an endless shelf life.
  14. Since Soap Nuts are primarily a resource from only emerging nations, increased demand will provide an additional needed economic stimulus, plus will encourage increased planting, growth and farming. Increased forestation and natural means of harvesting will aid in the reversal of Co2 accumulation.Virtually untapped potential for eliminating most harmful chemicals from the market.


So how can we use them to wash our clothes?

Washing Clothes (Warm or Hot Water Wash): Put 4 – 8 (depending on water hardness and dirtiness of wash) whole soap nut shells in cotton or muslin drawstring bag and tie bag securely. Toss in washing amongst your clothes. Re-use 3 to 4 times.

Washing Clothes (Cold Water Wash): Simply soak a bag of 4 – 8 soap nuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 3 minutes. Put bag in washing machine drum and pour liquid from cup into drawer. Re-use 3 to 4 times.

Tip1: The soap nuts are no longer effective when they become thin, mushy and very light tan or grey. For best results on really dirty waso half or three-quarter loads. To achieve whiter whites pre-treat stains or pre-soak with eco-friendly bleaching agents or baking soda.

Tip1: As they are a natural softener you do not need any fabric conditioner. So for a natural fragrance, add 15 - 20 drops of essential oil in the drawer for beautifully smelling clothes.

Here are also some great uses of soapnut shells

Using soap nut shells to make liquid to use in all household cleaning: Boil approximately 15-20 whole soap nuts with 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. You can add extra water, if liquid is too concentrated. When cooled, remove the soap nuts, and pour the liquid into an airtight plastic or glass jar.

Liquid will have a strong smell, but this will fade once you have added 10-20 drops of your favourite essential oil. For example add lemon/orange oil to use in the kitchen and ylang ylang for shampoo or body/hand soap.

Soap nut liquid can be used for the following: Mosquito Repellent Spray liquid onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.

Liquid Soap: Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. It will not create tons of lather like traditional soap, but it will still clean. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand soap a tea-tree soap.

Soap Nut Powder: Simply grind soap nuts shells to a very fine powder in a coffee grinder. A similar appliance will work, such as a blender, however a coffee grinder tends to produce the finest powder. This may require grinding the soap nut shells a couple of times. Remove any un-ground pieces or sift through a sifter. Place in airtight container. Shelf life is indefinite as long as the soap nut powder is stored in a cool dry place.

For skin allergies like eczema, use soap nut powder instead of regular body soap. It does not lather much but cleans the grime from your body while staying mild and safe for your sensitive skin. The saponin essence works against harmful microbes that cause allergic reactions. Skin eruptions are reduced with the persistent action of soap nut. Many people complain of itchy skin that cracks and bleeds. But soap nuts soothe the disturbed skin and stop the infection from spreading to other areas of the skin. In due course, soap nuts also prevent further eruptions and allergic reactions. Rub the soap nut powder onto the skin, it will not lather very much and then rinse off

Shampoo:Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo. It can even help prevent dandruff and hair loss! Leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. It will not create a lot of suds, but it will still work!

For more info or how to buy them click here
   
 
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