Soapnuts
50g sample of soapnuts + washbag
enough for approx 20-25 washes
Why use soapnuts?
* allergy free
* environmentally friendly
* leave your clothes fresh and clean
* totally natural
* very economical
* excellent for the sensitive people in out society
* 100% renewable resource
* 100% compostable
What are Soapnuts
Sopanuts (sapindus mukorossi) grow on trees, they are a brown round nut, they are environmentally friendly and compostable. Grown in India, and other South Asian countries , they are a small fruit surrounded buy a firm shell like nuts. Its unique in the way it produces natural saponins, soap like product. The fruit ripens and falls to the ground then is harvested. NO! absolutely no chemical processing or manufacturing process is used. Soapnuts have been used for centuries.
This soap nut shell absorbs water and releases their saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, reducing the surface tension of the water and freeing dirt, grime and oils from the clothing.
When the clothes are rinsed, the soapnut saponins are washed downstream where they remain harmless to the environment. No synthetic chemicals, no fragrance chemicals, no foaming agents or other toxins. Just nut shells grown by nature.
Soapnuts have a wide variety of used, including washing your clothes, removing tarnish from jewelery, ailments such as migraines to epilepsy.
How do they work?
This soap nut shell absorbs water and releases their saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, reducing the surface tension of the water and freeing dirt, grime and oils from the clothing.
They are especially good for colours: because they don’t contain any whiteners or brighteners your colours will stay coloured for longer. Just pop 6-8 shells into a cotton bag (provided) and place in your washing machine.
These nuts will clean effectively however will not fragrance your laundry. If you prefer a fragrance use a couple of drops of essential oils either directly onto the nuts or in the dispenser drawer (front load).
The nuts can be used for 10 - 20 consecutive loads and then disposed either in the compost bin or normal bin. Because the soap nuts leave your laundry so soft there is no need to include softeners.
Finally because your laundry water will only contain pure natural ingredients compared to traditional detergents, it can much more usefully be reused as grey water to reduce water consumption (your garden and plants will thank you as well!)
How to use soap nuts.
For Washing
Just pop 6 to 8 nuts (in a bag provided) will do 20 washes depending on your size load
Fragrance add a few drops of your favourite essential oils
For bathing
Add one teaspoon of soap powder o a running bath for a nice relaxing soak. Add your favourite essential oils for a wonderful aroma.
TO MAKE SOAP NUTS LIQUID:
Boil 100g soap nuts with 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. When cooled, remove the soap nuts, and pour the liquid into an appropriate glass container. This will only keep for a couple of months in the fridge so dont make more then you can use.
All Purpose Cleaner
Keep the soap nuts liquid in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors, etc. Add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a different scent.
Cleaning Jewellery
Soak your jewellery in the liquid for a few minutes. Use an old soft toothbrush to gently remove debris. Rinse with clean water and polish with a dry cloth.
Window and Glass Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with 250mL water, 15mL vinegar and 15mL soap nuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.
In the Dishwasher
Fill the soap dispenser with soap nuts liquid. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!
Liquid Hand Soap and Shampoo
Fill a squirt or pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands or hair. Your hair will come out soft and manageable.
Pet Shampoo
Add the liquid to a squirt or spray bottle to wash your pet’s fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable.Plant Wash and Pest Repellent
Add 250mL water, 15mL soap nuts liquid and 15mL Neem oil (optional) to a clean spray bottle. Shake well. For plant wash, spray leaves and wipe clean. To repel pests, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.
Hand Washing Silks and Delicates
Add 10mL 15mL (depending on load) soap nuts liquid to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.
Spot Treatment
Add 30mL to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Works well for getting out urine smells and stains.
Why would you need anything more around your home! Save on not using chemicals and save on the environment and hip pocket!
Remember soapnuts are natural therefore you wont get the bubbles that your used to seeing when you use commercially made soaps and soap products !