Featured Article
Soap Nuts
By Matt Johnson
I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, I wanted to to learn more.
What are Soap Nuts?
They are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Berry is the most commonly used in cleaning, but both varieties are quite effective.
How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?
They contain large quantities of saponin in their shells. It acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without any chemicals, fragrances or dyes, they are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates. They are also tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your clothes soft, clean and fragrance free. No need to use of fabric softeners.
Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?
Yes and No. They are one of the best detergents to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. Stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, require a stain remover to help the cleaning process. You can also use 1/2c. lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to help brighten your white clothes.
Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using them for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up. It has been gone now for over 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.
How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?
1. Toss 4 or 5 Nuts in a small muslin bag (provided with most orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take them out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 4 or 5 loads.
2. Boil 15-18 whole Soap Nuts in 6 cups (1.5 quart) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 60 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!
Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?
Yes. They can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.WordPress.com
The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?
No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in your septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you use them. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle they are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft. They are 100% environmentally friendly.
Win-Win Situation
With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy. Buy soap nuts today.
