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What are Soap Nuts?
Soap nuts (Sapindus
Mukorossi-botanical name) are dried fruits obtained from trees native to
India and Nepal. They have been used to clean all kinds of fabric for
centuries, and only now gaining popularity in the American and Europe as
a powerful, yet natural alternative to modern detergent. The saponin
contained on its shell releases when it is brought into contact with
warm or hot water. (See directions for cold water.) Agitation further
releases these saponins and then circulates as a natural surfactant.
They break down the surface tension between oil and water in the wash
freeing dirt, oils and grime from clothes. This exact same principle
that applies to how most detergents and soaps. It’s simply not achieved
using synthetic chemicals that are harmful to your body.
How are they used?
Put 5 soap nut
shells or equivalent pieces, in a cotton or muslin drawstring bag and
tie securely. Toss in the washing machine before you add your clothes.
You can keep the bag of soap nuts in the washer through the rinse cycle
as it releases saponin with warm to hot water. The amount of saponin
left in the rinse cycle will simply leave your clothes feeling soft.
Remove the soap nut bag from washer prior to placing laundry into dryer. For
bleach use an oxygen bleach. For really dirty clothes put in a half
load of clothes for better cleaning power. If you have stain I suggest
using a stain remover or a natural stain remover. Cold water wash: pre
soak 2 soap nuts in the cotton sack in hot water for a few minutes then
add the “tea” and sack your wash load. Soap nuts, while wet, smell like
vinegar but your clothes will not smell like that after they are washed.
When you finish using
the soap nuts, hang the bag to dry.
This product is great for removing
odors and making your laundry smell fresh.
Is it expensive to
use We Be Soap Nuts?
It is very cost
effective, about 4 cents a load sometimes less and the benefits from no
harmful chemicals touching your body is priceless.
Can I use my soap
nuts in my (HE) or front load washer?
The saponins that are
in We Be Soap Nuts are naturally a low suds detergent; they are ideal
for high efficiency washers and even carpet cleaners.
How do I know when
to replace my “We Be Soap Nuts”?
You can continue using
the same We Be Soap Nuts several times; the best way to tell that they
are spent is to check and see if they become thin, light tan, gray or
mushy.
Are soap nuts safe
for my septic?
Yes they actually help in breaking down the grey water in
the septic system. The pieces left over can be recycled in your compost
pile.
How to make liquid
laundry soap?
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In a
heavy saucepan with a lid, bring four cups of water to a boil.
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Turn off the heat and toss 6-8 soap nuts
in the saucepan with the hot water.
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Then cover the saucepan,
and let it sit overnight.
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In the
morning, scoop out and discard the remaining soap nut shells.
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Pour the
cooled liquid into a container with a lid.
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If you
would like your soap nut liquid to have a scent, add your favorite
essentials oils, lemon, etc.
This batch of soap nut liquid will wash at
least 8 loads of laundry. (Use ¼ to ½ cup for each load.) If you made
enough to last more than a week or two, it is probably a good idea to
keep it refrigerated. (Just label it---we wouldn’t recommend mistaking
it for apple juice).
Will I be allergic
to Soap Nuts?
Soap nuts are actually
the shells from the dried fruit of the soap nut tree and not botanically
related to the traditional edible nuts. Soap nuts are hypoallergenic.
Most allergic reactions to detergent are due to the chemicals and
fragrances in them.
Will the soap nuts affect my sensitive skin?
Soap nuts are 100% natural and hypoallergenic and do not contain harsh
chemicals or fragrances which affect skin conditions. We recommend them
for babies and people with sensitive skin.
Do I need a fabric
softener?
Saponin leaves provides
a natural softness to your clean laundry and a fresh smell. You will
find you will not need fabric softener.
Important
information about We Be Soap Nuts
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Natural way to
clean laundry with softness and fresh smelling that is wonderful.
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Antimicrobial
properties. Removes microbes and has anti-fungal properties.
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It is gentle on the
fabric and safe on colors.
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Low suds: good for
all washers. Excellent for high efficiency (HE) washers.
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Eliminate the need
for fabric softener.
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Requires no
manufacturing processes. No fossil fuels needed to produce. The
trees grow for 90 years producing 200 lbs per year of soap nuts.
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Does not pollute
our water systems, helps turn grey water into a more useful form and
is safe for septic tanks. Makes
the trees more valuable living than dead. This helps save our
tropical forests.
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Environmentally
safe.
Your
purchase is beneficial to both the economy & environment of India &
Nepal. In these two countries, there are many poor people. Because
soap nuts are plentiful, they become non-saleable locally. Therefore,
the trees become more valuable & marketable as firewood than for the
environmentally friendly soap nuts that they grow. When soap nuts are
marketed overseas, it employs local residents to harvest them, which in
turn, stimulates the economy. At the same time, it saves the tropical
forest.
Keep Away From
Children and Pets. Do Not Eat, Harmful if Ingested. |