Washing Laundry with Soap Nuts.
It does not get much simpler. Doing laundry can even be fun! Really.
Most laundry detergents on the shelves of our supermarkets contain numerous chemical substances, synthetic dyes, fragrances and fillers. These chemical substances are effective in deeply penetrating our clothes - cleaning, sanitizing and scenting them. However, these same chemicals build up in our clothes and linens and transfer to our skin leading to short term and/or long term skin troubles for some individuals. They break down fabric fibers and fade colors and they are harmful to our environment. Soap Nuts are simply a better way.
The following list is simply very basic directions. Only your imagination will limit what soap nuts can be used for. It is noteworthy to mention that for centuries many Eastern cultures have earned a reputation for producing some of the finest of fabrics and jewelry known to the world. Saponins (soap nuts) played a role in the care of these ultra-fine creations. We encourage you to write us with your own 'recipes', and we will gladly share them.
Basic Laundry Directions: The simplest, most common and traditional method of washing laundry with soap nuts is by using the raw nuts in a drawstring bag, and simply tossing the bag in with your laundry. The soap nuts can also be used to make a 'tea', a fine soap nut powder or concentrated solution. (See other forms and tips.) All forms and methods work great.
SOAP NUT SHELLS (whole and pieces):
Warm or Hot Water Wash:
Put 4 or 5 soap nut shells or equivalent pieces, about a half-ounce, in cotton or muslin drawstring bag and tie bag securely.
Toss in washing machine before you add your clothes.
Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).
Re-use 3 to 5 times. The soap nuts are no longer effective when they become thin, mushy and very light tan or gray.
Cold Water Wash:
Simply make a cup of soap nut 'tea' by soaking 4 or 5 bagged soap nuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 3 minutes.
Pour both the soap nuts liquid and bag in wash.
Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).
Re-use 3 to 5 times. Soap nuts are no longer effective when they thin, turn soft, mushy and very light tan or gray.
Hand Wash:
Add about 2 tbs of soap nut liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your soap nut muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual.
Powdered: Put 2 - 3 tsp soap nuts powder in wash water. Wash as usual.
Liquid: Pour about a quarter cup of liquid soap nut solution into wash water. Shake up soap nut solution before pouring. Wash as usual.
