Simple at-home methods and tips.

There is no rocket science here. If you can grind coffee beans or boil water, you can start making great soap nut powder and liquids for a myriad of uses. Not only are powdered and liquid forms great for laundry, but also the list of other chemical products that can be replaced is long and getting longer every day.

Please email us if you would like powder or liquid forms of soap nuts. We can provide either in household or commercial quantities. However, the basic processes are so simple that instructions are provided below. Be sure to look for specially targeted proprietary formulas for many personal care and household uses to be available online soon.

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.

Liquid: Place 12 to 15 soapnuts (about 1.5 ounces) in about 6 cups of water. For best results, bring to a boil and simmer for approximately an hour. You will know that you have fully extracted from the soap nuts when they turn very light tan or gray and are mushy. Allow to cool and strain. Store the soap nuts liquid in an airtight glass jar. As with other botanicals, the infused soap nut solution is best stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. This 100% pure soap nut solution has absolutely no preservative of any kind; hence it has a limited shelf life of several days. It should be refrigerated to extend its shelf life. This is typical of virtually all water-based botanical solutions. We are infusing our proprietary liquid formulas with specific natural preservatives that will greatly extend shelf life, yet still be safe and chemical free. For the make-at-home solution, simply don't make more than you'll use in a few days.

TIPS:

Soap nuts will last longer using warm vs. hot water.

Soft water may require less soap nuts. Very hard water will require a bag of 5 shells.

There is no need for fabric softener. Soap nuts leave your cloths soft.

Soap nuts have a distinct odor, similar to vinegar when they are dry and more pungent when wet. Soap nuts do not smell pleasant: but amazingly your clothes smell clean and fresh after washing with soap nuts.

If you like scent, you can add 10 drops of essential oil on the cotton bag before tossing it into the machine.

Soap nuts will not remove heavy stains, as with any detergent, pre-treat stains with a stain remover as you normally would.

If clothes are very dirty, do half size loads instead of full.

If you like super whites, you can add oxygen bleach to the load.

Soap nuts perform better in a less than full load.

There will be very little suds. No suds actually means no commercial foaming agents or chemicals.

Soap nuts are wonderful for washing cloth diapers. Unlike chemical detergents, they will not clog the fabric causing the diaper to loose its absorbency and they will not cause diaper rash. In addition, soap nuts will clean and remove detergent residue from diapers.