Soap Nuts?
Posted by faunablues on Sep 01, 2008 · Member since Aug 2003 · 9655 posts
Anyone ever try soap nuts? They have a few good reviews on veganessentials, and I was thinking of getting the "trial size." Not that I'm out of laundry soap, they just seem interesting and I was about to put an order for vitamins anyway.
I've never used them myself, but I've heard good things about them.
Okaaay...for a minute there I thought you meant something to eat....I need another cup of coffee, obviously! ;D
the link didn't work for me... do you mean these: http://www.maggiespureland.com/
yup.
those look neat... try them!
I got the "trial size" pack... 5 soapnuts. We'll have to see! I have to try them before I tell anyone IRL about them, though, otherwise it'll be more evidence that I'm a crazy vegan hippy who thinks dried fruit will detoxify her linens :D
They totally work! For my inaugural run on the soapnuts I washed:
- a comforter that has been sitting (uncovered) in my sooty, nasty garage
- a very funky towel
- a pair of socks
- a pair of underwear
All clean! And soft, as though I had used fabric softener.
Hippies-who-think-dried-fruit-is-a-soap: 1
Chemical detergents: 0
Why would we even invent chemical crap if this stuff works so well?
I think chemical crap is popular because it gives the illusion of "simple", "effective" and "modern". you know how they are marketed: the brand new invention! Removes stains 300% better than before! (yes we will not mention that this product messes up with water ecosystems, can cause rash and allergies, and is tested on animals).
I use Ecover washing powder spiced up with baking soda. works well for me! I'd like to try the soap nuts too, they sound interesting.
I got the "trial size" pack... 5 soapnuts. We'll have to see! I have to try them before I tell anyone IRL about them, though, otherwise it'll be more evidence that I'm a crazy vegan hippy who thinks dried fruit will detoxify her linens :D
It works out to one soapnut/load, but you use five at a time and reuse them for five loads. It's not the most cost effective, which is the sad part - "36-50 loads" on veganessentials costs 19 bucks.
I guess it's one of those things you have to weigh out - it's more expensive than detergent, but it's so environmentally friendly (it really is just soapberry nuts). Also, the propaganda enclosed says that soapberry trees are being cut down for lumber, and being able to sell the nuts is keeping them alive and the farmers happy... or something like that.
I ordered a trial pack for $3.50 that's supposed to do up to 30 loads of laundry. I went to a few other websites and I can order a 1kg (2lb) bag of them for around $30AUD (which they say is enough to do a load of laundry every day for a year). So that would be way more economical than regular detergent. (I guess the point of that story was "shop around"). I'm really excited to get mine...if they work I'll recommend them to everyone I know.
Yeah, that's strange. http://www.maggiespureland.com/shop.html Same thing on here - the smaller package sizes range from 3-19 dollars, but you can get a whole kilo for thirty. ??? Well, I wasn't going to test them out with a whole kilo anyway.
This sounds soo cool. I need to get some to try it out!
I just bought washing liquid.. eco friednly stuff. and the next week there was soap nuts.. so.. in a few months I will buy these nuts. they seem awesome! Very smart and easy. I hear good things. Most of them you can use them twice!
I thought this said "Space Nuggets!"
I dont know how i read that.. but i was extremely excited.
I just bought washing liquid.. eco friednly stuff. and the next week there was soap nuts.. so.. in a few months I will buy these nuts. they seem awesome! Very smart and easy. I hear good things. Most of them you can use them twice!
Actually, for the soap nuts, you can use a sachet of 5 five times. It's pretty cost effective.
I went looking for info on these...is there anything you CAN'T do with them?
Using Soap nuts As a Natural Laundry Detergent.
Place 4 Soap Nuts in the small muslin bag, tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing machine along with your articles of clothing that need washing. You can reuse this batch for 4 or 5 loads of laundry. The soap nuts will be mushy and gray when they need to be composted for your garden. Alternatively, you can use 3Tbsp (45mL) of soap nuts liquid detergent per large load of laundry.
Soap nuts are perfect for HE and front load washers as they do not create many suds! Just remember to put whole soap nuts in the drum of the machine. Soap nuts liquid can go in the detergent drawer.
To Make Soap nuts Liquid:
Boil approximately 12-15 whole soap nuts with 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. When it is boiled down, you will have about 4c. of liquid left. Add extra water, if needed, to keep it at that amount. When cooled, remove the soap nuts, and pour it into an airtight plastic or glass jar. It is better to make the liquid in smaller batches as it can spoil. Experiment with making liquid to see if you prefer a more concentrated version, using 3 cups water instead of 6 cups. Some prefer the concentrated solution for handwashing and shampoo.
To make liquid from soap nuts powder, add 1/4c powder to 6 cups of water and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the sediment, or use as is. Store in an plastic or glass jar.
NEW!!! You can also freeze it in ice cube trays as well. Depending on the size of each ice cube, use two or three per load of laundry. If each ice cube holds about 1Tbsp, use two ice cubes.
Here's how to successfully preserve the liquid:
(Courtesy of www.superiorsoapnuts.com)
You will need resealable and sterlized quart jars and soapnut shells.
Place the equivalent of 7-10 soap nuts in each jar. (It's better to use smaller soap nut pieces). Fill with boiling water but leave a 1/2 inch space at the top. Place the lid on securely.
PRESSURE COOKER: Place the jars in the canner, and process according to manufacturer's instructions for 15 minutes at 10lbs of pressure.
Use only canning jars if you use this method.
WATER BATH: Place the filled jars in a large pot of boiling water. Make sure to cover the jar completely. Bring to a rolling boil and set the timer for 30 minutes. Remove jar from boiling water and let cool.
OVEN METHOD: Preheat the oven to 250F. Place 7-10 soap nuts in a clean glass quart jar with a resealable lid. Fill with boiling water but leave 1/2 inch at the top. Place lid on securely. Watch until it starts to bubble and then time it for 30 minutes.Turn off oven and let cool a little. Remove from oven.
PERSONAL USE
Mosquito Repellent
Spray it onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.
Liquid Hand Soap
Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. It will not create tons of lather like traditional soap, but it will still get your hands clean. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand wash a tea tree soap.
Shampoo
Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo. It can even help prevent dandruff and hair loss! Leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. It will not create a lot of suds, but it will still work!
Hand Washing Silks and Delicates
Add 1 or 2tsp. soap nuts liquid or powder to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes, lingerie or undergarments. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.
CLEANING
All Purpose Cleaner
Keep it 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.
Steam Cleaning Spot Treatment
Add 3Tbsp. to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.
Window and Glass Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with 2c. water, 1Tbsp.vinegar and 1Tbsp. soapnuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.
In the Dishwasher
Fill the soap dispenser with the liquid. Make sure to scrape the dishes clean first. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!
AROUND THE HOUSE
Cleaning Jewelry
Soak your jewelry 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.
For Your Pets
Add the liquid to a spray bottle or foaming pump bottle to wash your pet's fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable. Also spray directly onto pet's fur to help repel mosquitoes.
Plant Wash and Pest Repellent
Add 1c. water, 1Tbsp. soap nuts liquid and 1Tbsp. 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.
It's a lot of stuff..sorry.
That's cool.
I have found, though, that the soap nuts are dry and cracked when used 5 times, not gray and mushy.
My little discount store had a big bag (300 loads) for $14. I got them!
We use them but only when we are doing multiple loads so that we can use them 5 times. lol
I think they work well!