Description

Soap Nuts

Clean · Gentle · Sustainable

The Natural Way to Wash

As unlikely as it sounds, the environmental problem of laundry soap can be solved with an inexpensive, reusable, not-so-pretty berry known as Soap Nuts. In India, these berries are called Reetha and have been used for centuries to wash clothes, skin, and hair. When dried, the berries resemble hard nuts, but inside they hold natural cleaning power.

I also use them in my No-Poo Shampoo, an herbal powder made with Soap Nuts (Reetha) that gently cleanses hair.

If you are curious about how to clean your clothing naturally, I sell a 3oz bag to get you started. These soap berries are naturally high in saponins and can be reused about five times. They clean by breaking water tension and lifting dirt from mildly dirty clothes.

How to Wash Laundry with Soap Nuts

Each 3oz bag is good for about 30 small loads of laundry.

To use:

• Place about 0.5oz of Soap Nuts (roughly 2.5 tablespoons or 5 whole berries) in a sock or muslin bag.
• Tie the opening securely or close with a rubber band.
• Toss the bag into your laundry load.
• Reuse up to five times until the Soap Nuts lose their color.

Tip: My Soap Nuts come without seeds. If you purchase them elsewhere with seeds, remember the seeds can stain laundry if left in contact with fabric.

Liquid Soap Nut “Detergent”

You can also boil Soap Nuts to create a liquid detergent, though it is not necessary for most modern washing machines.

To make liquid detergent:

• Use 0.5 oz (2.5 tablespoons) of Soap Nuts for 5 loads of laundry.
• Combine with about 6 cups of water.
• Boil at least 20 minutes, then strain.
• Store in the fridge or freezer.
• Use 1 cup per load of laundry.

This liquid can also be used as a general cleanser. It does wash hair, though it may be drying and should be kept away from the eyes.

Soap Nuts and Grey Water

A personal study done and published for the California Science & Engineering Fair examined three years of using grey water from laundry done only with Soap Nuts.

Conclusion from the study:
“After the three year study, I now conclude that soapnut greywater does not significantly affect the environment, and can be used for irrigating landscapes and vegetables. In addition, Soap Nuts are affordable and cheaper than organic laundry detergents which makes them an ideal solution in drought stricken areas of the world including California and Cape Town.”

This makes Soap Nuts a safe, sustainable choice for households that recycle grey water into gardens.

Who Benefits?

Soap Nuts are perfect for people who:

• Want to recycle laundry water directly into their garden
• Have sensitive skin
• Are allergic to detergent
• Are concerned about detergent pollution

Gentle and Versatile

Great for washing:

• Laundry
• Children’s clothes
• Sensitive skin
• Baby clothes
• Wool and silk
• Delicates

Soap Nut “Tea” can be used for:

• Washing delicates by hand
• Bathing
• Washing hair
• Cleaning dishes
• Hiking and camping
• Washing your dog