Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – The Environmental Detergent

Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – The Environmental Detergent

Have you ever thought about all the chemicals that we pour down the drain daily?  What impact do they have on our environment?  What does this mean for our children’s future?  How can we minimize the harmful chemicals we use & save the environment at the same time?  Soap Nuts are the answer.

What are Soap Nuts?

Soap Nuts are not actually nuts at all, but berries (also known as soap berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal.  They contain high concentrations of saponin, which acts as a natural soap when it comes into contact with water. 

What can I use Soap Nuts for?

The most common & easiest use of soap nuts is as a laundry detergent.  Just place three or four half-shells of soap nuts in a muslin bag (provided with most soap nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry instead of regular detergent and you are on your way to becoming environmentally friendly.  When using soap nuts in your laundry, you do not even need a rinse cycle, thus preventing gallons of water from unnecessarily going down the drain.  If you want to expand your soap nuts into a multi-purpose cleaner, simply boil 100 g of soap nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes.  Fish out the shells, throw them in your compost, & you are left with a highly concentrated, natural, liquid detergent.  For more applications, visit http://SoapNuts.WordPress.com

How does the use of Soap Nuts affect Grey Water?

Soap nuts are antimicrobial.  After their detergent goes into the sewer system, it helps break down the grey water into a more usable form.  The use of soap nuts actually benefit the environment, rather than hurting it as the harmful chemicals we use do.  Because of their unique antimicrobial properties, soap nuts are also used in aid of soil restoration.

What harmful chemicals are found in my regular laundry detergent?

Regular laundry detergents may contain any or all of the following:

• Enzymes – Are a skin sensitizer, but may cause dermatitis and allergic reactions
• Sodium Hypochlorite – Causes lung irritations, bronchial or respiratory reactions, cardiovascular damage, as well as eye and skin damage.
• Nonylphenoxy Ethoxylates – Is an edocrine disruptor, and can cause an activation of cellular estrogen receptors (even at low levels) This is implicated in causes of a rise in breast and prostate cancer, infertility issues, a decline in amphibian populations and the reversal / feminization of birds, fish or reptiles.

Are Soap Nuts Gentle on my skin?

Yes.  Soap nuts contain no chemicals, and are therefore non-allergenic.  Many people (myself included) who suffered from eczema and other skin irritations have seen their problems diminish after switching to soap nuts as a laundry detergent.

How does my Purchase of Soap Nuts affect India & Nepal?

Your purchase of soap nuts 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, soap nut 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 makes the trees more valuable living than dead.  This helps save our tropical forests.

Soap Nuts are the Environmental Detergent.

The use of soap nuts reduces the use of harmful chemicals, helps in restoring our polluted earth, and saves our tropical forests.  Isn’t it time you did your part in painting a greener future for our children?

For more information on soap nuts & pricing visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com

Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Nature’s Natural Detergent

I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment.  That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.
What are Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all.  They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal.  There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut).  The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.
How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?
Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.
Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?
Yes and No.  Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors.  Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new.  When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.
What About My Allergies to Soap?
Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance.  Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free.  When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months.  Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.
How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?
For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:

1. Toss 2 or 3 Soap Nuts in a small muslim bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry.  (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.

2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes.  The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent.  The leftover shells can be placed in your compost.  Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry.  This allows you to do approximately 60 loads of laundry.  Not bad for under $10!
Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?
Yes.  Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything.  From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner.  For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.WordPress.com
The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain.  Does That Hurt the Environment?
No.  Soap nuts are antimicrobial.  This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system.  Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts.  This can save gallons of water every wash cycle.  Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.
Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation
With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.
For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com

Soap Nuts

A natural, chemical-free product used for laundry and household cleaning.

WHAT ARE THEY?

In India and other South Asian countries, a tree called sapindus mukorrosi grows a small fruit surrounded by a firm outer shell. This tree is unique because it produces its own natural saponins, a soap-like product,  that coats the shell of the fruit. When the fruit ripens and falls from the tree, local families harvest it, then remove the inner fruit from the shell. The soap nut shell is then dried in the sun, using absolutely no chemical processing or manufacturing processes. 

This soap nut shell absorbs water and releases their saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, reducing the surface tension of the water and freeing dirt, grime and oils from the clothing.

When the clothes are rinsed, the soapnut saponins are washed downstream where they remain harmless to the environment. No synthetic chemicals, no fragrance chemicals, no foaming agents or other toxins. Just nut shells grown by nature.

WHY SHOULD I USE SOAP NUTS?

Soap nuts are an excellent choice for people who desire to use environmentally friendly products. They are a pure product, and contain no added chemicals, fragrances, dyes or fillers. They are also wonderful for people with skin allergies, excema, or sensitivities to commercial detergents.

                                             

HOW DO I USE SOAP NUTS?

Place 4 or 5 soap nut shells in the small muslin bag, tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing machine. 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 thrown out or composted. Alternatively, you can use 3Tbsp (45mL) of soapnuts liquid per large load of laundry.

TO MAKE SOAP NUTS LIQUID:
Boil 100g soap nuts with 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. When cooled, remove the soap nuts, and pour the       
        liquid into an appropriate container.

You can use the soap nuts liquid for more than just laundry!

All Purpose Cleaner 
Keep the soap nuts liquid 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.

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.

Window and Glass Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with 250mL water, 15mL vinegar and 15mL soap nuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.

In the Dishwasher
Fill the soap dispenser with soap nuts liquid. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!

Liquid Hand Soap and Shampoo
Fill a squirt or pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands or hair. Your hair will come out soft and manageable.

Pet Shampoo
Add the liquid to a squirt or spray bottle to wash your pet’s fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable.Plant Wash and Pest Repellent
Add 250mL water, 15mL soap nuts liquid and 15mL 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.

Hand Washing Silks and Delicates
Add 15mL soap nuts liquid to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.Steam Cleaning Spot Treatment
Add 30mL to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are soap nuts an additive to my regular laundry detergent?
There is no need to add commercial detergent. Soap nuts do a wonderful job of washing laundry. Try it for yourself!

 Are soap nuts safe to use in my HE or front load washer?
Yes. Soap nuts are low sudsing, so they are perfect for these types of washers. Put 4 or 5 soapnuts in the mini wash bag, tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your machine. Use this bag for 4 or 5 loads of laundry. Or you can use 3Tbsp of liquid per large load in the detergent drawer.

Can I use soap nuts to safely and effectively wash cloth diapers?
Yes! Soap nuts are found to be the best detergent for washing cloth diapers. They effectively eliminate all lingering smells. They will ’strip’ the diaper of detergent build-up, increasing the diaper’s absorbency!

There are no bubbles during the wash cycle. What’s wrong?
There is nothing wrong! Soap nuts are a natural, low sudsing product. There are no added fillers, dyes or chemicals that would create bubbles in the wash. Even without tons of bubbles, the soap nuts will thoroughly wash your clothes.

Are soap nuts safe for those with nut allergies?
Absolutely! Soapnuts are actually a fruit related to the lychee, so there is need to worry for those with nut allergies.

Are soap nuts safe for those with sensitive skin or skin disorders?
Yes! Soap nuts are natural and hypoallergenic. They do not contain added chemicals or fragrance which often irritates people with skin sensitivities. Soap nuts are beneficial for both bathing and laundry.

Do soap nuts come in different fragrances?
No. Soap nuts are natural so there are no added fragrances. Soap nuts have a distinct smell like apple cider vinegar. However, once you wash your clothes, they will be fragrance free.

For more information on Soap Nuts & how to order, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com

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