These amazing little shells of the soap nut tree contain soap or saponin which we can use to clean our clothes with. They are economical, chemical free and protect your clothes from bacteria and fungus and whats more when you have finished washing your clothes with them you just pop them in your compost bin.
So how do you use them?
Pop a few shells in a wash bag or sock and then put them in the drum of your washing machine with your clothes and wash as normal. When the soap nuts come into contact with water they release saponin and this acts like a detergent to aid the water in freeing dirt, grime and oils from our clothes.
They are highly recommended for people who have skin allergies or sensitive skin as they are 100% natural and free of chemicals. Some people have seen their eczema and psoriasis clear up as a result of using soap nuts.
To make Liquid Soap
Simmer about half a dozen soap nuts for five minutes. The amount of water you use doesn’t really matter. Simply use enough water to cover the shells. If you use nut shells that haven’t been used before you will end up with a fairly “strong” solution. You can dilute the liquid accordingly afterwards. Cool and strain. Alternatively, pour boiling water over shells and leave to cool. Procedure can be repeated several times before shells are disposed of on compost heap.
Liquid Soap can be used for -
Washing delicate items by hand and for washing hands.
Washing dishes (particularly good for glassware).
Use in place of conventional screen wash in your car! (Dilute with cold water 1:4).
Add a few drops of essential oil for an effective spray-on general surface cleaner.
Add a little white vinegar for a super-effective window/glass cleaner.
Add to a spray bottle and attack greenfly and aphids!
Simmer about half a dozen soap nuts for five minutes. The amount of water you use doesn’t really matter. Simply use enough water to cover the shells. If you use nut shells that haven’t been used before you will end up with a fairly “strong” solution. You can dilute the liquid accordingly afterwards. Cool and strain. Alternatively, pour boiling water over shells and leave to cool. Procedure can be repeated several times before shells are disposed of on compost heap.
Liquid Soap can be used for -
Washing delicate items by hand and for washing hands.
Washing dishes (particularly good for glassware).
Use in place of conventional screen wash in your car! (Dilute with cold water 1:4).
Add a few drops of essential oil for an effective spray-on general surface cleaner.
Add a little white vinegar for a super-effective window/glass cleaner.
Add to a spray bottle and attack greenfly and aphids!
They are excellent for hand washing clothes.
I would suggest that you swish half a dozen soap nuts round in some warm water for a while, then remove them and use the soapy water that's left.
This prevents any bits of nuts getting in the clothes. If you decide to use them in a washing machine, always keep the nuts in a sock or something similar.
The saponin in the nuts is really good stuff and it can be used in a spray/ bottle for general cleaning purposes too.
Its especially good for coloured fabrics as the colours stay true and bright.
Hope you like them - I sell quite a few from my site.
I would suggest that you swish half a dozen soap nuts round in some warm water for a while, then remove them and use the soapy water that's left.
This prevents any bits of nuts getting in the clothes. If you decide to use them in a washing machine, always keep the nuts in a sock or something similar.
The saponin in the nuts is really good stuff and it can be used in a spray/ bottle for general cleaning purposes too.
Its especially good for coloured fabrics as the colours stay true and bright.
Hope you like them - I sell quite a few from my site.
