How to Use Soap nuts

WASHING CLOTHES:

Using bag and shells: Put 5-8 whole shells (or equivalent half shells) into the muslin drawstring bag, tie bag securely and place amongst clothes in the washing machine drum. You can use more shells if you live in a hard water area. For dirtier loads we suggest doing a 3/4 drum load or even a half load depending on how dirty the wash is.

Using soapnut liquid: Once you have made the liquid (see here for recipe), you can use a dosing/wash ball and 100ml of liquid in the drum on top of the wash load, and wash as normal. You may also want to use less if you are also using water softener or soda crystals/ bicarbonate of soda/ oxy bleach or Ecover bleach.

Using soapnut powder: Once you have made the powder (see here for recipe), add 3 tablespoons of the powder to the drawer or add it to the wash in a dosing/wash ball in the drum. You will want to experiment with how much you use, but be careful not to add too much, because the powder will produce more soap in the wash than the liquid or the bag. Again, you may also want to use less if you are also using water softener or soda crystals/ bicarbonate of soda/ oxy bleach or Ecover bleach.

*Tip 1*: One user suggested using the nuts only for three washes. Then blend up the soft shells with some water to make soapnut liquid which can be used in a dosing/wash ball in the drum of the machine. This will get every last bit of soap out of the shells.

*Tip 2*: We have found that they the soapnuts work better if multiply washes are done the same day.  If you are not doing loads of washing then keep the used nuts in the bag, in a small bottle, part filled with water between washes. This also encourages more saponin to come out.

Hand Washing Silks and Delicates: Add 50ml of soap nuts liquid to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes, lingerie or undergarments. Rinse with warm water.

 

TREATING STAINS:

Soapnuts clean as well as any non-biological detergent. Soapnuts are great for hand-washing, delicates/silks, towels and especially cloth nappies. For really tough stains like stubborn grease, grime and when repeatedly washing your whites we suggest you give your nuts a bit of a lift!

Tips for washing stains: Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the drawer and your soap nuts in a bag in the drum. Baking soda used in your wash is also great for stubborn odours like urine, sweat, vomit etc. You can also add equal amounts of white vinegar to create your own version of an oxygenated cleaner.  We also like Soda Crystals Laundry Boost.

We have also found using a water softener like Calgon powder helps to increase the cleaning power of the soapnuts. Use Calgon softener and soapnuts for amazingly clean trainers, canvas pumps or any shoes that need cleaning!

Tips for whiter whites: We recommend using a fresh set of soapnuts in the bag.You can use a cup of lemon juice OR peroxide and the baking soda in the drawer along with your soap nuts for a super white wash. Hanging out in the sun to dry will also help to make your whites whiter. Again Soda Crystals Laundry Boost or Ecover Laundry Bleach will help keep your whites white!

Tips for pre-treating stains: To treat really stubborn stains, soak clothes with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar overnight. You can also mix a paste of baking soda and water to treat collars and cuffs and other stubborn stains before washing. Or use your preferred pre-wash stain treatment.

 

ADDING A FRAGRANCE TO LAUNDRY: Soapnut shells are a natural softener, so no artificial fabric conditioner is needed. But for fragrance you can add 10 – 15 drops of your preferred essential oil into your conditioner drawer or onto the muslin bag. Our preferred scents are: Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Lavender but you can have whatever you like. Lemongrass and orange are great as well for smelly football clothes!

*Tip*: If you are using a tumble dryer you can add a few drops onto a handkerchief and add that to the tumble dryer.

DISPOSAL: The same bag of soap nuts can be re-used 3 - 5 times. Fresh shells look like satin varnish, and progressively after each wash the inside becomes matt beige and the surface becomes darker. We suggest composting the shells, as the saponin should be completely exhausted there will be nothing to inhibit the creepy crawlies to ingest it. However if you are worried, put it in your green recycling.

*Tip*: Watering your garden: Soapnuts are totally organic and, as stated earlier, a mild insecticide.  It is safe, even beneficial to put on your garden. Your washing machine uses about 50 litres (12 gallons!) of water per wash. Collect that waste and your watering problems are over. Say goodbye to those little plant destroying insects.