Everything you need to know about Living Naturally Soapnuts...

Commercial detergents and soaps contain chemicals that build up in the nappy. Not only do these chemicals break down the fibres of the material causing it to loose absorbency and colour, but can also be irritating to your baby's skin. In addition, soapnuts are very effective at removing odours!

In fact, using commercial detergents does this to all of your clothes. Your clothes are coated with "whitening agents", optical bleaches and unknown chemicals and enzymes which affect the fibres and strip the colours away.

Have a look at our testimonials to see how many people report that their skin irritation and/or eczema ceases once they start to use soap nuts and bin their old chemical detergents. Read this independent review of soapnuts

Yes. Soapnuts may produce little suds, but they are still working very effectively. Your clothes will still come out of the wash clean and fresh. Suds should not be equated to cleaning power. We have been brainwashed to think this way through decades of marketing. The foaming you see with most detergents is because of the artificial foaming agents used.

However, for all you die-hard suds addicts…to increase suds, between washes store your bag of soap nuts in a jar with water in and cover with a lid. When you use these already softened and moist nuts the saponin will be released quicker and you will get much more bubbles. The liquid in the jar can also be used in a dispenser in the drum of your washing machine as well. Also I Ihave noticed a lot more suds when I have used soapnut powder.

Using a low-sudsing alternative like soapnut shells or soapnut powder will not only keep your Energy Efficient washing machine running more efficently, but because soapnuts are also free of Sulphates, Phosphates, Phenols, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Petro-chemicals, Perfume and Bleach they are great for anyone with sensitivites as they are hypoallergenic. You can use soapnuts at any temperature from 30 – 90 degrees and they are 100% biodegradable!

To read more about how soapnuts are good for energy efficient washing machines click here

No. Since agitation is a catalyst in releasing the saponin, small pieces will work fine and possibly even release the saponin faster. Do not hesitate to break up the soap nuts into smaller pieces if desired, or be concerned if they are broken up while handling.

If you prefer, you can use your broken up soapnut shells to make soapnut powder or liquid, have a look at our ‘Soapnut Recipe…’ page for more recipes and ideas.

If you desire to bleach your whites, adding your bleach of choice will not affect the cleaning power of the soap nuts. Soapnuts do not have any added whiteners or enzymes to help with stains like chemical detergents, so you will need to pre-treat stubborn stains prior to washing. Use your favourite stain remover in conjunction with soapnuts laundry detergent. To find out more about treating stains click here , For really stubborn stains we suggest Vanish powder or Ecover laundry bleach.

Normally there is no need. Livign Naturally Soapnut Shells naturally soften your laundry and reduce static. We highly recommend using no additives at all. Due to certain combinations of fabrics and environmental conditions, sometimes additives may be desired, but the need will be dramatically reduced.

For tips on how to use soapnuts to wash your laundry click here

Yes! Since there’s no soapy residue to rinse away you can use short to no rinse cycle on your washing machine. Also, 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. See above for the section on low sudsing detergents and energy efficient washing machines.

To see when to dispose of your soapnut shells click here

As with a chemical cleanser, the only thing that we highly recommend is that soapnuts (in all forms) should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Soap nuts are not consumable and are harmful if eaten. Given their date-like appearance in raw shell form, a bag of soapnuts could look like food to a child or pet. Given their absolutely horrible taste, it is quite unlikely that any child or even a pet would not literally gag at the taste, but we simply recommend using good judgment and common sense in the storage of them.

Also because they contain soap/saponin, as with all soap products keep away from eyes. If soapnut liquid/powder goes into your eyes, rinse out with cold water immediately.

Try Living Naturally Soapnut Shells today! Free P&P on all items no matter how big or small!!