Wanted to rave about a product I use Called Soap Nuts, Natures detergent

Can you imagine not having to use chemicals in your laundry? Did you know there is a single product that could help you with all your household cleaning that contains absolutely no chemicals. Now can you imagine a fruit which is actually a detergent?

Soapnuts have been in use throughout India and Nepal for centuries as a versatile and gentle cleaning agent. It not only washes and cleanses, but is also natural and environment friendly at the same time. Although called soapnuts they are in actual fact berries and are also known as Soapberries or Ritha/Reetha (in Hindi). The seed from the middle of the nut is used to make prayer beads.

The berry naturally contains saponin also known as nature’s soap. When water makes contact with the berry a mild sud is created. No need for fabric softener as the soapnuts naturally soften the clothing. If you would like fragrance a few drops of essential oil can be added.

Simple to use just place 6-8 half shells in a cotton bag or tied thin sock ( a brilliant use for all those odd socks) and place in washing machine with your clothes. They can be used in both top and front loading washing machines. They can be reused up to 3-5 times when using cold water and used only once in warm or hot water.

Soap nuts are such an effective way to wash clothes. So effective in fact that they are commonplace now in many parts of the world including America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Soap nuts contain no bleaching agents and no optical brighteners-so if you like your whites dazzlingly white there is a myriad of eco friendly bleach alternatives. As with other laundry detergents more stubborn stains must be treated prior to washing. Once again you could purchase an eco alternative or use one of the fabulous old home remedies which you will probably find in your kitchen cupboard. People have reported great success in using soap nuts even on cloth nappies

Once you have used the soapnuts completely they can be placed in your compost. Soap nuts are antimicrobial and are suitable for use in grey water and very good for septic tanks as they don’t kill off any life giving organisms.

Soapnuts are brilliant for everyone. Young babies, Elderly and those who suffer with skin allergies and sensitivities benefit greatly from their use. They are also great for hikers, campers and those who live in remote areas as they do not pollute waterways or soil so you can truly leave nothing behind but your footprints.

If your machine allows it you can also miss the rinse cycle on your wash to prevent unnecessary use of water and electricity as soap nuts don’t need to be rinsed from your clothing.

Soap nuts have a multitude of uses. The more you use them and the more you find out the longer the list. They can be used successfully in your dishwasher with the addition of a little vinegar in the rinse. You can use them to create a multi purpose cleaning liquid to clean surfaces, as a jewellery cleaner and to clean your family pet. As a shampoo they are reputed to help with dandruff and making the hair shiny.

Gardeners have also reported success with using the soapnut solution to keep away certain pests.