SOAP NUTS  
- NATURAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT -

Soap nuts are nature's favorite laundry detergent.  The most beneficial are from the fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi.  Soap nuts grow wild and are naturally resistant to insects. This species of the Lychee family is native to northern India and the Himalayas. They are a biodegradeable, hypoallergenic, economical, and
a natural surfactant.  

The detergent property of soap nuts is due to the presence of triterpene saponins in their fruit wall(pericarp).   Saponins are naturally occurring chemical compounds that have the same properties as soap and detergents.  The saponin content in soap nuts can range from 10 to 18%.  The saponin content is the highest in the Mukorossi variety.  The mildness of the soap nut is said to keep colors bright and maintain the fabric of your clothes when compared to Western traditional laundry detergents.

There is a carbon footprint to get soap nuts to your home.  However, there is no thick plastic packaging or a multitude of chemicals that have to travel miles.  
There are no phosphates or other chemicals added.  
Soap nuts and their packaging are 100% biodegradable.  
Environmentally speaking, we feel soap nuts are a better choice.

HOW TO USE
Experiment, but consider: the type of water (hard or soft), size of washing machine and load, how soiled the items and the water temperature you are using - See TIPS.

TIPS

• Soap nuts work best when several wash loads are done in a row.  There is no need to resoak the nuts when doing a number of loads in a row.
• If you lose your muslin bag, use a cotton sock or hankie to hold the soap nuts.  Just be sure to tie the top of your sock to keep the soap nuts contained.
• DO NOT OVERSTUFF LOADS!  Soap nuts need water and agitation to work properly.
• Soap nuts absorb moisture.  Store in an airtight container.  If they do get sticky and dark, it is still okay to use them.
• When the saponin has been exhausted from the shells for laundry use they will look dark and feel soggy.
• "Retired" soap nuts have many uses.  They can be put in a food processor to make hand soap or shampoo.  Soap nuts have anti-insecticidal properties and are used to fight lice in India and Nepal.  Soap nuts have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for years.  Lastly, they can be, and should be, composted.
• Soap nuts are great for HE washers because they do not produce a lot of suds.
• They wash most effectively between 85 and 140 degrees f (30 and 60c).
• For an average load of laundry you will use 3-4 shells (or equivalent in pieces).  A larger and dirtier load may require 5-8 shells while smaller loads may only need 2-3. Harder water may require more soap nuts (or salt).
• Forgot to remove your bag of soap nuts before throwing everything in the dryer?  No problem. Just resoak the soap nuts before using again for wash.
• To add a scent to your clothes, put a few drops of an essential oil on to a piece of cloth going in to the dryer.  Do not add any oils during the wash cycle as it may affect clothes wicking ability.
• Be sure to buy de-seeded soap nuts as the seeds have a tendency to make their way out of the muslin bag and stain clothes.  Also, why pay for the weight of the seeds?