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| Soap Nuts - Organic Laundry Detergent |
A Natural Alterative: Greener Living Soap Nuts
I'm always looking for unique and natural products that will make life more simple and healthier for my family. Since receiving a bag of soap nuts for Christmas, I have been really amazed by what they do! I have since started carrying them at the clinic for my patients to try.
They are a natural, effective and economical way to do your laundry (among other uses!).
Here's some info on Soap nuts:
- Grown in India and Nepal, soap nuts are natural cleaning agents that have been used for centuries to clean clothes.
- In the past decade, its made its way to North America.
- Soap Nuts contain Saponin which is biodegradable, 100% natural, and safe for the environment.
How Do You Use Soap Nuts?
Step 1:
Put 3-5 soap nuts in the cotton drawstring bag that comes with your kit.
Step 2:
Pull the bag closed. If you desire scent, add a few drops of essential oil to the outside of the bag. Alternatively use 3 TBSP soap nuts liquid per load (Boil 15 soap nuts in 6 cups water for 30min, strain and keep in airtight container – you will have 4 cups of concentrated liquid.)
Step 3: Pop it in the washing machine and wash clothes on warm or hot. (If you want to use cold water, you need to soak your soap nuts bag in hot tap water for 2 minutes and put the bag and the water into your wash!)
NOTE: Each soap nut can be used 3 to 4 times, then when they are soft and mushy toss them in your compost pile or organic-waste bin.
A Few More Benefits On Soap Nuts:
No Fabric Softener: Soap nuts put natural softeners back into the fabric therefore eliminate the need for fabric softener
Hypoallergenic: Perfect for sensitive skin, people with allergies or eczema. Gentle enough to use on babies clothes for cloth diapers.
Odour Removal: Unmatched at removing odour from musty towels, sweaty clothes, cloth diapers or any other organic odours.
THEY WORK! Under great scrutiny Soap Nuts have proven themselves again and again. The Naturally occurring Saponin in the soap nuts lifts and removes dirt from fabrics cleaning as well as many name brand detergents!
Here's some other uses from the greener living website (
www.buysoapnuts.com):
Mosquito Repellent
Spray it onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.
Liquid Hand Soap
Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. It will not create tons of lather like traditional soap, but it will still get your hands clean. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand wash a tea tree soap.
Shampoo
Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo. It can even help prevent dandruff and hair loss! Leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. It will not create a lot of suds, but it will still work!
Hand Washing Silks and Delicates
Add 1 or 2tsp. soap nuts liquid or powder to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes, lingerie or undergarments. Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.
All Purpose Cleaner:
Keep it in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors etc. Add a few drops of essential oil if you prefer a different scent.
Steam Cleaning Spot Treatment
Add 3Tbsp. to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out urine smells and stains.
Window and Glass Cleaner:
Fill a spray bottle with 2c. water, 1Tbsp.vinegar and 1Tbsp. soapnuts liquid. Spray and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.
In the Dishwasher:
Fill the soap dispenser with the liquid. Make sure to scrape the dishes clean first. Add vinegar as a rinse agent, and your dishes will come out sparkling clean!
For Your Pets
Add the liquid to a spray bottle or foaming pump bottle to wash your pet’s fur. It will leave the fur soft and manageable. Also spray directly onto pet’s fur to help repel mosquitoes.
Plant Wash and Pest Repellent
Add 1c. water, 1Tbsp. soap nuts liquid and 1Tbsp. Neem oil (optional) to a clean spray bottle. Shake well.
For plant wash, spray leaves and wipe clean. To repel pests, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.
Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
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