Soapnuts

The Eco-friendly Soap Alternative

Soapnuts (sapindus mukorossi) are an environmentally friendly, sustainably produced, bio-degradable and compostable alternative to commercial laundry detergents. Grown wild in India, for centuries these nuts have been used for many purposes, from laundry to cleaning jewellery and treating contaminated soil. They are most widely recognised as being an effective and environmentally friendly natural detergent, but can be used for a wide variety of other uses.

Contents 50gm soapnuts, 10 mini washing bags,

and a instructions booklet

IT'S SO EASY BEING GREEN!

So what are soapnuts? - Soapnuts are not really nuts, but the fruits of the Soapnut tree which grows widely in India. The fruit is nestled in a firm outer shell. When the soapnut fruit ripens, it falls off the tree. It is then harvested and naturally sun dried without being subjected to any chemical processes, harmful chemicals or artificial ingredients. After soapnuts are dried, shells are powdered and placed into convenient compostable sachets for use in the modern household. So whether it is your clothes or your conscience, they both come out sparkling clean!

How do they work? - Soapnut shells contain a high proportion of natural saponin. When the shells come in contact with water the saponin is released and suds are produced - just like adding normal detergents. They are excellent for cleaning laundry, leaving it beautifully soft and fresh. There is no need to include softeners and they are especially good for colours because they don’t contain any whiteners or brighteners, so your colours will stay coloured for longer. The nuts can be used for 4-6 consecutive loads and then disposed of in the compost bin or spread around garden plants as mulch. And since the laundry water contains only natural ingredients, it can much more usefully be reused as grey water to reduce water consumption.

Why use Soap Nuts? - Using soap nuts is the best choice for your household and personal care needs. When clothes are rinsed, soapnut Saponins are washed out and pose no threat to the environment, as they are completely organic and biodegradable without any synthetic chemical, synthetic fragrances, foaming agents and other toxins. Soapnuts are safe to use with septic and grey water systems.

The Hypo-allergenic Choice - The soap nut is used traditionally in South-east Asia to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, chronic itching and other skin conditions. Because it is mild and natural it is the ultimate choice for personal care and cleaning needs.

The Ethical Choice - This humble product can naturally wash with the same level of effectiveness as store-bought detergents and save you money at the same time. The soap nut is the fruit (or berry) of the sapindus tree of the Sapindacea family. This renewable resource, preserved through agriculture, assists in keeping wild trees in the ground. These trees are then sustained to aid pollution by mopping up carbon dioxide.

The Smart Choice - The fruit of the sapindus are harvested and dried into halved fruit shells. These shells contain up to 15% saponin, a natural form of soap. Saponin is the active cleaning ingredient in soap nuts and is known for its dermatologically sound lathering and cleansing abilities. The best soap nut for washing and cleaning is sapindus mukorossi.

Soapnut Recipes

Shampoo Great for NITTS PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES

Soapnut Shells Use 3 soapnut shells and 500ml water. Simmer for 10 minutes and add cornflour to thicken if desired as well as any essential oils to scent.

Soapnuts Powder Use 1 teaspoon soapnut powder for shoulder length hair - mix into paste using a little water and wash hair as normal. The shampoo will not lather as you may be used to but it will clean your hair.

Relaxing/Cleansing Bath PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THE EYES

Soapnut Shells Use 3-4 soapnut shells in washbag and allow to steep in hot bathwater for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

Soapnuts Powder Add 2-4 teaspoons soapnut powder to the bath and relax as the powder works it's magic! Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

Jewellery Cleaner

Soapnut Shells Make up a mild soapnut/water solution and use to soak jewellery before rinsing, drying and polishing.

Soapnuts PowderMake a paste of soapnut pwder and water and use to vigorously rub jewellery between fingers. Rinse and polish. Alternatively soak in a mild soapnut solution for a while before rinsing, drying and polishing.

Essential Oils you can add, Lavender oil is one of the most versatile (therapeutically)of all the essentilal oils, it is antiseptic, soothing & relaxing for the body & mind. Blends with Bergamot, Citronella, Clary Sage, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Patchouli, Thyme, Rosemary & Ylang Ylang.

Multi-purpose cleaner

Soapnut - Add 25g (a handful) of soapnut shells to 500 mls hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Add few drops of eucalyptus oil (optional). Allow to cool, strain and add liquid to empty spray bottle. Dispose of shells.

Soapnut Powder - Add 4 teaspoons soapnut powder to 500 mls hot water and boil for 10-15 minutes. Add few drops of eucalyptus oil (optional). Allow to cool, strain and add liquid to empty spray bottle. This can be used to clean the house from top to bottom.