Sounding like a made up word used to trick someone, soapnuts are actually an environmentalist's dream. Grown on trees and used for centuries in lands like Nepal and India for home and personal cleaning, the Sapindus mukorrosi (soapnut) is in fact more a fruit of the soapberry tree, not a true nut. In fact, even people with nut allergies are safe using these little orbs. While scarcely known in the Western world for the most part, there is a recent increase in imports thanks to the rise in interest in eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals and commercial detergents.
So how does one use soapnuts in the laundry? It's so simple many people using them for the first time think they have misread the instructions. A small muslin or cotton bag is included with each order; this is the washing bag. Three to four soapnuts are placed inside the bag, the drawstrings are pulled closed, and the bag is tossed into the washing machine. That's it. Really. The same soapnuts can be used for up to five wash loads. What does a person do with the used up soanuts? Throw them into your compost, of course!
How exactly do soapnuts work if there are no chemicals? The outer shells are coated with saponin, a natural surfactant which, when released, breaks the surface tension of water. When dirt is released by agitation, the saponin's effect prevents the dirt from being re-deposited on the clothing. Commercial detergents have manufactured, chemical surfactants.
What is the allure of soapnuts to "greenies"? Well, try the fact that they are 100% organic, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, toxin and chemical free, sustainably harvested, require minimal packaging, have multiple uses, are low-sudsing (therefore ideal for newer high efficiency washers), are cost effective and reusable.
For more information and faq's, visit www.buysoapnutshere.com .
