Cleaning with soapnuts (AKA soap berries) might seem like a new, eco-friendly trend, but the practice has actually been around for centuries. People in Nepal and India as well as Native Americans have known about the amazing cleaning powers of soapnuts for hundreds of years. But if they are new to you, keep reading and be amazed at what this all-natural, sustainable cleaning product can do.
What are soapnuts?
Sapindus mukorossi — the Soapnut Tree — is native to India and the Himalayas, and it produces a small, black berry-like fruit that can be harvested between September and February. When the berries are deseeded, and the shells are dried, you can use them to clean anything and everything, but they are most often used as a laundry detergent.
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Soapnut shells contain saponin, a natural surfactant. When soapnuts get wet, they absorb water and release the saponins, which circulate in the wash water to remove dirt, oils and particles from clothing. In comparison, commercial laundry detergents mostly contain chemical surfactants, and some have been linked to cancer.
The tree itself has some amazing environmental benefits. It has a six-month harvest time each year and can be harvested for almost an entire century, which means one tree can produce a lot of soapnuts. The tree also helps in the fight against climate change, because it converts carbon dioxide into oxygen and cleans the air.
But the berries are even more impressive. The shells are 100 percent biodegradable for easy composting, they are safe for septic systems, naturally hypoallergenic, gentle to sensitive skin and they don’t damage fabrics, skin or surfaces.
Soapnuts are used to treat eczema and psoriasis, and they have a natural anti-venom property that can remove poison from snake and scorpion bites.
Some research has shown that soapnuts have anti-cancer properties that canprevent tumor cell growth.
Soapnuts have also been used by smokers to help reduce tobacco cravings, and they have also been known torelieve migraines.
A shampoo alternative
You can ditch shampoo and wash your hair with soapnuts. They are a natural, inexpensive alternative that will leave your hair soft. They are also great for hair growth and preventing hair loss. The vitamins in soapnuts will make your hair shiny and smooth, and if you use them regularly, soapnuts can reduce split ends, tame frizz and detangle.
Soapnuts can fight dandruff, because they are antifungal and antibacterial. They also have insecticidal properties that can kill lice. There is one word of caution when it comes to soapnuts: you want to make sure not to get them in your eyes. Because of those lice-killing properties, they can cause your eyelids to swell.
Sustainable pet care
Liquid soapnut solution isn’t just great for human hair; it can also be used to shampoo your pets. A soapnut detergent works well for washing pet beds and cleaning toys. Becauseinsects hate soapnuts, you can spray your pet with the solution to repel fleas and ticks.
An eco-friendly laundry detergent
Soapnuts are the perfect,plant-based substituteto conventional laundry detergents. All you have to do is place four or five soapnuts into a muslin bag and throw it in the wash. They will make your clothes fresh and clean, they don’t leave behind residue and they even remove stains.
You can also reuse them several times, and thencompostthem when finished, making soapnuts azero-wastelaundry detergent.
Natural skincare
Soapnuts can prevent dry skin, because they are a natural moisturizer. Using them as a face cleanser can brighten your complexion and even out your skin tone. Using soapnuts as a body wash will cool and cleanse your skin without causing damage. This all-natural product can also help fight acne and soothe eczema.
Skin rashes andallergiesare no match for soapnuts, because they don’t dry out skin like many store-bought options. They are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, so you can use soapnuts on your baby’s skin — they may even work on diaper rash.
A green all-purpose cleaner
You can clean your entire house with soapnuts. Just a couple of mashed berries mixed with water will create a powerful, natural solution that can clean glass, cabinets, kitchen surfaces and dishes. They are odorless, so if you want a fragrance, simply add a few drops of essential oils.
Soapnut liquid soap solution is also great for cleaning electronics, polishing jewelry or even washing your car.
How to make a soapnut cleaning solution
The basic recipe for soapnut cleaning solution is two to three berries for each cup of water. You mash the berries and add them to water before boiling for about half an hour, so they release the saponins. Once the water is cool, strain it through muslin cloth and add essential oils, if you prefer. You can store the solution in a jar or put it in a spray bottle.
The basic recipe for soapnut cleaning solution is two to three berries for each cup of water. You mash the berries and add them to water before boiling for about half an hour, so they release the saponins. Once the water is cool, strain it through muslin cloth and add essential oils, if you prefer.
The potent moisturizing property of the soapnut keeps the skin well hydrated, prevents drying of the skin and making the skin look radiant and supple. Furthermore, the powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties treat skin disorders like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
The soap nuts are supposed to last 83 wash loads, and you're said to be able to reuse the same 4 to 5 soap nuts for up to seven loads of laundry. That equates to about 13 cents per load, which Barber says is more cost effective than other eco-friendly laundry products.
Soap nuts are a wonderful alternative to tackle many of your dirty household jobs. They have been used to make: an all-purpose cleaner, pet shampoo, glass cleaner, fruit and vegetable wash, car wash, floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, and even a substitute for dishwashing detergent.
Soap nuts are also said to be naturally antimicrobial, so they don't just clean — they may disinfect, too! Plus, they're inexpensive, fragrance-free, and a planet-friendly alternative to your typical household cleaners.
Soap nuts are naturally hypoallergenic, anti-fungal and antibacterial. They are fruit which grow on trees, dry naturally and require no chemical processing to be effective.
No. In humid conditions SoapNuts absorb moisture and become sticky. If this happens it won't affect the product or its cleaning capabilities, it will still wash brilliantly.
Soapnuts can prevent dry skin, because they are a natural moisturizer. Using them as a face cleanser can brighten your complexion and even out your skin tone. Using soapnuts as a body wash will cool and cleanse your skin without causing damage. This all-natural product can also help fight acne and soothe eczema.
SoapNuts Liquid: Add 2-3 caps of Soap Nuts liquid into the detergent compartment and wash as normal. For the liquid available through our shop, we recommend to dilute with a ratio of 20 parts water and 1 part liquid. Add some vinegar in the rinse aid dispenser and your cutlery will come out sparkling clean.
Soap nuts can be used to make a really easy natural shampoo or body wash that is soothing to eczema or psoriasis. Soap nuts shampoo is also incredibly inexpensive to make and completely natural.
You can easily add a fragrance to your washing with the use of essential oils. Try adding 5-10 drops of your favourite essential oils to the soap nut bag for fabulously fragrant clothes.
Pure soapnut liquid may have a slight vinegar scent, it will not transfer to your laundry or cleaning either. If you prefer a scent, you can simply add a few drops of your essential oil to the wash or use linen water.
How to Use Soap Nut Laundry Detergent. Add four tablespoons of homemade laundry liquid to a medium-sized load of laundry. Wash according to recommendations on clothes. For heavily soiled clothes, add 1-2 tablespoons of borax powder to the wash.
SoapNuts naturally soften your fabrics. 100% biodegradable. Simply add the used SoapNuts directly to your compost heap and they are safe to use on your septic tank.
Is Soap Nut Safe For Hair? Because of its soapy texture, soap nut makes for an ideal ingredient to wash hair with. Being rich in Vitamins A, D, E and K, soap nut provides the best nutrition to your hair and assists in hair growth.
SoapNuts won't remove stubborn stains but will remove general grime. You may presoak clothes in liquid SoapNuts prior to washing for extra cleaning power if required. Or your could presoak the clothes overnight in Oxygen bleach and then wash as normal with SoapNuts.
Although you should wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible for energy savings and to lower your carbon footprint, it's important to note that soap nuts will produce more suds in warm water. If you have heavily soiled clothes, you might need to do one load using warm water for the best results.
Do the soapberries need to be taken out of the machine for the rinse cycle? Soapberries do not leave any soap residue in the clothing fibres as they break the surface tension of the water and draw the dirt out and away from the fabric. This means there is nothing to rinse off.
Is it okay to use Reetha (soapnut) every day for hair wash? Yes, Reetha can be used everyday for hair wash. It is due to its cleansing property that helps to get rid of oily secretions from scalp and also it forms a rich and natural lather[10].
Some people soak the soapnuts overnight for a very slow extraction of soapy liquid, but eventually heat will be required to extract all of the soap present. You can keep extra bottles in the fridge, or add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to act as a preservative.
Soapnuts are the best for hair growth. Hence, they are used in many natural hair tonics and solutions. They are used as powdered or liquid reetha to achieve thick and bouncy hair. Soapnuts also exhibit insecticidal properties that help in killing lice on the scalp.
The cleaning properties of soap nuts are safe for natural skin care and hair care. You can wash your hair and body with soap nut liquid (and extra vegetable glycerin to make it thicker!), or even just scrub your body with a handful of soap nuts.
Is it okay to use Reetha (soapnut) every day for hair wash? Yes, Reetha can be used everyday for hair wash. It is due to its cleansing property that helps to get rid of oily secretions from scalp and also it forms a rich and natural lather[10].
Soapnuts can prevent dry skin, because they are a natural moisturizer. Using them as a face cleanser can brighten your complexion and even out your skin tone. Using soapnuts as a body wash will cool and cleanse your skin without causing damage. This all-natural product can also help fight acne and soothe eczema.
Makes hair strong, healthy, soft, and lustrous: Apart from being a natural detergent, soap nuts contain a good amount of nutrients such as Vitamin A, D, E, and K, which keeps the hair healthy and give shine and luster. A natural conditioner: Soapnuts provide moisturization and natural conditioning to the hair.
To store longer, you can keep it in the fridge. But do remember to label it BIG and CLEAR. You don't want to mix it up with other drinks… To store them even longer, it is suggested that you freeze it in cubes and use them as and when it's needed.
Is Soap Nut Safe For Hair? Because of its soapy texture, soap nut makes for an ideal ingredient to wash hair with. Being rich in Vitamins A, D, E and K, soap nut provides the best nutrition to your hair and assists in hair growth.
Nuts like peanuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts are great sources of protein, healthy fats, biotin and zinc which support healthy tissue development on the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
But don't be fooled by the low level of suds and/or foam. Very little Soap Nuts shampoo/body wash is required to leave your hair soft, silky and clean. And no conditioners are required!
Let the oil sit for 10-30 minutes (the longer the better). And to remove it again: Apply soapnut decoction directly to the scalp and hair WITHOUT WETTING IT FIRST.Apply enough decoction to amply cover the hair/scalp.
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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