Are soap nuts right for you?
ayla whitehead
What is a Soap Nut?
According to Mountain Rose Herbs:
“Soap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing.”
Why soap nuts are more convenient:
1.) If you are using a liquid detergent then you can kiss the goopy ring on your shelf goodbye! No more mess. Just bag, toss, and repeat until they are grey and brittle. Easy as pie!
2.) They are the natural alternative to laundry pods. Just toss in a bag just like a pod BUT it has an added bonus- keep using same bag until they are grey and brittle. Normally you get about 5 washes per bag! You can only use a laundry pod once…now that isn’t very convenient is it
Why switch to soap nuts?
1.) They are safer for your family! If your toddler eats one of your laundry pods they could need their stomach pumped, but not with soap nuts!
2.) If any one in your family has sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies this is a must have! Even the “free and clear” detergents have preservatives, emulsifiers, and stabilizers to prolong shelf life. They are not as “free and clear” as we are led to believe.
3.) They are the cheapest natural product per load that we have found! An 8 oz jar (smallest option) does approximately 30-40 loads which is around 13 cents per load! Wow!
Who are soap nuts good for?
Everyone! But most importantly:
1.) Babies and children. Soap nuts are the only laundry detergent I will ever use for any of my children again! We started when the twins were newborns when the baby laundry detergent broke them out in a rash. Never again will we use store bought detergent on our kids!
2.) Expecting mothers. Studies have proven that babies BORN with cancer had high concentrations of chemicals in the umbilical cord tissue. That means every time mom put on synthetic loaded lotion, body wash, shampoo, laundry detergent, ate processed foods, etc chemicals passed through the mother and were stored by baby.
3.) Eczema sufferers. The current thinking is that eczema is caused by a combination of:
a. Genetics / environment
b. Abnormal function of the immune system
c. Activities that may cause skin to be more sensitive
d. Defects in skin barrier that allow moisture out & germs in.
Chemical exposure over long periods of time have been proven to irritate the skin which can weaken the barrier. Most laundry detergents have additives which cause skin sensitivity.
Anyone living a healthy chemical-free lifestyle can benefit!
How to use soap nuts:
- Put three soap nuts in the included bag and tie it up.
- Toss the bag in the washing machine with your clothes- NOT in the detergent drawer.
- Run cycle like normal.
- Re-use same bag until soap nuts are grey and brittle (normally 4-5 washes)
**The warmer the water the more the soap nut will suds up. The more they suds up the shorter their wash life will be. For longest wash life and to achieve 4-5 washes per bag use cold water only. For maximum bubbling use hot water you will only but only get about 2 washes per bag.**