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Soapnuts/Aritha/Reetha/Shikakai

(Scientific name: Sapindus Mukorosse)

Basic Information:

Soapnuts are 100% natural and contain no chemical additives, which make them a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. They work because their shell contains a substance called "saponins" which when added to water reacts like soap. The outer shell of the soap nut gives up a soapy substance (Saponin) when it comes into contact with water. The inner seed is hard and black and contains no saponin. Therefore it is best to crack the shells and discard the seed (before using the soap nuts). Whole soapnuts (including seeds) can be used and disposed off later if desired.You will find them cheaper, saving at least 50% compared to normal detergent. There's no need for fabric conditioner as garments remain remarkably soft saving you more money.

As soapnuts contain no perfume, you may prefer to add some essential oil such as Lavender, Tea Tree or any fragrance you like (if using on children or have sensitive skin please be aware some essential oils may not be suitable).Once finished with, either add them to your compost or re-use when making the recipe below.

General Washing:

They will protect your coloured garments but as they contain no bleaching agents you may find, after repeated use, your whites may become greyish and will need a bleaching agent to put the whiteness back. You simply need to pop 6 – 8 Soapnuts (including seeds) or their shells (excluding seeds) into a small cotton bag/pouch/handkerchief/sock or similar, tie it up tightly and throw it in the drum of the washing machine with your laundry load. You will not need to add any other detergent. Soapnuts wash effectively between 30 and 60 degrees and the bag full will last for up to 3-4 washes. When the Saponin has been used up the shells/ soapnuts will look dark and soggy – at this point you can safely throw them on your compost heap (excluding the seeds) where they will help your plants.

Alternatively put 3-4 tablespoons of Soap Nut Juice into the powder section of your washing machine drawer or in a washing ball. Soap nuts also soften your fabric so you can stop using your fabric conditioner too.

Soap nuts and juice are completely odour free so if you want to fragrance your washing then simply add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to either the juice or the bag of shells. Lavender works particularly well, as does lemon but the choice is yours.

Soapnut Juice:

100 grams of soapnuts will make approximately 2.5 litres of Soapnut Juice. Instructions on how to make this can be found below. Soapnut juice can be used for many purposes.

 Laundry (approx. 3 tablespoon fulls per laundry load)
 In your dishwasher (approx. same amount & you can use vinegar instead of rinse aid)
 Your floors
 Bathroom
 Instead of hair shampoo
 Use as window cleaner together with vinegar (2 tablespoons Soapnut Juice to 3 tablespoons vinegar).
 When you think you've extracted all the saponin, throw the Soapnuts (excluding seeds) in your blender with a bit of water and you'll have a wonderful 'liquid soap’ for the hand basin.

How to Make Soapnut Juice:

1. Pour approx. 1 litre of water into a cooking pot
2. Add about 50g (handful) cracked soap nuts (excluding seeds)
3. Cover and boil, then simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water.
4. Let the infusion cool and you can use it immediately, or let it steep overnight. Strain into appropriate container. The liquid that is left can then be used as shampoo, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid and many other uses. The soapnut infusion is theoretically suitable for every kind of cleaning - even wash your car with it!
5. Why not experiment by changing the soapnut shell to water ratio to alter the concentration depending on its use and adding essential oil if appropriate, also a longer cooking time will make the liquid more concentrated.

For further enquiries or to order Soap-nuts:

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