Although few Americans have ever heard of soapnuts, also called soapberries, they have been used for thousands of years by people all over the world, including Europe, Asia, and even the Native Americans.
What are Soapnuts?
Soapnunts are the berry of a genus of trees, Sapindus, and shrubs in the maple family. They contain a chemical known as saponins, which are a natural surfactant (soap-like cleanser.) Although they have been used in Ayurveda and other natural medicine disciplines, the greatest and best-known use is exactly what the name implies: to clean with instead of soap.
What Can You Clean Using Soapnuts?
Almost anything soap can be used for, so can soapnuts. In India, they are frequently used to wash clothes, hair, even the body, and the remnants are used for general housecleaning, such as washing floors. They are gentle antimicrobials, and are perfect for those with allergies to commercial detergents or sensitive skin.
How to Use Soapnuts for Laundry
For laundry, simply place the meat of about 5-8 berries (without the inner seed) into a small cloth bag, such as a drawstring cloth teabag, and place the bag in the wash water. In a washing machine, you will quickly see suds beginning to form, just as with regular soaps or detergents. Clothes come out smelling fresh and clean without any heavy perfumes or scents, making them a perfect choice for those who are sensitive to strong smells, such as migraine sufferers.
The clothes also come out much softer, often reducing or eliminating the need for a fabric softener in the dryer – this makes them especially suited for towels and cloth diapers, as there is no film deposited on the cloth that prevents it from absorbing as well. As an added bonus, many people say that colors are actually brightened by the soapnuts, instead of dulled as with most commercial detergents. The one use they may not be best suited for is whites; they have been known to give whites a grayish color, especially in cheaper cloth.
They are good for about 8 loads of laundry, then can be boiled down to use as a household cleaner (as described below.)
How to Use Soapnuts to Clean Hair or the Body
Place a few berries without seeds in a bowl of clean warm water. Agitate with the hands until a good amount of suds form. Rinse hair with the resulting soapy water and work in well, or clean the body using a cloth, loofa, bath pouf, or similar. The flesh of the berries, or pieces there of, can be used as an exfoliant, but can be a bit harsh. It is especially good for oily skin or hair, but suitable for all types.
How to Use Soapnuts to Clean Around the House
Place the flesh of a handful of soapnuts into distilled water — this is usually the nuts already used for cleaning laundry or the body and hair. Bring the water to a boil, and continue to boil for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit overnight, then strain the remaining pieces of berry from the water. This soapy water can be put into a spray bottle and used anywhere soap and water could normally be used. It leaves surfaces squeaky clean and shiny, without any rinsing needed. It is also quite safe to use on fruits and vegetables. This finished cleaner will remain good for about 2-3 weeks.
Genevieve Kiger - Genevieve is passionate about all manner of natural subjects; herbs, herbalism, aromatherapy, and general natural health and body care.
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