Soapnuts

halloweenqueen_2

I got a sample of soapnuts, I used them to wash white sheets - they smelt lovely as I used an essential oil like they recommend you can, but I'm not going to stick with them, the cleaning power wasn't as good as I'd like. I used enough of them, maybe I'll give them another go with soda crystals, but little bits of them broke off and got through the net I was using and welded themselves quite firmly to the sheet. Maybe its me!!!

black-saturn

I'm not using the net they sent as like you say bits break off. I've used one of the kids many odd socks with a knot in it.

Caterina

I have tried the sock method (it works well) and the net method (it leaves bits of nuts on the clothes), therefore I vote for the sock method - also when you buy from inasoapnutshell they send you a small cotton bag which is just as good.

I use May Chang essential oil, only 2 drops are sufficient for a full load.

Caterina

anguk

Caterina wrote:

I use May Chang essential oil, only 2 drops are sufficient for a full load.

The first time I tried with 5 drops of Lime essential oil and my clothes smelt of nothing, next time I used 10 drops of Lemon essential oil and my clothes still smell of nothing. How can I get them to smell nice, it's the only thing I don't like about the soapnuts, I've got used to a nice fragrance from the fabric conditioner & soap powder.

halloweenqueen_2

They didn't send me a net - I only got a sample so don't blame them, but think i wil stick to the powder and soda crystals mix, might keep to using essential oils in the conditioner drawer though!

Mr_Proctalgia

My nuts have turned up now - Aren't they funny looking things? They arrived in a recycled envelope and even the receipt had a smiley on it, nice people. :T

All I need to do is get enough washing together to have a try. I've put my nuts in a little sack and tied it up (O'er missis) but I cannot see into my machine when it is running so I guess it will be judged on the final results.

I found the exporter on google yesterday, they even do the pre-printed sacks, so if anyone wants them by the tonne load???? You can also get soap nut shampoo and body scrub. According to the blurb they are also emetic and diaretic! if anyone wishes to try.

mamaoba

citrus essential oils and stainless steel are a no no so please don't use lemon or orange again in your washing machine as it's not good for it. over time the citrus essential oils corrode stainless steel.

I have very hard water so always use white vinegar with lavender in the fabric conditioner drawer. geranium is also lovely and at Xmas I added a bit of cinnamon to a few items I tend to stick with lavender (or the occasional bit of tea tree oil if DS has been ill) simply cos it's one of the cheaper oils and is suitable for babies.

i get comments on the nice smell of my washing

I've been using soapnuts for about 18 months now and work on the theory that if they get nappies clean they'll clean anything!

do remember though they only have the cleaning power of a non-bio & no bleaching agents so you may need to add a stain remover/ecover bleach/soda crystals to the occasional load.

SusanCarter

I've come to this thread from a discussion on the green/ethical board and just have a few questions about these nuts. Someone said that the nuts are used in the pharmaceutical industry. If so, presumably, we are purchasing a by-product which I would consider to be a good idea. However, I am concerned at the fact that these come from half way around the world. Someone mentioned http://www.naturalchild.co.uk/ShopHome/en-gb/dept_106.html earlier in the thread and I notice they have green eco balls for washing. Does anyone know how these compare either in terms of effectiveness or environmental impact?

Sharra

On a side note - after reading this thread and checking out the website - the Aqua Oleum Lavender they sell is the best lavender oil I've come across, not many places seem to sell it anymore.

thriftlady_2

Sorry if this has already been covered,but does anyone know if these soapnuts are safe for nut allergy sufferers?