FREE alternative to soap nuts..

geordie_joe

ailuro2 wrote: »

But boiling the water for 10 minutes will use up a lot of energy.

No it won't, bringing a couple of cups of water to the boil won't take much energy at all. Don't forget, once the water has reached boiling point it won't get any hotter so turn the heat down so it is just enough to keep the water simmering.

boredofbeingathome

barrymung wrote: »

More here:

http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:PZEH1OEIjakJ:myweb.tiscali.co.uk/temetfutue/glossary/glossaryF.htm+toga+wash+urine&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk

It seems that a "Urine tax" was imposed! (The ultimate p*ss take?)

"Different kinds of alkali were used to separate the dirt more easily from the clothes. By far the most common was the urine of men and animals, which was mixed with the water in which the clothes were washed. To procure a sufficient supply of urine, the fullones were accustomed to place at the corners of the streets vessels, which they carried away after they had been filled by passers-by. Vespasian imposed a urinae vectigal, which was a tax paid by the fullones"

They used to also collect it in barrels for local factories in lancashire, and pay more pennies for good quality urine. Another little thing is that they used to peg the linen out in fields and used tenter hooks for doing so, which is where we get the saying"on tenterhooks" waiting for the sun to bleach things- before the weather could ruin them.
In lancaster they had a natural bed of reeds to wash clothes mixed with ash and urine, essentially doing the same job as nowadays and i think still used up until the lever brothers started to manufacture soap and soap powder. Many people didn't like the smell at first and found it too sweet and sickly.
An absolutely fascinating subject- thanks for reminding me about it.

Seakay

dizzie wrote: »

Does anyone know anything about growing/using soapwort as a detergent? Google searches look interesting.

My OH was involved with the archaeology in a medieval village at one point and we still visit the place; after they'd reconstructed the buildings they started making gardens etc and one of the things that they grew was soapwort. I've only seen it used in a small way for demonstration purposes, but I was amazed at how effective it was. The thing that you'll really need to research is how much you need to use and grow to provide yourself with a practical amount on a regular basis.

Seakay

I understand that dried soapwort root can be bought from some healthfood shops, and I found this recipe on another forum (self sufficientish):

"Hi, I have this recipe for Fabric Shampoo (can be used on upholstery)

1 Ounce dried Soapwort root or four handfuls whole fresh plant
3 pints water.

If using dried roots they should be soaked for nine hours before preparing. Chop fresh whole plant put in pan with cold water and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for about half an hour. This applied to freh or dried Soapwort. Stir occasionally. Cool and strain. Use solution undiluted.

I understand that soapwort was used for washing all sorts in days of yore.

Sue"

Murrell

Did anyone experiment with the conkers this year? I forgot all about it and its too late now!!!