What Are Soap Nuts?
Soap nuts are fruits that grow on a Sapindus or Soapberry tree. These harvested fruits make a variety of soaps. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Location
-
The majority of Sapindus trees exist in Nepal and India. Specific species of Sapindus trees also exist in Florida, South Carolina and Mexico.
Function
-
Soap nut shells release saponin, or soap, upon contact with warm water. They are an all-natural, gentle source for soap used in cleaning. Soap nuts are most often used as laundry soap.
-
How to Use
-
Place four to five soap nuts in a small cloth drawstring bag. Throw them in with a load of laundry, and wash on warm. Remove the drawstring bag after the rinse cycle, and allow the soap nuts to dry. You can use these soap nuts three to five times before you compost them.
Other Uses for Soap Nuts
-
You can also use soap nuts as a shampoo, skin cleanser and pesticide wash for food.
Benefits
-
Soap nuts are all natural and highly effective. They are gentle on clothes and preserve color. Soap nuts are also gentle on the skin, so people that suffer from eczema or have sensitive skin can use them without adverse effects.
-
