How to Make Natural Soap Free and Detergent Free Laundry "Soap" From Plants
Certain plants clean like natural laundry detergent, but contain no soap or detergent. These plants contain natural saponins. Unlike detergents, saponins are gentle natural laundry soap replacers also known to eliminate the need for fabric softener. Many feel they are better than natural laundry detergent for your clothes, kids, and the environment. Soapberry, which grows in tropical and subtropical areas, is one such plant that can replace even natural laundry soap. Parts of its dried fruit are used for making natural laundry soap. These plant parts are sometimes called soap nuts. And you can get them fair trade in a manner that helps the local communities that grow them.
There are many types of soapberry. One that's best for natural cleaning products can be purchased organic and fair trade from a growing number of sources including Mountain Rose Herbs (see Resources below).
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Instructions
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Put 4 to 6 soap nuts in a small drawstring muslin bag
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Drop the bag in with your laundry and wash as usual.
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You should get several uses out of this one bag. Your soap nut supplier will usually tell you how many washings to expect.
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Tips & Warnings
Extreme grease and soil may take stronger cleansing solutions.
Bag needs to free float in the laundry, so check periodically if putting it in with one large item such as a king sized sheet where the bag could get tangled within the fabric.
As with soap, avoid swallowing and getting into eyes.
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Resources
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