Naturegent brand soapnuts are hand-harvested and hand-processed wild soapnut shells from Nepal - specifically from the Sapindus mukorossi tree. Soapnut "shells" - really the skin and meat of the soapnut fruit, with the seed removed - contain saponins, a natural surfactant and the all-important natural active ingredient within soap nuts that actually produces the "soaping" effect. The botanical name is derived from the Latin sapo (soap) and (Indian) indicus, referring to the lather-producing fruit. Soapnuts are actually the fruit harvested from a soapnut tree (much like olives). There are two primary soapnut tree species (Mukorossi and Trifoliatus). Both are of the family Sapindaceae, and the genus Sapindus. Mukorossi is a large tree primarily grown in and around the Himalayan Mountains of Northern India and Nepal.
The soapnut tree flowers are small, white and grouped in panicles. Its fruits are round, yellow berries, that become gummy, red and wrinkled as they ripen. Sapindus Trifoliatus is a smaller tree typically found in Southern India and Pakistan, and produces a smaller fruit. The Mukorossi soap nuts are larger, brighter in color and gloss, and more effective in producing the 'soapy' effect. Mukorossi soap nuts are typically exported from New Delhi (nearer their growth areas in the Himalayans). The Trifoliatus variety is often exported from Indonesia. These soap nuts are less desirable for they lack consistency and saponin content. In either case however, local farmers and families harvest the soapnuts after the fruit falls from the tree. The seeds are removed and the shells are dried in the sun. Hence, soapnuts are actually dried shells - not nuts. Regardless of the name (Soap Nut, soapnuts, washnuts, Soap Berry, Soapberry nut, etc.), the shell produces the soaping effect. The soapnut shell is what is actually used as the natural detergent.
Ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities or are fragrance intolerant. Superb for baby clothes and cloth diapers - even for soakers, because they clean like whoa but don't strip lanolin! Highly recommended for all those experiencing skin irritations suspected to be caused by commercial detergents and soaps (particularly MCS - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers). Soapnuts are ideal for both High Efficiency (he) and standard washers - both front and top loaders. They do not leave the typical residual chemicals in your laundry. Soapnuts are the only 100% chemical free, eco-friendly, fragrance free, odor removing, hypoallergenic, biodegradable true natural laundry detergent. Experience fresh, clean and soft like you've never experienced before!
Replace that laundry detergent made with petro-chemicals, replace that dryer sheet made with animal by-products! Four or five soapnuts in a muslin bag, cinch it closed and toss it into the wash with your laundry. Replaces your laundry detergent and your fabric softener! Reuse the soapnuts for four or five washes, then you can even compost them!
If you want a scent for your laundry, you pick it - add a couple of drops of essential oil to a clean cloth and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. (Essential oils coming soon!)
Naturegent soapnuts available in 1lb bags, and one muslin bag is furnished with purchase of each pound. A pound of soapnuts is about 1/2 gallon by volume, for reference, and will, conservatively, yield 160 loads of laundry. Please note: The number of loads may vary due to many factors such as water temperature, water hardness, type of washer, type and duration of cycles, etc. The number of loads is estimated based upon 5 loads per 1/2 ounce (approx. 5 whole soap nuts or roughly the equivalent in pieces) per wash bag. Many customers report much higher numbers of loads. HE washers will also typically produce more loads.) Tip: For those with very difficult water and washing scenarios: baking soda, iodized (not mineral) salts, and vinegar are excellent natural additives to adjust water Ph levels to soften water and increase cleaning power. They are totally safe, natural, and inexpensive.
If you do laundry mostly in cold water, then easily make soapnut liquid. Drop about 16 soapnuts into about 6 cups of lightly boiling water, and let it boil about thirty minutes, until it reduces to about four cups. Doing a lot of wash immediately? Add two ounces to a load of laundry. Doing it a little every day, and you're lazy like me? Freeze it in ice cube trays, then toss two soapnut cubes into your load of cold laundry. Remember - this is all natural, no preservatives, so use it all up in a couple of days, or refrigerate it, or freeze it to keep it the longest.
Please be aware that although soap nuts are an amazing natural detergent and remove most typical stains - and do so with incredible benefits over chemical detergents. No detergent can ensure removal of ALL stains. You may still need occasional use of a strong stain remover for VERY tough or ground-in stains. Soap nuts will however break down these harsh chemical stain removers - and will help you rid your laundry of these very potent and potentially hazardous chemicals.
INTERESTING POINTS ABOUT SOAPNUTS:
-
Soap nuts are a true answer and solution for sensitive skin types and infants. Fantastic for laundering diapers!
-
Popular throughout Europe and Asia for centuries, yet virtually unknown in the US
-
Excellent for removal of odors.
-
Naturally anti-fungal and anti-microbial.
-
Hypoallergenic! - Many people have allergic reactions to detergents due to the chemicals and fragrances in them. Soap Nuts are totally free of such chemicals.
-
Soap nuts are extremely versatile and can be used for numerous household-cleaning needs - even glass cleaning!
-
Easily converted to powder or liquid forms at home.
-
Virtually eliminate the need, and the expense, for brighteners, fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
-
Naturally reduce static cling.
-
Highly effective, yet very gentle.
-
Being so mild, Soap Nuts help keep colors bright and maintain fabric structure.
-
Shelf life is basically endless if properly stored (simply kept dry).
-
Soap nuts do NOT pollute water!
-
Resolve issues of grey water and are great for septic systems.
-
100% biodegradable. Excellent for composting.
-
No chemicals needed to produce.
-
No fossil fuels used to produce - essentially no energy required.
-
No animal testing or animal cruelty.
-
Soapnuts are a completely natural product from a sustainable source.
-
Since Soapnuts are primarily a resource from only emerging nations, increased demand will provide an additional needed economic stimulus, plus will encourage increased planting, growth and farming. Increased forestation and natural means of harvesting will aid in the reversal of Co2 accumulation.
