Soap nut shells are used in many parts of the world to wash clothes, as they have natural foam and not only clean clothes effectively, but also retain their colors and softness. In addition to their cleaning properties, they are ideal laundry detergents for many other reasons.
Grown wild in many parts of Southeast Asia, soap nut shells have been used for cleaning purposes throughout the centuries. Basically the dry form of soap berries is now recognized as a laundry detergent in many parts of the world. When soap nuts come into contact with water, they foam and release saponin, which is great for cleaning clothes. They remove dirt, grime, and most stains from clothing without chemicals. This detergent cleans stains, keeps fabrics soft and removes odor from clothes. Apart from that, it is also great for sensitive skin.
For sensitive skin
From clothes to various products, you choose the gentlest ones for your babies as their skins are too sensitive. You choose the products, be it shampoo, soap, oil, talcum powder or others, that are made specifically for the little ones. But when it comes to laundry detergent, you become utterly negligent about the effects it has on the baby’s skin. Unlike common laundry detergents and cleaners that have chemicals that leave residue on clothing and cause irritation or rashes, soap nuts do not have harsh chemicals that can harm babies’ skin.
Soap nuts are also great for those with skin allergies of any kind. Many people are sensitive to the dyes and perfumes in detergents. Those who have any type of skin allergy generally find that symptoms are triggered when they wear clothes washed with chemically laden detergents. People with conditions like eczema and psoriasis have a hard time finding soaps and detergents that do not cause any problems. Free of synthetic chemicals, soap nuts do not cause skin irritation.
Preserving the fabric
Chemicals from commercial detergents remain on clothing even after thorough washing. In addition to detergents, bleaches, and brighteners, most bleaches, additional synthetic fragrances, and other products you use to wash your clothes contain many chemicals. With each wash, they build up and break down the fibers in the material, resulting in instability and color fading. Using soap nut shells will not fade the colors or ruin the fibers. On top of that, soap nuts remove odor from clothes.
Fabric softener
Laundry detergent made from soap nuts leaves clothes remarkably fresh and soft. This naturally reduces static and keeps clothes soft after every wash. None of the additives, such as fabric softeners and conditioners, are needed. However, you can add the natural fragrances of your choice, as soap nuts are odorless. Instead of using any type of synthetic laundry fragrance, you can use a few drops of essential oils in the load.
How to use them?
You can find powdered soap nut detergents, liquid detergents, and walnut shells at an online store. Powders and liquids are used in the same way as other commercial detergents, while walnut shells cannot be dropped into the wash drum. Put eight to ten half shells in a cotton bag, tie a knot, and place it between the clothes in the wash drum. These work best if you soak them in water for a while before washing. If you live in an area where the water is hard, you can increase the number of shells.
Biodegradable
Walnut shells can be used for three to six consecutive loads depending on the quality and temperature of the water used … You can simply dispose of them normally or as compost as they are biodegradable. Since these are only natural and eco-friendly, the laundry water is chemical free and safe. septic tanks, lakes or rivers. For clean and environmentally friendly clothes, use soap nuts which are also known as green laundry detergents.