Would you rather use a 100% natural detergent that is hypoallergenic, safe on fine fabrics, super easy on the environment, and costs less than most major detergents? This is exactly what these little shells are! These shells have been used overseas for centuries to clean laundry, dishes, and even the body! This detergent:
- Is hypoallergenic - people with skin allergies and sensitivities can use this product (safe for people with nut allergies - soapnuts are not botanically related to the nut family),
- Is safe for linen, silk, and wool, and
- Reduces the amount of toxins that are produced both inside and outside of the home.
WHAT ARE SOAPBERRIES?
Soapberries (also referred to as washnuts, soapnuts, or Reetha) are the fruit of the Chinese Soapberry Tree. The fruit is harvested from the tree and the seed is separated from its outer skin. This skin is dried in the sun and becomes hard like a shell. It is within this skin, or shell, that the soapberry holds its valuable saponin. Saponin acts as a natural water surfactant to reduce water tension and release dirt and grime. Don't be alarmed by the absence of suds as your laundry washes. Remember, this product does not contain the chemicals in commercial laundry detergent that make large amounts of suds. For this very reason, soapberries can be used in front-loading high efficiency washers.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOAPBERRIES?
*For the Body*
Soapberries are a naturally occurring detergent and do not contain the chemicals that are present in many commercial detergents. People with sensitive or allergy-prone skin or individuals with skin disorders such as eczema may experience relief in their symptoms by not coming into contact with commercial detergents.
*For the Environment*
As previously mentioned, soapberries do not contain many of the chemicals found in commercial detergents. By using soapberries, you can reduce the amount of toxins that are produced both inside and outside of the home.
*For Clothing*
Soapberries are very gentle and can be used on the finest of fabrics. Silk, wool, and linen have been washed overseas for centuries with soapberries.
*For the Pocketbook*
Soapberries are a very economical way to clean. studioOM's soapberries can cost as little as five (5) cents a load when bought in bulk and used in optimum conditions. Brand name detergents can cost around twenty-five (25) cents a load!
HOW DO YOU USE SOAPBERRIES?
*For the Laundry*
Place 3-6 soapberry shell halves (or the equivalent of) into the reusable cloth bag provided. Secure the bag closed and toss the bag in with your laundry. There is no need to add fabric softener, since soapberries are a natural fabric softener. You can use these same soapberries for 4 to 6 washes! The number of soapberry shell halves that you use and the number of times that you use your soapberries will depend on your washing machine, water type, and water temperature (warm water or soft water uses less soapberries). You will know when it is time to retire your soapberries when they become dark and soggy. Simply return your soapberries to nature by throwing them into your yard or compost pile.
Special Notes on Whites and Really Tough Stains
For white laundry loads, you may want to add chlorine-free natural oxygen bleach. For really stubborn stains (like red wine, grass, or blood), a separate stain remover may be needed.
*For the Dishes*
Place a couple whole soapberries into the utensil basket of your dishwasher. If you want to go all-natural, fill your rinsing agent dispenser with vinegar.
HOW TO MAKE SOAPBERRY LIQUID
Soapberries can be boiled to create a concentrated all-purpose liquid detergent. Place eight (8) crushed soapberries (or the equivalent of) into four (4) cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer in a large pot for about thirty (30) minutes, stirring occasionally. Take off of the heat, place a top on the pot, and let it sit overnight until cooled (and make sure your family knows you are making detergent). Strain solution through cheesecloth then pour into an airtight container and keep out of direct sunlight. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to make a naturally scented detergent. This solution should keep for about 4 weeks. For extra preservation, you can add a small bit of lemon juice and keep in fridge - just remember to label this solution!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHOLE AND POWDERED SOAPBERRIES?
Whole and powdered soapberries work exactly the same, but some situations are better for one form than another. For the laundry and dishwasher it is more economical to use whole soapberries, since they can be used multiple times. Powdered soapberries are more useful when creating a quick liquid cleanser or using as a gentle exfoliate for the skin.
Powdered soapberries cost more than whole soapberries due to the labor involved in grinding them. If you really want to stretch your money, you can grind whole soapberries at home with a coffee grinder, food processor, or blender and then pass the hand-ground soapberries through a fine sieve to separate the larger particles.
WHERE DO THE SOAPBERRIES COME FROM?
I currently import soapberries from Nepal and India.
DO SOAPBERRIES HAVE A SCENT?
The soapberries smell a little like apple cider. However, soapberries neutralize odor and leave no scent behind.
THE SMALL CLOTH BAG FOR THE SOAPBERRIES IS FALLING APART FROM REPEATED USE…
You can purchase additional bags from studioOM. You can also knot a sock, hose, or tights to enclose the soapberries for your wash.
Soapberries are NOT intended for consumption.
|  |
