Anyone use "Soapnuts" for their washing?

[werdnal]

Just discovered these through another forum I use, so have ordered a starter pack to try. They are 100% natural nut shells used by indiginous (sp) tribes people for washing. You put a few husks in a cotton bag in your washing machine, and one lot can do several washes apparently. They are bio-degradable, so once they are exhausted, you just chuck on your compost heap. They should be arriving in the post today, so once I've given them a trial, I'll let you know the results.

Supposed to be eco-friendly and a lot cheaper too, as you don't need additional fabric conditioners either, and can also help skin conditions, allergies and eczema. Will keep you posted, but for further info, if you Google "Soapnuts" there is lots of info on them.

[Crystoculars]

I've had friends who have tried them and never found them that great..

[honeybee]

For a normal wash that isn't too grubby I find them good and the washing smells fresh even though they don't smell too nice.
There was a recent test with them on TV and they came out worst for a soiled white wash but Ecover did very well.

[sheffielder]

We have tried them and found they are not very good if you have kids, fine for coloured shirts (not white) on there own, but if anything is soiled they have not worked well for us.

Andrew

[werdnal]

Thanks for replies. I have to admit now I've done a couple of washes, I'm not over impressed

Tried a light coloured towel wash and they appeared "clean" but then washing in plain water would probably have the same result.

Then did a coloured wash and watched the drum during the cycle, but no sign of a bubble, sud or anything - may as well have not put them in with it.

Glad I went for the trial size rather than jumping in for a big bag full, as won't be bothering again!

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by werdnal

Thanks for replies. I have to admit now I've done a couple of washes, I'm not over impressed

Tried a light coloured towel wash and they appeared "clean" but then washing in plain water would probably have the same result.

Then did a coloured wash and watched the drum during the cycle, but no sign of a bubble, sud or anything - may as well have not put them in with it.

Glad I went for the trial size rather than jumping in for a big bag full, as won't be bothering again!

'Lather/bubbles' are usually caused by chemicals and a marketing ploy but don't actually do anything. Even soap flakes which are better than conventional washing powders for the environment don't lather much.

[Mr Mag00]

We use them for freshening clothes, those which have been worn for a couple of hours of an evening as an example. heavy duty washing use ecover or even better is Bio D as its made in England as opposed to belgium.

[aestarte]

Hi I know I'm coming in late here but I bought 'Simply Active Eco-Smart' washing tablets, you get 30 tablets for £1.99 from Morrisons and they are actually quite good and on the plus side they are english so there are no air miles just to do the washing. Hope it helps. Fi. X X X X

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by aestarte

Hi I know I'm coming in late here but I bought 'Simply Active Eco-Smart' washing tablets, you get 30 tablets for £1.99 from Morrisons and they are actually quite good and on the plus side they are english so there are no air miles just to do the washing. Hope it helps. Fi. X X X X

I tried the tesco own brand of washing tablets, they worked ok but crumbled too easily getting them out of the packet. Their washing up liquid is quite good.

[tufftie]

Tried some but they're not that great, tried to make a solution as a cleaner and for hairwash but the smell was ummm not nice and it didn't really work. They found the compost heap quite quickly!!!

[reynard]

Like anything natural there are many different types of soapnuts. Even one with the same name can vary a lot. Their effectivness depends on the temperature and altitude were they were grown! I have no idea why?

What you are after are soapnuts grow in the high cool Himalayas. They are soft and sticky whereas the nuts grown in the lower south are hard and dry.

With whites you will always need a scoop of Washing Soda.

I've been using them for 6 months and 95% of the time they have been very effective.

[m1.carson]

Hi,

There was a post about this several months ago, after reading it, I think the general opinion was "not worth the effort".

Max.

[reynard]

Originally Posted by m1.carson

Hi,

There was a post about this several months ago, after reading it, I think the general opinion was "not worth the effort".

Max.

I respect your opinion, all I can say is they worked fine for me! Heavy stains require a boost but for 90% of general washing with no nasty chemical fragrance and other such nastiness. Incidentally after a few months I had to clear out the waste pipe as it was blocked by foul grey detergent sludge that had been cleared out. Just require a bit of work and not expect them to do loads of washes. Afterall they only cost pence, so I change mine after 3 washes and use the old nuts for hand wash / car wash.

[Mr Mag00]

i have to say i am in agreement, it is all about expectations. people only think it is cleaning if lots of suds.

[Sarmad Mansoor]

I think your friend did not buy the Sapindus Mukoroosi (Soapnuts) and I am sure he have had other type of Soapnut shells which have low quantity of Saponin but also they work better.
Sapindus Mukorossi (especially by Himalayan) full of the more saponin and they have more ability to remove dirt from cloths, skins and floors.
They really work as a natural detergent