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!!!