Sustainable Laundry Made Easy: The Power of Soap Nuts
As I reflect on my New Year’s resolutions, I realize that reducing waste in my household has been a recurring theme. This year, I decided to take my eco-friendly efforts to the next level by exploring the world of soap nuts.
What are Soap Nuts?
Contrary to their name, soap nuts are actually berries that grow on the Sapindus mukorossi tree, native to sub-tropical regions of Asia. These berries contain a natural soap called saponin, which is released when they absorb water. With some agitation, like in a washing machine, they can effectively work as a sustainable substitute to traditional laundry powders and liquids.
How Do Soap Nuts Work?
Soap nuts often come packaged in a muslin bag. To use them, simply pop 5-7 berries into the bag, tie it up tight, and toss it in your washing machine. When the cycle finishes, lay the bag in the sun to dry before reusing. You can use the same set of berries about 5 times, or until they fall apart. Then, simply discard the old ones in the compost bin.
Tips and Tricks
For larger or dirtier loads, you can add a few more berries to the bag. If you wash your clothes on cold, you can also soak the berries in hot water to trigger the soap release quicker. Additionally, you can make your own soap nut liquid detergent by simmering the berries in boiling water and straining the mixture into a bottle or mason jar.
The Benefits of Soap Nuts
Soap nuts are safe for people with nut allergies, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable. They’re also easy to find, with many retailers like Trader Joe’s carrying them in their cleaning and toiletries aisle. Plus, they’re gentle on clothes and the environment.
Making the Switch
While breaking a habit may require a bit more effort, making the switch to soap nuts feels good. It’s a reminder that small changes can add up to make a big difference. So why not give soap nuts a try? Your clothes, and the planet, will thank you.
Leave a Reply