Q: Do I have to remove the soap nuts during the rinse cycle?
A: No, the saponin in soap nuts is released slower in cold water and most rinse cycles are cold. The saponin released in the rinse water acts as a fabric softener so your clothes are left very soft. Also in areas where water is scarce or in an effort to conserve both water and money, a growing number of people do not even rinse their clothes after washing with soap nuts. Since there are no chemical or soap residues left in the clothes, they are left soft when washed this way. If you want a warm water rinse you can use the liquid or just let it run through the cycle with the soap nuts in the drum and your clothes will still be clean and soft.
Q: Can I use soap nuts on delicate fabrics?
A: Absolutely! Unlike regular detergent, soap nuts do not have a high acid content — that means you can use them to safely wash delicate fabrics such as wool and silk. Their gentleness maintains the fabric structure of the clothes for longer.
Q: Are soap nuts able to maintain the brightness and whiteness of my clothes?
A: Yes. It is recommended, however, that whites and colors be washed separately. A little bit of eco-friendly laundry bleach (washing soda) added to the wash cycle also helps to keep fabrics white and bright.
Q: Are soap nuts able to soften clothes or do I need to add any fabric softeners?
A: Soap nuts will leave your clothes soft and fresh, without the use of any fabric softeners.
Q: Are soap nuts safe for people with sensitive skin?
A: Yes. Because they are natural and chemical free they are gentle on your skin and clothes. Soap nuts are actually recommended for sensitive skin, allergy and eczema sufferers because they do not have harsh chemicals or scents that are known to aggravate these conditions.
Q: Are soap nuts safe for my baby’s laundry?
A: Absolutely! Soap nuts are 100% natural and hypoallergenic, and they do not contain added chemicals or fragrances which can often lead to skin irritation in babies and others with skin sensitivities.
Soap nuts are especially effective for washing cloth diapers. If you are using commercial detergent to wash your cloth diaper, the fabric is likely becoming more and more clogged after each wash. Commercial detergents leave a residue on the diaper, as they don’t rinse completely. This residue can cause loss of absorbency and even diaper rash in little ones with sensitive skin.
That’s why soap nuts are an ideal solution for washing cloth diapers:
•Soap nuts are all natural, and contain no harsh chemicals that will irritate your baby’s skin or cause diaper rash.
•Soap nuts naturally soften and add body to laundry — without “clogging up” the fibers of the diapers. In fact, soap nuts will ’strip’ the diaper of build-up caused by commercial detergents, and increase the diaper’s absorbency.
•Soap nuts gently and effectively eliminate lingering smells. If you like your laundry to have a scent, consider adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil right on the cotton wash bag before throwing it in the wash.
Q: Are soap nuts a problem if someone is allergic to nuts?
A: No. Soap nuts are not nuts. They are a fruit. So people with nut allergies need not worry.
Q: Soap nuts have a mild vinegar-like fragrance. Are my clothes going to hold onto that fragrance?
A: No. Once you have finished your washing, the clothes will be fragrance free. Adding a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil will give your clothes a nice smell.
Q: How many soap nuts are required per wash?
A: It all depends on the size of the soap nuts. But on average, around 4-5 shells are sufficient. If the water is soft, then even less shells will do the job. A bit of trial and error will help you understand what best suits your washing conditions.
Q: Why don’t I see suds in my washing machine?
A: Soap nuts are totally natural – which means that there are no commercial foaming agents or unnatural chemicals added. Those chemicals, which are commonly used in commercial detergents, aren’t actually necessary. So while you’ll notice that the saponin released by the soap nuts only creates mild suds, you’ll also notice that your finished laundry will be clean!
Q: Does it matter that the nuts are in pieces and not as a whole?
A: No. Actually it is better if the nuts are in smaller pieces. Some people even crush the soap nuts shells into smaller pieces so that the contact surface with the water increases.
Q: Can soap nuts be used more than once?
A: Absolutely! If you are using cold water, they can be re-used even more than the typical 4-5 loads per bag because saponins are released slower in cold water. In warm to hot water, the shells may need to be replaced more often, but can still be used for 4-5 loads of laundry. If you are using cold water, it is best to soak the soap nuts in their cotton bag in a bit of warm water prior to throwing them (and the soaking water) in the wash. The warm water helps the soap nuts to release the saponin which washes the clothes.
Q: How can I tell when the soap nuts are ready to be discarded?
A: The best way to tell is to look at them when they are dry. The shells that are depleted will be thin and dry with no shiny pockets of saponin left in the center.
Q: What should I do with the soap nuts once they have been used?
A: Put them in your compost bin or throw them in the waste bin. They are 100% biodegradable.
Q: Do soap nuts have a shelf life?
A: No. They do, however, need to be stored properly in an airtight container or bag. If they are left open, they absorb moisture easily and become dark and sticky. This does not effect the product or its cleaning capabilities. They will still wash brilliantly.
However, the soap nut liquid (see recipe) does have a shelf life of a week or so at room temperature and about 2 weeks stored in the fridge. For longer storage, it is best to freeze it in an ice cube tray. Two or three ice cubes end up being the perfect amount for washing a load of laundry. Simply toss the ice
cubes directly into the water as your machine is filling. They will dissolve and wash your clothes nicely.
Q: Why do people claim that soap nuts are water and energy saving?
A: Commercial detergents need to be rinsed out of the clothes completely as they leave a soapy residue. Since soap nuts are a 100% natural product with no soapy residue, you can reduce the machine rinse cycles, hence saving valuable electricity and water.
Q: Are soap nuts safe for my machine?
A: Yes. They are a 100% natural product without any harsh chemicals. The life of the machine will only be greater if you use soap nuts. If you are switching to using soap nuts, they will even clean your machine of any chemical residues from previous washing.
Q: Can I use soap nuts in my high-efficiency (or front loading) washing machine?
A: Absolutely! In fact, because they don’t create many suds, soap nuts are great for high-efficiency (HE, or front-loading) washers! A front-loading washing machine requires a special detergent, called HE detergent, to allow it to clean your laundry properly. HE detergent is unique because it doesn’t produce lots of suds like regular detergent does.
Soap nuts are naturally a low-sudsing product — with no added fillers, dyes or chemicals to create bubbles in the wash. But even without the bubbles, you will find that the soap nuts will thoroughly clean your laundry.
Q: Are soap nuts effective for really dirty laundry?
A: Yes. Although you may need to reduce the quantity of laundry in the machine to give some room for the clothes to move freely. The addition of washing soda to your wash cycle will help. Also, the application of some soap nuts liquid directly to the stained/heavily soiled area helps to ensure effective cleaning.
Q: Are soap nuts safe for my septic system?
A: Yes they are. Soap nuts are antimicrobial and are actually beneficial for both septic and greywater systems. Also, because soap nuts are 100% natural and biodegradable, it’s completely safe to wash the soap nut suds down the drain.
Read through all of our Top Ten and Common Questions pages? STILL have unanswered questions? Please write us!
