Soapberries, yet another one of Nature’s many wonders! These nifty little nuts contain saponin, which is a natural foaming and cleaning agent that is released when they come into contact with warm (anywhere from 20 to 95 degrees) water. Not only are these crazy nuts 100% biodegradable, but they also work wonders for people with allergies or sensitive skin. They are even safe for people with tree nut allergies! And to top it off: you can re-use your lil’ bag o’ nuts (around 5-9 crushed up nuts go into one load of wash, depending on the level of dirtiness) at least 3 and up to 5 times over! Just don’t forget to dry your nuts out in between loads. ;)
There are 12 species of these powerful nuts growing naturally around the world in tropical climates. Most of what is being sold in stores around the globe comes from the Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus trifoliatus species, primarily produced and exported from India, as they have been found to be the most effective for cleaning. They are also naturally found in Pakistan, Nepal and parts of China (harboured in the foothills of the Himalayas), as well as growing in parts of Africa, Honduras and areas all over the United States.
Not only that, but soapberries are CHEAP in contrast to chemical washing detergents, even the organic ones! If they are not offered at your local organic supermarket (I found mine in Denn’s in Vienna, although you can also buy them in any DM in Austria), try looking for online sellers (for example, Amazon.de offers a 2kg *cloth bag!* of soapberries for 32 Euros. That’s over 200+ washes!). Once you’ve opened your box, store it in a cabinet where it can stay somewhat cool and dry to preserve them the longest.
Got some heavier stains or sweatier pits? No problem: after treating the item and putting in the washer machine with your lil’ bag o’ soap nuts, add a touch of vinegar to your wash load. And maybe crush up a couple of extra nuts in your bag, just to be on the safe side.
Oh, and don’t forget to always add a few (I usually add about 5-7) drops of your favourite essential oil (my personal preference is lavender) to the place where you would normally put the fabric softener. Your clothes will smell like a field of fresh flowers -- but fo’ real, au de natural!
What are you waiting for?! Test it out for yourself and let Nature work its wonders, baby. <3
*Just an awareness footnote: There has been some talk about whether or not the production of soap nuts negatively affects the people living in those countries where the nuts are naturally found (India, Nepal, China, etc). So far I haven’t found any evidence supporting the claim that their export to the other side of the world has affected their price and therefore restricted locals from purchasing them. As far as I can tell, soap nut trees in these areas can be harvested a few times a year for over 80+ years in a row, making them crazy sustainable. Sometimes there are so many soapberries in these regions that they rot away into the ground -- most people in these regions have switched to using harmful chemicals because they are offered so cheaply on the market there. (This article from the perspective of someone living in India and regularly using soap nuts herself was extremely helpful and interesting to read: https://www.peacefuldumpling.com/sustainable-soap-nuts-investigation-zero-waste-phenomenon)
Always stay conscious of how your actions -- whether they be ecological or not -- affect people and places on the other side of the globe. (And don’t forget to do your research and check your resources, lol). With that said: please, if you are able to -- substitute your harmful chemical washing detergents and fabric softeners and other nasty chemicals that pollute our waters and only create more and more litter for alternatives that are more, ah, friendly. Show yo Mama Earth some love! Stay #wokeandinformed, people.
Happy washing! :)
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