#sapindus

Homemade Sapindus-saponaria Cleaning Agent

I recently learned about a more cutting-edge lifestyle on the internet, and it's called Eco-minimalism. Eco-minimalism is a new way of living that is not necessarily "painful", but can be done in a way that cares for the earth while loving ourselves. Try to be a user of the earth's resources, not a plunderer, and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and incineration is our goal!

So, today I'm going to start with the simplest saprophytic cleaning solution. Because the thick fleshy peel of the sapodilla contains saponin, it produces a lather when rubbed with water and can be used for cleaning, which was one of the main cleaning agents in ancient times and was used in various regions of Asia until the early 20th century.

First, take about 20 sapodilla seeds and wash them with water to remove the dust from the surface.

Then separate the peel from the kernel. (The kernels can be made into nice bracelets)

Next, add 1 liter of water to a pot, bring it to a boil and pour the sapodilla peel into the pot and cook for about 15 minutes until the water changes from clear to a light yellow liquid. Remove the peel from the pot and let the liquid stand in a container until its temperature changes to room temperature. Prepare another container and strain the liquid at least twice to ensure that the floc and residue are cleaned out. Finally, place the container with the unadulterated sapodilla cleaning liquid in the refrigerator freezer section.

KALEY’S SOAP NUTS - The laundry soap and fabric softener made by Mother Nature! What are Soap nuts?   Soap Nuts are actually a dried fruit not a nut and are fine for people allergic to nuts.  Soap Nuts are grown on the Rittha Tree (Sapindus Mukorossi), also known as the Chinese Soapberry Tree, which grows in India and Nepal.  When the fruit ripens and falls from the tree, local    families harvest them and remove the inner fruit from the outer shell.  The shell is then dried in the sun, using no chemical or manufacturing processes.  The shell of the fruit has a protective waxy coating which contains saponin.  When the soapnut is used to wash clothes, the saponin acts as a water surfactant reducing the surface tension of the water and freeing the dirt, grime and oils from the clothing, leaving your clothes clean and fresh without the use of any harmful synthetic    products.The locals of India have been using the soap nuts for centuries as a safe and effective way to clean their clothes. Kaley’s Soap Nuts are ethically sourced from India. Various uses for Soap nuts For your Laundry:

Place 2-3 whole soap nuts (or equivalents if using halves) in the re-usable cotton bag and place it in your wash.  If using cold water or have very dirty clothes, use 4-5 soap nuts (or equivalents if using halves).  Soap Nuts used in warm water can be re-used 2-3 times, cold water 4-5 times.  Take the soap nuts out of the cotton bag and let them air-dry between each use.  Once the soap nuts have been used to their potential they can either be boiled with water to make a cleaning solution or thrown into your compost.  If you prefer scented laundry, put a few drops of essential oil on the wash bag.  f your whites need to be whitened, add some vinegar to the wash.  Soap nuts are low sudsing which make them ideal for High Efficiency front load washers - place the soap nuts in with your laundry.

If using a cold-water wash cycle, it is best to soak the bag of soap nuts in a cup of warm water first for a few seconds. This will help to stimulate the release of saponin quicker from the soap nuts. Pour this liquid and then put the bag right into the machine along with your washing. Another option is placing the soap nut bag directly under the agitator for a few seconds using hot water, then switch the water temperature to cool.

Add your soap nuts in the cotton bag to your dishwasher cutlery tray to clean your dishes.

To make an all-purpose liquid cleaning solution: Take 7-8 soap nuts and place in a saucepan with 4 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 10 minutes.  Pour the liquid into a container and throw the used soap nuts in your compost.  You may strain the liquid if you prefer.  The solution will last for about 3 months.  Keep refrigerated to last longer.  This liquid does not contain many suds so it can be added to a pump bottle to create additional  suds.  This liquid can be used to:   

Wash your hair

Clean floors/carpets,

Bathrooms

Cars

Pets, etc.

Add to water and spray on plants, clean vegetables and fruits of pesticides, rinse food before eating.

Advantages of Soap Nuts

The safest, most natural laundry soap available on the market today.

Soap Nuts are an environmentally friendly, sustainable, bio-degradable and  renewable product that can be composted after use.

Anti-microbial, making it suitable for septic systems.

Hypoallergenic - Suitable for people with sensitive skin and allergies, also safe for babies.

Economical – approximately 50% cheaper than other eco-products.

Multifunctional – Boil soap nuts to make a general cleaning solution for cleaning  floors/carpets, pets, cars, dishes and even your hair.

Sustainable – Soapberry Trees live up to 90 years and the wood and foliage of the  tree are also cultivated.  No waste, no de-forestation.

No need for fabric softener.

Colors remain bright and vibrant.

Supports local people and economy.

Phosphate Free – Save our Rivers and Streams!!