How do I use Soapnut as laundry detergent?
Use anywhere between 8-10 shells of soapnut in a small cotton pouch (sold separately while purchasing soapnut through Ecofabloka) and toss the pouch in your washing machine along with your load. The soapnut shells absorb water and release saponine which make the water soapy. It reduces the surface tension of the water and as a result the dirts and oils are freed from the clothes. It is a natural fabric softener as well. So not only it does clean your clothes but also makes the fabric soft naturally.
Soapnuts can be used at any temperature of water. Saponine is released faster in hot or warm water and slower in cold water. You can also make a decoction of soapnut and use it as liquid detergent. See below on how to make decoction?
Soapnut has no fragrance so if you would like to have a nice aroma use few drops of your favourite essential oil. Once your laundry is done, take the shells out and dry them, so you can use it again for another load. The shells can be easily reused for at least three times, depending on the temperature of the water used.
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What is Soapnut Decoction?
In herbalism, decoctions are usually made to extract fluids from hard plant materials such as roots, berries and bark. To achieve this, the plant material is usually boiled for 8-10 minutes in water. It is then sifted. To make Soapnut decoction, you need 8-10 shells and then boil in water for 5-6 minutes. If you want high concentration of saponine, add more soapnut shells.
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