Soapnuts - a fruit that cleans without environmental damage. Ubud Eco Shop received a donation of FRESH soapnuts (Sapindus Mukorossi (Chinese Soapberry or krerek in Balinese). WHAT IS IT? Soapnuts is a berry, contains up to 30% natural saponin, and produces a natural & effective cleansing foam (light foam). Asians have been using soapnuts as a shampoo and general cleaning agent for hundreds of years. Even today, older Balinese women use soapnuts to wash fine old batiks, silks and other textiles and to clean their jewellery. from Greenspeak, Bali Advertiser. From sustainablebabysteps/soap-nuts.html & READ MORE ON THE INTERNET How To Use Soap Nuts - Learning how to use soap nuts is easy...and fun! It just takes a little creativity to see how many things this little berry can do in your home. Liquid soap nut recipes are easy to follow & the results are versatile. Storing Liquid Soap Berry Solution - Boil 2 berries for every one cup of water for 30 minutes. You may want to crush or mash the berries before or during boiling to release as much of the saponins as possible. Allow the water to cool, then strain the solution through a muslin cloth, add essential oils if you prefer & store in a recycled jar in the fridge to prevent spoiling. Use the leftover soap nuts & the muslin cloth in the washer together for one load of laundry. The many uses of this liquid soap are below. Laundry Detergent - Washing laundry is the most common use. A small cloth satchel (or an old sock) with a few berries inside is all that is needed to replace both your regular laundry detergent & your fabric softener. The number of berries to use depends on the temperature of hardness of your water. For soft, hot water use 1-2 berries; they can usually be used a second time. For cold, hard water use up to 8 berries at least 6 or more times. To check to see if your berries are done, squeeze the shell: you should see a slight sudsy liquid release if they are still good. If you prefer to use the liquid detergent, add 1-3 ounces per load. WARNING DO NOT SOAK ELASTIC & LYCRA. Dishwashing - If youre handwashing, you can make a liquid detergent (above) or add one to the hot water in the sink. All Purpose Cleaner - Using the liquid detergent recipe above, add 1-2 ounces to your 16 ounce spray bottle. You can add white vinegar or essential oils if you prefer. The solution can be used on cabinets & cupboards, walls & doors, floors, stainless steel & other metal, wood, tables, shoes, granite & marble, plastic, around pets & kids, sinks, toilets, showers & tubs, & electronics (never spray directly on electronics though; always spray a rag & wipe down gently). Glass Cleaner _ Add two tablespoons of white vinegar & two tablespoons of liquid detergent to a 16 oz spray bottle of water. Add several drops of essential oils if youd like. Shake well & use as normal. Shampoo - This versatile little berry is great for washing hair. Its even used in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent hair loss; Im not going to making any speculations or promises there, though! Mix 1/2 to 1 ounce of liquid soap nut in approximately 12 ounces of water (I recycle an old jar for this one), add your favorite aromatherapy if youd like & pour over your scalp. Scrub & rinse as usual. You can also add one teaspoon of baking soda to the solution for added strength. & try softening your hair with apple cider vinegar: dilute one ounce with 10-12 ounces of water to rinse your hair after washing. DO NOT GET IN YOUR EYES Body & Face - Wash Like shampoo, the berries can be used as a liquid body wash or face wash. Add a little to your wash cloth & scrub away! DO NOT GET IN YOUR EYES Pets - Use the liquid detergent to shampoo pets, wash pet beds or bedding, clean toys & possibly even repel pests by spraying their coat. DO NOT GET IN THEIR EYES Wash Your Car - Use up to a dozen soap nuts & allow them to soak in a gallon or more of hot water for 30 minutes or fill the bucket with pressured water from your hose to release the saponin from the berries. Use that water to wash your car, wheels & even your dashboard, steering wheel & windows. Because its biodegradable, the wash water can be reused on trees or plants. Now available at LOW price at Ubud Eco Shop, the LITTLE Green Shop, corner of Dewi Sita at Goutama, open 11-7 daily except Mondays and major holidays.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 03:23:48 +0000
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