Price (excluding P&P)

£12.50

(from New Internationalist Shop website)

Description

Soapnuts (sapindus mukorossi) from the Himalayas, contain saponins which act as soap above 30C. They are sustainably produced, bio-degradable and are a compostable alternative to commercial laundry detergents. Grown wild in India, for centuries these nuts have been used for many purposes, from laundry to cleaning jewellery and treating contaminated soil. They are most widely recognised as being an effective and environmentally friendly natural detergent, but can be used for a wide variety of other uses.

Soapnut shells contain a high proportion of natural saponin. When the shells come in contact with water the saponin is released and suds are produced - just like adding normal detergents. They can be used for all different types of washing including silk, linen, wool and hemp. Hand and machine wash from 35-95C. With washing temperatures of 60° the washing nuts can be used twice but with lower temperatures can be used up to six times.

After use just dispose of them in the compost bin or spread around garden plants as mulch. And since the laundry water contains only natural ingredients, it can much more usefully be reused as grey water to reduce water consumption.

We estimate that a family of four, washing 2-3 times a week, can make this 1kg bag last for a whole year.