Homemade laundry detergent with soap nuts!
Soap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing.
What you'll need:
- 3-6 cups of water
- 5 drops of any essential oil, preferably lavender
- 6 Soap nuts
- Vinegar
- Pot
- Glass jar
Heat the soap nuts in a pot of water for 20 minutes. Once it's done boiling, let it cool off then remove the soap nuts and pour the liquid in the glass jar. You can reuse the same soap nuts up to 4-5 times! Add 1/2 cup of vinegar and a few drops of essential oil! 100% chemical free.
