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> Hello Mamas,
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> I would like to order some soapnuts but will need to have a large quantity in order to get better price. So I would like to see if any in the forum would like to join this group order. For those of you who don’t know what soapnuts are, they are 100% natural detergent esp. great for babies and people with sensitive skin. The different kinds of baby detergents, even if they claim to be baby-safe, still have a lot of chemicals in them. I have tried different kinds of expensive baby washing detergents on my eczema son and nothing but soapnuts worked. They are economical too. A kilo can last for about two months for a family of 4. Soapnuts can literally clean anything and even be used as mosquito repellent. One kilo should be about HKD90 or HKD 50 for half kilo depends on our order qty. I found some in Causeway Bay and it costs HKD240 per kg! Each kg comes with a complementary cotton drawstring. If you are interested, let me know how much you want to order by Oct 31. Pick up will prob start early Nov and will be at Kowloon Tong MTR. Can probably do a couple more pick-ups at different MTR stations (Central and TST) depends on demand. Please send me emails at [email protected] with your phone number, pickup location (Kowloon Tong, Central or TST) and the amount your want.
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Loke

> What is a Soapnut?
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> Soapnuts are known worldwide by many names such as soapnuts, soapberry, washing nuts, soap nutshells, wash shells, soapberry nut husk, Ritha (Hindi) nutshell, Chinese soapberry and many more. Very simply, Soapnuts are the dried shells (or husks) from the soapberry (or soap berry nut). These berries are the fruit from a quite unique tree species. These shells contain a substance called saponine that produces a soaping effect. Saponine is a 100% natural alternative to chemical laundry detergent and cleansers. It can replace many chemical detergents such as those containing sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) that are becoming well known by consumers for being a skin irritant and health hazard.
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> Soapnuts have been used for centuries throughout the world as a laundry detergent, as soap for personal hygiene, and as a cleanser with a plethora of other uses. It is most commonly used in China, India, parts of Europe and numerous countries in the eastern hemisphere. There is even a species, Quillaja Saponaria (called a soap bark tree) that grows in South America. However, only in recent years has the soap nut and its many benefits made its way to the shores of the U.S.
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> Soapnuts advantages
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> It doesn't contain any synthetic detergent, essence, pigment, antiseptic and other chemicals and is used for clean skin (the whole body, face and hands) and clothes. It has the good detergent property and can clean away dirt effectively. It is rich in foam, can kill germs, has the beautifying and whitening effects and is able to remove speckles and whelks and prevent and cure skin diseases. Since it's a pure natural product and 100% degradable, no remnants harmful to the body and environment will be produced even if it's used for a long time.
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> It is a 100% vegetable detergent: with a soft cleaning effect on linen without any reduction in its deep cleanliness beyond reproach. Scentless and biodegradable, Soapnuts give back a naturally soft linen without any softener agent addition.
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> Universal Application: you can use it anywhere as you can imagine such as laundry, hand, body, shampoo, bathroom, kitchen, pet etc. Not only clean everything you can see, but also protect skin and hair because it's abundant effective nutrient composition.
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> Non-Allergenic and Hypoallergenic: Kind to humans & pets and advisable for people with allergy and skin disease such as allergy, eczema & psoriasis sufferers.
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> Color protection: Colored cloth such as jeans and T-shirts keep their brightness much longer.
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> Save Water & Time No need to use the rinse cycle on your washing machine. Great in septic tanks. If hand wash, only simply rinse once. Thus save both water and time. Environment protection: no chemical agents at all, thus 100% environment friendly. Even soapnuts remnants can be deposited on a compost heap. Cost Effective: Costs as little as *12 cents to wash a load of laundry. *(Based on a 1kg bag). There is a 50% economy in quality / price ratio with respect to conventional washing agents.
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> Washing Laundry with Soapnuts.
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> It does not get much simpler. Doing laundry can even be fun! Really. Washing clothes: It can clean clothes effectively and make their colors bright and shiny.
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> Most laundry detergents on the shelves of our supermarkets contain numerous chemical substances, synthetic dyes, fragrances and fillers. These chemical substances are effective in deeply penetrating our clothes - cleaning, sanitizing and scenting them. However, these same chemicals build up in our clothes and linens and transfer to our skin leading to short term and/or long-term skin troubles for some individuals. They break down fabric fibers and fade colors and they are harmful to our environment. Soapnuts are simply a better way.
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> Basic Laundry Directions: The simplest, most common and traditional method of washing laundry with Soapnuts is by using the raw nuts in a drawstring bag, and simply tossing the bag in with your laundry. The Soapnuts can also be used to make a 'tea', a fine soap nut powder or concentrated solution. (See other forms and tips.) All forms and methods work great.
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> Warm or Hot Water Wash:
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> Put 4 or 5 soap nutshells or equivalent pieces, about a half-ounce, in cotton or muslin drawstring bag and tie bag securely.
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> Toss in washing machine before you add your clothes.
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> Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave Soapnuts in bag). Soapnuts can remain till the end of washing cycle, as rinsing water is cold and very little saponine will thus remain on linen.
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> Re-use 3 to 5 times.
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> Soapnuts are no longer effective when they become thin, mushy and very light tan or gray.
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> Cold Water Wash:
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> Cold wash : since saponin can only be extracted from the nuts when the water is heated, a decoction or liquid is necessary for a cold wash. Boil 3 to 4 handfuls of nuts in one liter of water for 4 minutes. Remove the shells and allow to cool. One spoonful is enough for a load.
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> Use liquid soap nut or simply make a cup of soap nut 'tea' by soaking 4 or 5-bagged Soapnuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 3 minutes.
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> Pour both the Soapnuts liquid and bag in wash.
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> Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave Soapnuts in bag).
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> Re-use 3 to 5 times. Soapnuts are no longer effective when they thin, turn soft, mushy and very light tan or gray.
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> Hand Wash:
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> Add about 2 tbs of soap nut liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your soap nut muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual.
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> Powdered: Put 2 - 3 tsp Soapnuts powder in wash water. Wash as usual.
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> Liquid: Pour about a quarter cup of liquid soap nut solution into wash water. Shake up soap nut solution before pouring. Wash as usual. Give a scent to your washing
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> Using soapnuts, the scent will be neutral. You can therefore spray the cotton bag with a few droplets of essential oil (lavender, orange, mint隆卢) to add scent on the linen before introducing it in the washing machine.
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> Resistant stains
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> In such case (blood, egg, grass, mud, milk, sweat, ice-cream, oil or jam stains), add some soap nut liquid on the stain part before the laundry contact water to have a pre-wash first and then wash as usual..
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> White linen
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> To avoid the graying of white cloth, add one to two spoonful of bleaching agent inside the washing machine.
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> Soapnuts proportioning table
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> Water hardness
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> Depending on dissolved calcium carbonate (limestone), water can be more or less soft / hard
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> How to get rid of soapnuts
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> Soapnuts remnants can be deposited on a compost heap (No harmful waste for environment) .
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> Washing face and body:
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> It can clean skin effectively, along with abundant foam, which also could kill germs and regenerates the skin. Meanwhile, it has the beautifying and whitening effects and is able to remove speckles, whelks and prevent and cure skin diseases(such as flat wart )caused by virus. As soapberry has the function of dilating the capillary vessels, it can make people relax completely after bath and recover from fatigue quickly, giving them a comfortable feeling as after massage. May soothe the eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin, and sensitive skin. You can fill a soap dispenser with it.
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> Washing Hand:
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> Helpful in removing stains from hands. Use lukewarm water, add 6 to 8 half shells mix them until the water is soapy with a slight lather, and then remove the Soapnuts. Or add about 2 tbs of Soapnuts liquid to wash water and stir, or make a tea with your Soapnuts muslin bag. Simply hand wash as usual. You can also prepare a decoction of the nuts in advance and use it from a bottle. Boil 3 to 4 handfuls of nuts in one liter of water for 4 minutes. Remove the shells and allow to cool.
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> Washing hair:
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> Soapnuts gives a shampoo, which makes hair look shiny and full of vitality. Use Soapnuts liquid to shampoo hair. Leave in for about 5 minutes. Rinse as usual with warm water. The hair will be smooth and have a good sheen and is easy to comb. The shampoo is recommended for people suffering from allergies of those with sensitive scalps. Soapnut is an excellent hair tonic. It can prevent and cure such skin diseases as dandruff and sores on the head effectively. The pulp of the fruit contains a high level of natural foaming agents. However if you prefer more foam, add a little your favorite shampoo. We know it's hard not to want more foam. And it is better to use the Soapnuts as protein Shampoo with Conditioner.
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> Other Uses of Soapnuts
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> The following is only a very short list of some alternate cleaning solutions that Soapnuts will work great for. Many common household cleaners can be replaced entirely with the use of Soapnuts. Saponin's inherent effective cleaning power, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, odor reducing capability, and natural gentleness combine to provide an amazingly safe yet effective cleanser for a multitude of everyday uses. Incredibly, the vast majority of highly toxic synthetic chemicals in our homes can be thrown away forever.
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> Universal cleaner:
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> Use the decoction or liquid of Soapnuts to replace chemical cleaning products in the kitchen and bathroom. Fill a spray bottle with about 8 oz of water. Add a half-ounce of Soapnuts liquid and a half-ounce of vinegar. Spray and then wipe clean with dry cloth. Alternatively a decoction of 3 or 4 handfuls of nuts in 1 liter of water with 2 spoonfuls of white vinegar added gives you a bottle of ecological detergent which you can use for floors, toilets, baths, kitchens, sinks, counters, floors, and even windows.
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> Steam Cleaning Carpets:
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> For Soapnuts work exceptionally well in carpet cleaners because they are so low siding and odor reducing. Add about a quarter cup of soap nut liquid to hot water in the portable cleaner. Great for urine stains! And it could prevent mites and kill germs.

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> Jewelry cleaning :
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> Both ancient countries of China and India have the tradition of protecting gold, silver and jewelry with soapberry, which can make them shine as new after being washed with it. Soak jewelry in Soapnuts liquid for a few minutes, if you like lemon, Squeeze half a lemon into it. Use an old soft toothbrush to remove debris. Rinse with clean water and polish with a soft cloth. Soapnuts have been used as a fantastic jewelry cleaner for eons. There's no need for harsh, toxic chemicals!
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> Plant protection:
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> prepare a decoction of 10 half shells in 150 to 200 ml of water for 5 minutes. Then simply use it dampen the upper and undersides of the leaves of your houseplants. You can also spray your indoor and outdoor plants with the Soapnuts decoction and take advantage of saponin's action to fight harmful organisms such as aphids without harming the plant and without poisoning your garden. You can also use this decoction on your fruit trees.
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> Mosquito repellent:
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> wash or smear your exposed parts with a decoction of Soapnuts and the mosquitoes will leave you alone, repelled by the smell of saponin. Give it a try!
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> Cleaning pets:
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> Superb for pets! cleaning pets with soap nut could kill fleas, dog louses and ticks, and reduce the offensive odor on the bodies of dogs. Wash your pet with a decoction of Soapnuts or liquid soap nut without the smallest trace of chemicals! Their fur will be soft and silky and the characteristic smell of the saponin will keep parasites at bay for some time. Boil ten or so half shells in 200 ml of water for 5 minutes and leave to cool. Remove the shells and add as much lukewarm water as necessary. Wet the animal with it and massage his skin so that the solution penetrates well, leave it to act for some minutes then rinse. Make sure the solution doesn't get into his eyes.
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> Delicate linen or fabrics: use this decoction or liquid to wash delicate linen or fabrics such as wool and silk.
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> Pesticides : moisten or water your house and garden plants with the already mentioned decoction and take advantage of the saponine agent to fight against harmful organisms such as aphids, without damaging our plant or poisoning your garden.
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> Besides, Soapberry is good for removing cosmetics such as kohl, eyebrow pencil color and foundation effectively. And its foundation emulsion.is widely used in any other fields such as agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, etc.
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> How to perform a soapnuts decoction?
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> Certainly we've all heard the alarms of 'bio-hazard' in our head when we reached in to pull out our arsenal of cleaning solutions. Interestingly, it is quite difficult finding an image of cleaning products without rubber gloves in the picture. That is certainly a good thing. If it were not for gloves our hands would be a scary site. Household chemical cleaners can be both horribly damaging to our skin and highly toxic to our body. Soapnuts offer a chemical free cleaning solution. However, if you can boil water, the basics of chemical free cleaning can be in your hands and at use in your home today!
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> Bring 10 to 15 half shells of soapnuts to boil in 1 liter water during 10 minutes, leave it to cool down and screen the obtained liquid. The decoction is now ready for use !
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> To obtain a higher saponine-concentrat e decoction of soapnuts, use more ?? half shells ?? in the same water volume.
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> Preservation of a soapnuts decoction
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> Soapnuts decoction must be kept in a cool place to assure a conservation of about ten days if citric acid or lemon juice or essential oil is added.
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> Soapnuts shells already used in a washing machine or making a decoction can recycle a dishwasher.
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> TIPS:
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> Soapnuts will last longer using warm vs. hot water.
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> Soft water may require less Soapnuts. Very hard water will require a bag of 5 shells.
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> There is no need for fabric softener. Soapnuts leave your cloths soft.
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> Soapnuts have a distinct odor, similar to vinegar when they are dry and more pungent when wet. Soapnuts do not smell pleasant: but amazingly your clothes smell clean and fresh after washing with Soapnuts.
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> If you like scent, you can add 10 drops of essential oil on the cotton bag before tossing it into the machine.
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> Soapnuts will not remove heavy stains, as with any detergent, pre-treat stains with a stain remover as you normally would.
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> If clothes are very dirty, do half size loads instead of full.
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> If you like super whites, you can add oxygen bleach to the load.
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> Soapnuts perform better in a less than full load.
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> There will be very little suds. No suds actually means no commercial foaming agents or chemicals.
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> Soapnuts are wonderful for washing cloth diapers. Unlike chemical detergents, they will not clog the fabric causing the diaper to loose its absorbency and they will not cause diaper rash. In addition, Soapnuts will clean and remove detergent residue from diapers.
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