Soap Nut Liquids and Powders

Soap Nut Liquids and Powders:

　　Let’s address these first, given that they are the most similar to what we are all accustomed to using. The variables here (aside from amounts to use) are primarily the concentration of the liquid, and/or the fineness and potency of the powder. If you are making your own liquid then the potency of saponin in the liquid will vary depending upon how you make it. You will simply have to experiment. Be certain to strain your own liquid extremely well, to avoid clogging anything (a coffee filter straining would be a good idea).

　　If you are using powder poured directly in with your laundry, you want it to be as fine as you can possibly get it (dust like is preferred). You may not get an adequate release of saponin for a laundry load from a course grind and a short wash cycle. In this scenario it is best to use a fine powder, or put it in a wash bag or similar carrier for multiple loads, but be sure to pre-soak it first. This will allow the course ground soap nuts time to become well saturated. Approximately a half-ounce of very, very fine, quality soap nut powder (added directly in with your laundry) will obviously wash only one load. The powder will be flushed out during the rinse and then out the drain. A course grind in a tightly tied wash bag will be fine for multiple loads. If you are adding salts, water softeners or any other cleaning boosters, that’s totally fine (part of the fun during experimentation, too). Since ground soap nuts do not entirely dissolve as commercial detergents do, it is not recommended to use compartments at all. Depending on how your machine functions, the powder may not receive a sufficient water supply, plus it could cause clogging.

　　If you are using a highly concentrated soap nuts liquid, dilute it to the amount of solution your machine is designed to use (typically this is a couple ounces of liquid). Don’t rack your brain trying to be exact. Hence, if the soap nut concentrate suggests one teaspoon per load, simply mix the one teaspoon with water until you’ve reached the desired amount of solution you intend to use. If you are planning to do many loads feel free to make up enough solution in advance. High quality concentrates may be diluted without loss of shelf life.

　　Most soap nut liquids are much like any other detergent as far as the suggested amount per load, however there are concentrated soap nut extracts that are literally “off-the chart”. This is only common sense again: A soap nut formulator is by nature following a “greener path”. It is only logical for such companies to strive to minimize the carbon footprint of their formulas. That is the truly green thing to do.

　　(As an aside, I feel that such companies should be commended for walking their talk. That truly green path is certainly not the simple and easy one with the least resistance. Many obstacles are typically found. Innovation is the antithesis of “going with the flow.”)

　　No machine is designed to use such highly concentrated detergents, hence if you are using the detergent compartment(s), simply dilute it as described above. Very, very simple, right? With front loaders you will usually use the compartments. With top loaders you can just pour the concentrated extract directly into the water basin as it fills so prior dilution is not required.

　　Isn’t this easy? Plain old common sense again, right? There is no rocket science here. Good results are what we are striving for. It may take a couple loads to dial in the best results, but you will soon just “know” what to do. If you have a pre-wash and a main wash cycle, simply use as your owner’s manual suggests.