I got some nuts. Now what?

**Ryatha** · August 22nd, 2010, 08:56 PM

My friend gave me some soap nuts and i want to use them in the washing, particularly with the nappies. Can anyone tell me their tricks on how to best use them. Also do use them for other things that are suggested on the package like hand wash, shampoo etc and how did it go?

**BekZ** · August 23rd, 2010, 09:05 AM

Just subscribing!!!

**Beach Mama** · August 23rd, 2010, 12:52 PM

Ok so I have only just started using them a few weeks ago too so I am fairly new to it all!
I find they work better on a warm wash and this is problematic for me - I feel like I am cancelling out the good I am doing using them by washing in warm instead of cold but it has made a difference for me.

They leave no scent at all which I don't like - I like a bit of smell so I have a big 2 lt bottle of plain water mixed with lavender oil in the laundry and I just fill up the fabric softener section with that so it will leave a bit of smell!

I haven't tried the hand wash etc yet - just trying to ge tmy head around the nuts! I use mine in a mesh lingerie drawstring bag instead of the calico one they provide and it seems to be working well.

I think that is it for now! I am about to do my first nappy load too which I always do on hot so it will be interesting to see how they go! Good luck!

**Ryatha** · August 23rd, 2010, 04:07 PM

Thanks Tanstar. no smell is fine by me. I tried it with the nappies and it seemed to go really well. The first wash of clothes is just about to come out now. Because I got some from a friend, I didn't have the little bag so I quickly whipped one up on the overlocker - sooo easy

By the way - how many nuts do you use per wash?

**onthefly** · August 23rd, 2010, 04:11 PM

This is one of the best-ever thread titles, by the way :P

Does it work out very cost-effective?

**Ryatha** · August 23rd, 2010, 04:12 PM

Thanks marcellus - it was literally the first thing I thought of when I got my nuts... a BB title

**onthefly** · August 23rd, 2010, 04:14 PM

Got nuts. Now to start rubbing
Cleaning up with my nuts
Frothy nuts - any tips?

....

i really could go on

**human bean** · August 23rd, 2010, 04:25 PM

I am trialling them at the moment too - they say to use 6 - 8 half nuts per wash, and you should be able to get about 4 washes out of them. When they lose their sheen/go darker you need to use fresh ones.

Tanstar did you try soaking them in hot water prior to putting them in a cold wash? The info I got said to do a cold wash that way, but I will admit I've been doing warm washes. It'll be interesting to see in a few weeks times if the stuff that is on high rotation feels any different iykwim.

**Jaycee** · August 24th, 2010, 02:28 PM

Can someone tell me the benefit of soap nuts as opposed to normal washing powder?

**allycat06** · August 24th, 2010, 02:36 PM

Can someone tell me the benefit of soap nuts as opposed to normal washing powder?

It's all natural (a berry I believe), a lot of washing powders have some pretty harsh chemicals in them...so I guess the benefit of using soapnuts are they better for the environment and gentle on your skin

And they wash nappies better than anything else I've ever used!

**Jaycee** · August 24th, 2010, 02:48 PM

Thanks for that allycat

**Beach Mama** · August 24th, 2010, 03:29 PM

HB - Thanks hun I might have to try that, or just use them on a hot nappy wash and then for the rest of the washing? Mmmmm. I have been using about 4-5 of them per bag and they are lasting about 5 washes.

ETA: Thread title makes me laugh each time I see it too!

**~Phoenix~** · August 24th, 2010, 04:45 PM

I'm another one trialling them and so far am pretty impressed with them. They seem to get my nappies nice and clean with no leftover "smell" and get the newborn poo out as well as if not better than the powder I was using. I put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in fabric softener dispenser if I want a bit of a scent.

The biggest test was when I washed my dogs bedding over the weekend.......all nice and fresh and not a hint of doggy smell. I use 4-6 half shells in a top loader and get about 5 washes out of them. I was also wary of no being able to use cold water but I've been soaking them in a cup of warm water (in the bag) for a few minutes then throw it all in the machine.