Liquid detergent with Soapnuts/Reeta
Our new focus - soapnuts.
Husband and I have been trying out natural replacements to things at home. We tried out the compost pit last year, but the city-bred in me couldn't tolerate the sudden burst of crawly bugs population around the pit. So, that has been stopped until a more manageable solution is discovered. Plastic-reduction is an ever running theme. Next phase - reduce(and if possible eliminate) the chemicals being used around the home. We have slowly started replacing the detergents, and cleaning liquids to home-made, natural alternatives. Soap nuts introduced!
We, specifically husband, ventured to buy the environment-friendly alternative to the chemical detergents. There are many brands now available which claim to use the natural ingredients (mainly made of soap-nuts). Back home(maternal), my grandmother commented, rather reminisced, on how Reetha was used in the good old days by them to wash clothes (Soak-boil-use). Soapnuts/Reetha (Hrishtah in Sanskrit) - the age-old "Kunkudukai" which mom had tried on my sister and me for washing our hair in the early days before moving on to the beautifully-perfumed and well-advertised set of shampoos which we have ever since been using.
Digging around for information, I came to know what we have missed out. Here are some facts collected:
All this meant, we had to start using soapnuts ourselves. Right? And so, we embarked on the first hurdle - sourcing this. In Bangalore, I was not sure what to call it and asking in New Thippasandra area only drew blank stares. Finally, my nanny helped us get the breakthrough. "Oh! Soapkai ah? I have seen this being used to clean jewels." And finally, we found it in our trusted shop close home.
With soapnuts, vinegar(as preservative + fabric conditioner + deodorizer) we have made our first batch of liquid detergent. (I preferred this, as everybody at home is now used to the convenience of pouring in the liquid. The pre-process of soaking the berries in warm water and deseeding to avoid staining would have just drawn some ire)
Note:
Helpful links:
http://kaustubam.blogspot.com/2017/07/soapnuts-magic-super-cleaner-every.html
https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/homemade-liquid-soap-nuts-laundry-detergent/
Husband and I have been trying out natural replacements to things at home. We tried out the compost pit last year, but the city-bred in me couldn't tolerate the sudden burst of crawly bugs population around the pit. So, that has been stopped until a more manageable solution is discovered. Plastic-reduction is an ever running theme. Next phase - reduce(and if possible eliminate) the chemicals being used around the home. We have slowly started replacing the detergents, and cleaning liquids to home-made, natural alternatives. Soap nuts introduced!
We, specifically husband, ventured to buy the environment-friendly alternative to the chemical detergents. There are many brands now available which claim to use the natural ingredients (mainly made of soap-nuts). Back home(maternal), my grandmother commented, rather reminisced, on how Reetha was used in the good old days by them to wash clothes (Soak-boil-use). Soapnuts/Reetha (Hrishtah in Sanskrit) - the age-old "Kunkudukai" which mom had tried on my sister and me for washing our hair in the early days before moving on to the beautifully-perfumed and well-advertised set of shampoos which we have ever since been using.
Digging around for information, I came to know what we have missed out. Here are some facts collected:
- Soapnuts are not nuts, they are berries. Genus: Sapindus (sapo = "soap", indicus = "of India"). It is part of the litchi family. So, no worry of nut allergy (if any).
- They are berries which contain saponin. Which is basically, a surfactant. Going back to our science books - surfactant is what reduces the water tension and allowing the dirt to break-up from a surface (fabric, or anything).
- They are mild, which makes them incredibly suited for baby clothes.
- In Ayurveda, it is said to have insecticidal properties. (I have been reading blogs on how the soap-nut liquid is being used to avoid bugs in the garden.)
- Himalayan soapnuts are supposed to be foamier, South Indian soapnuts have more smell. But, both are equally effective.
All this meant, we had to start using soapnuts ourselves. Right? And so, we embarked on the first hurdle - sourcing this. In Bangalore, I was not sure what to call it and asking in New Thippasandra area only drew blank stares. Finally, my nanny helped us get the breakthrough. "Oh! Soapkai ah? I have seen this being used to clean jewels." And finally, we found it in our trusted shop close home.
With soapnuts, vinegar(as preservative + fabric conditioner + deodorizer) we have made our first batch of liquid detergent. (I preferred this, as everybody at home is now used to the convenience of pouring in the liquid. The pre-process of soaking the berries in warm water and deseeding to avoid staining would have just drawn some ire)
Note:
- Like any other fruit juice, it will ferment and will go bad after a period in time. Vinegar or Citric acid helps prolong the lifespan. Typically 2 weeks if it is stored at room temperature and for a few months if it is frozen.
- If you are using it for your hair - it is like shampoo and will sting your eyes.
- It is a natural cleaner and no match for strong chemicals. If the surface is too grimy, try using more of the soap-nut liquid.
Helpful links:
http://kaustubam.blogspot.com/2017/07/soapnuts-magic-super-cleaner-every.html
https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/homemade-liquid-soap-nuts-laundry-detergent/
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