Doing first wash with Soap nuts... any tips?

[mamadiva]

After reading LOADS about them I sent away for a sample last week and have decided to use them for the first time today.

I don't have any essential oils in so thought I'd give it a bash without.

Any tips on how best to use? Would also be keen to hear of people who have used them with success as it's part money/eco/eczema that has driven me to give them a try :)

No but this sounds interesting can you fill me in on what you know about them, please?

use more nuts than they recommend, especially if you live in a hard water area.

also they work better at hotter tempuratures, my washing never smells clean unless it's been washed at 60 or above when using soap nuts.

Thanks Bamboo - I have put washing on at 40 degrees with 8 half shells. I don't think we live in hard water area (we are in highlands).

Misfitless - I don't know much about them but do know that they are apparently a natural soap so can be used to replace washing powder and or dishwasher powder to avoid or cut down on chemical use and they seem to be a lot cheaper as from 8 half shells you can do 3/4 loads when reused.

I got a sample pouch for 75p from inasoapnutshell.com which should do a few washes.

You get some shells and a little zipper net bag which you put inside the machine with your clothes and you can add some essential oils to the fabric softener drawer for a scent in your washing. You can also use Eco bleach or stain remover for whites as they don't contain brighteners as they are a natural product.

Sorry I am wittering LOL. Basically I wanted to be greener, save money and DS and I have eczema which seems to react to EVERYTHING available in shops!

Well load is done and hanging outside.

I used 8 half shells for a 6kg load and although there is no smell has came out looking and feeling clean and surprisingly soft.

I had 4 pairs of jeans in that load and they were actually soft too, infact DP commented that they felt a lot softer than when we just use normal powder without softener.

Am very impressed :o

My whites came out with stains on that weren't there before I put them in to wash so can only assume the colouring came from the brown nut itself.

I am very happy using them on dark washes though.

Bright - you should'nt have any nuts, just empty shells.

If there are nuts in you need to to remove them or they will leave marks :)

I did a white load of towels and throws today and they came out fine.

Hanging outside as we speak, I think I will use essential oils when I have to hang it inside as when it is outside I don't mind it getting that fresh smell.