Anyone used Lakeland laundry nuts (soap nuts)?

[Gemmasmummyplusoneintummy]

Do they get washing really clean? Do they save you money? How long do they last? Would you recommend them? Also, would you use them to wash nappies at 60C? Is there anywhere else you can buy them apart from Lakeland, and cheaper? Any feedback please. Thanks.

i've just bought some and use them for baby clothes i also wash nappies at 40 degrees in them (wee'd not pooed in). they seem fine, they get abidec out and that stains like mad. i use dollywasher balls with them and a few drops of lavender oil in the conditioner drawer

I've been using them for about 2 years now and I love them. I don't get them from Lakeland though - Ebay Germany is masses cheaper, although I did buy 25 kg! Lots of 'green' and baby sites sell them now too - a web search for soap nuts or soap nut shells should bring up lots. Or some people do a bulk from from Ebay and divide it up between friends.

I use 5-7 shells at a time, and use one lot for 4-6 washes before composting them.

They're similar to non-bio really, in that they are good for 'regular' washes but not brilliant for stains. So I use Ecover stain remover on really yucky stuff and for shirt collars etc, and for white washes I pop in a spoonful of Ecover laundry bleach too. But that suits me, I hate biological powders with a vengeance!

I hate fabric conditioners, but if you like 'smelly' washing, put in some essential oils.

You can also get a free sample from underthegooseberrybush.co.uk.

I have a free sample, but my washing machine has broken down!

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking forward to giving them a try. Nothing to lose!

I got my first batch the other day, done about 3 washes. Am really impressed

Bought some from my local health food shop today, will keep you posted!

Bought some from my local health food shop today, will keep you posted!

Bought some from my local health food shop today, will keep you posted!

I have some from Lakeland. I have used them for clothes - haven't used them for nappies yet. I was a bit dubious about their effectiveness but have been impressed! They have a tip on the side of the packet that says to add a teaspoon of baking powder to the bag when washing whites - I think this actually works. When I use them for nappies I will still use my usual nappy sanitiser.

Update on the soap nuts - I think they worked pretty well. On the packet they say you can use the same nuts 3 times, but I have used them for 5 washes so far and the washing came out clean. I don't think they will survive another wash though, they are starting to disintegrate. They also suggest putting the nuts in a small jar of water between washes to keep them moist, and adding a 5 drops of an essential oil to give your washing a nice fragrance. You then empty the entire contents of the jar into your machine drum (don't put oils in the dispenser drawer). This seems to work well, I use geranium oil but only because it was spare and didn't know what else to do with it. Don't know how well they would work for heavy soiling, e.g. nappies though, but I will give them a try when the time comes!

I didn't buy them from Lakeland, they are cheaper in my local health food shop.