If you’re looking for an economical and toxic free way for your cleaning chores, you can try soap nuts for washing dishes.
What are Soap Nuts and How do They Work?
Soap Nut is a dried fruit that grows on ‘Indian Soapberry.’ Basically, soap nuts are a natural and pure washing detergent source that can be used to wash dishes, laundry, and cleaning purposes. In India and Nepal, people have been using this effective formula for a hundred years.
The nut’s shell releases a component called saponin that foams when dissolved in water. Therefore these nuts are used as a 100% eco-friendly alternative for dish-soaps. Apart from this, they can be used to maintain the shine of metals or ornaments, naturally washing clothes or as liquid soap for dishes, etc. This environmentally favored ingredient is not only effective but also affordable as compared to other washing detergents or liquid soaps.
You may not wish to spend too much time creating homemade alternatives that are not convenient; however, this homemade product could help you save a lot of money and ‘the planet.’ Prepare a soap nut detergent or liquid soap at home by following these steps:
Ingredients:
- Soap nuts (100 gms)
- Water
Method:
- Put 100 grams of soap nuts into a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to smash them well.
- Then, take a pot with half-liter water and add the nuts to the pot. Leave them for boiling on medium flame.
- Wait for 20 minutes. While boiling, the saponin will release from the nutshell and combine with the water.
- You can use the solution straight away or leave it for a night.
- In the morning, throw away the soap nuts and strain the liquid portion.
- Then you can store this solution by pouring it into an old bottle or container. Use when washing clothes or dishes.
The Pros of Using Soap Nuts for Washing Dishes
1. Effective Substitute
Soap nuts are gentle to use and work effectively on dirty dishes or clothes. The natural properties lather up well to clean the dishes and remove any odor as well.
2. Natural and Chemical-free
The soap nut dishwashing solution is 100% natural with no harmful chemicals. The anti-bacterial properties help kill germs or any bacteria on the dishes. Not to mention, it is sulphate free, parabens free, perfume-free, and chlorine-free.
3. Economical
Soap nuts are economical and eco-friendly too. This solution is a hundred times better and affordable as compared to ready-made detergents.
Cons of Using Soap Nuts for the Dishes
1. It only Works Well with Hot Water
The nuts are useful and work well for cleaning the dishes; however, they work better with hot water. You can save money by preparing this solution at home, but it takes hot water to dissolve properly. So, if you’re going to wash dishes using this soap, you need hot water for better results.
2. They are not Fragrant
The nuts are free of any fragrance. So, even if they remove the smell of the food from the dirty dishes, they do not provide it with a fresh scent that people often relate to clean dishes.
3. Making the Soap is a Time-taking Process
Only if you are dedicated enough to use natural products would you spend time creating this natural dishwashing soap. Otherwise, there are several options available in the market that provide more convenience. In other words, using this natural ingredient to wash utensils consumes a lot of energy and time.
4. They Can be Unavailable in Times of Need
Soap nuts detergent is convenient to use, but these soap nuts take a lot of time to grow. So, sometimes there can be unavailability of the soap nuts in the market.
Besides the negative points, it’s always beneficial to opt for soap nuts over commercial dishwashing soaps as they are not only effective in their job but they save the nature too by avoiding the heavy plastic packaging and chemicals in these soaps.
