Q1: Does soap nut powder really work? How could a berry clean my clothes?
A: When soap nut powder is mixed with water, saponin is released, and soap nut saponin is an excellent cleaner. Consumers are often led to believe that laundry detergent powder must be white in colour or a clear liquid in order to work. The job is to remove dirt and by nature soap nut powder does just that. It is then biodegradably washed away along with the dirt during the rinse cycle. Less lint in the dryer demonstrates less damage to the fabric. Without even the need for fabric softener, clothes come out naturally soft and fresh.
Q2: Is soap nut powder economical to use?
A: Yes, soap nut powder is very economical to use, especially when you consider the many products it replaces in and around the home. Cost per load of laundry is similar to or less than leading brands of commercial laundry detergent. Better health for ourselves, our children and the environment, priceless.
Q3: Is soapnut powder suitable for H.E. washers?
A: Soap nut powder is especially well suited to H.E. washers due to its low sudsing properties. Requires only 1/2 tbsp. powder per load. For ultimate clean, it is suggested to premix a concentrate in hot water to fully release the natural cleaning power, or use a cotton bag to filter.
Q4: Can I use soap nut powder with cold water?
A: Yes, soap nut powder can be used at all temperatures on all fabrics, although suggested use in 40-60C. For better results using cold water, premix soap nut powder in a small amount of hot water prior to adding or use a premix concentrate. It can also be used to "boost" your current detergent, by adding just a "pinch" to each load.
Q5: Does soap nut powder leave a scent on my clothes?
A: No, washing with soap nut powder will leave clothes odour free; however, you may add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the wash load for scent.
Q6: How effective is soap nut powder for washing baby's cloth diapers?
A: Soapnut powder is an exceptional "baby-bottom friendly" laundy detergent, mild on sensitive skin and gentle on the most delicate fabric, it effectively removes soil and most common stains naturally with amazing odour control. Use a small muslin bag to contain powder, some prefer to use in liquid form. Works best with natural fibers - hemp and bambo. A slight discolouration of polyester microfibre inserts has been reported, although it will not affect diaper absorbancy.
Q7: Can you use soap nut powder in the dishwasher?
A: Definitely, just add 1/2 tsp. to clean dishes without soap residue and to make silverware sparkle. You may add vinegar to the rinse dispenser for heavy loads. Soap nut powder contains no phosphates, nor enzymes, that can harm the environment.
Q8: Does soap nut powder really work as a shampoo?
A: Yes, soap nut powder has long been used as a shampoo. A lighter shampoo than you may be used to, it leaves hair feeling silky and naturally conditioned. Use on itchy scalp or to help fight dandruff. Soap nut shampoo is also proven to reduce the risk of nit infestation.
Q9: Can I actually bathe in soap nut powder?
A: Soap nuts are hypo-allergenic and used as a natural and effective treatment for dermal conditions and skin sensitivities. A natural exfoliant, bathing in soap nut powder helps to beautify skin. Premix in hot water and/or use a bath satchel to permiate soothing saponin. A foot bath in soap nut saponin releaves through anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
Q10: Can I wash my car with it?
A: It works great for washing cars, anything around the home and garden. Mix 1tbsp. with a spray nozzle in a bucket, or use in a liquid form. Also great for polishing alloy rims and you'll feel good not washing chemicals directly down the drain.
Q11: Is it good for mechanic's hands?
A: Yes, just rub a pinch directly on hands after a solvent wash to remove chemical cleaners, rinse clean. After a couple of weeks you ought to see improvement in cracked skin.
Q12: Can I shampoo pets?
A: Natural and non-toxic, cleans and deodorizes without stripping the natural oils in pet's coat. Useful in preventing parasites and for repelling insects. Used as a liquid, makes a water soluable light foam that can easily be rubbed in and rinsed clear.
Q13: How effective is it for washing fruits and vegetables?
A: Studies have proven that soaking produce in a soap nut solution for 10 minutes reduces up to 95% of surface pesticides and chemical residues.
Q14: Can I use it on my garden plants?
A: Used as a clear liquid in a spary bottle, soap nut (sapindus mukorossi) saponin has been scientifically documented for controlling plant parasites and in soil management for pests such as nematodes, mullusks, weavels, aphids, whitefly and mosquito, with no harmful effects to pollinators.
Q15: Can I really use it camping as an insect repellent?
A: Yes, made into liquid spray, it can be applied on skin, hair, clothes, entrance way and pets to repel insects, and safe to reapply as required. Avoid contact with eyes as irritation may result.
Q16: Does it work with greywater systems?
A: Yes, soap nut powder is definitely greywater suitable and septic system safe. Recycling soapnut powder wash water can be beneficial to irrigation of plants and soil due to anti-microbial, anti-fungal and pest repellent properties.
Q17: Is this an organically certified product?
A: Organically grown and sustainably harvested, source is IFOAM affliated and certified by USDA. EnviroChic 100% natural soap nut powder has no added optical brighteners, fluorescent whitening agents, chemical foaming surfactants, nor any synthetic ingredients.
Q18: How do I pay for my purchase?
A: Please follow the steps and fill out information fields in the shopping cart. We accept secure online payments thru Paypal.
Q19: Do you offer bulk discounts?
A: Yes, please contact us or apply to become a registered vendor for wholesale discount.
Q20: How much for shipping and tax?
A: Shipping by Canada Post regular mail rates apply. Purchases of $200 or more include free shipping (does not apply to wholesale). Tax is calculated at your provincial rate or HST.