LAUNDRY
The easiest way to use them for laundry, is to simply pop 3 to 6 soapnuts in the
small muslin bag (supplied), tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing 
machine along with your articles of clothing that need washing. You can reuse one
batch for 4 or 5 loads of laundry.

When using them in the laundry make sure you take the following things into
consideration; the size or your washing machine, size of the load you are washing,
how soiled the items your washing are and the temperature you are washing at.
For an average load of laundry you will use 2 to 3 shells, larger and dirtier loads
may require 4 an extra shell or two and smaller loads may only need 1 to 2 shells.
Water quality also affects how many soapnuts are required, in areas with hard
water more are needed (in the same way more detergent is used in these areas).  
You do not need to add any other detergent, but a few drops of tea-tree or lavender
essential oil, will not only leave your wash smelling lovely, but also disinfect it.
Soapnuts wash effectively between 30 and 60 degrees and will last on average
about 4 to 5 washes at these temperatures, if you wash at higher temps they will
need to be replaced sooner. When the Saponin has been used up the shells will look
dark and feel mushy, at this point you can safely throw them on your compost heap
or put them aside for making soap nut liquid (for more info see soapnut liquid
making instructions below).

Soapnuts are highly-effective and gentle at the same time. They will leave your
laundry fresh and clean and compared to other detergents, its mildness will keep
colors bright, maintaining fabric structure of your clothes for longer periods. It can
be used on all fabrics including delicates like silk, cashmere and wool. It leaves
your clothes incredibly soft and all without the need for fabric softeners or
conditioners.  Soapnuts are both Ecological and Economical when compared to
other forms of detergents. 1 kg of soapnuts can be used for up to 150 loads of
laundry.

Since they do not have any built in bleaches like regular detergent does, it is
beneficial to add ¼ cup of borax when washing whites.

I use soapnuts for most of my laundry when washing at 40 – 60 deg Celsius.  
For hotter wash cycles I use the liquid.  It really works well for washing cloth
nappies and baby clothes.  There is no nasty residue left behind to cause nappy-rash
or other irritations.

If you prefer soapnut liquid, approximately 3 tablespoons (or 45ml) can be
used per laundry load (for more info see soapnut liquid making instructions below)

WASHING DISHES
Use soapnut liquid for washing your dishes. Don’t be deceived by the lack of
bubbles, since there are no artificial foaming agents so there will be very few
if any lasting bubbles.  This in no way impacts on the ability of the liquid to
clean your dishes. If you are using a dish washer, just pop 3 shells in the bottom
of the cutlery holder and some vinegar in the rinse aid dispenser and your dishes
will come out sparkling clean. (for more info see soapnut liquid making instructions
below)

CLEANING & DETOXIFYING FOOD
Soak your fruit and vegetables for approximately 10-15 minutes in the diluted
soapnut liquid. Rinse off and enjoy this food free from harmful chemicals and
residue. This soap nut solution can then be re-used for household cleaning

SHAMPOO
Simply use soapnut liquid instead of regular shampoo, it is not as thick as
standard shampoos, and does not create as much artificial lather, so beware that
you do not use too much, as a little goes a long way.  Soapnut shampoo will leave
your hair clean, naturally. A tip for first-time users: if your hair feels slightly dry
after using soapnut shampoo, you may have used too much.

It will naturally help prevent dandruff and keep your hair soft and strong. When
using to treat dandruff apply the liquid soap nut on your scalp and leave on for
5-10 minutes. Make sure the liquid does not get into the eye as it will burn.
Rinse hair with water. Also works well as a body wash!  Adding a few drops of
tea-tree oil to the shampoo will help prevent a dry scalp, and is great for treating
dandruff.  Otherwise adding a few drops rosemary essential oil is great for dry
hair that tends to frizz, the rosemary really helps make hair more manageable.  
An alternative is to simply add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary when making
soapnut liquid.

The beauty of soapnut shampoo is that it is really gentle and allergen free, so
even the most sensitive skins will not have a problem using it.

JEWELLERY CLEANING
Soap nuts are commonly used in Indian households for cleaning and shining
jewelry. Jewelry is soaked in soap nut liquid and then rubbed with a cloth to
give it a shine.  Use an old soft toothbrush to gently remove debris. 

NATURAL PESTICIDE, PLANT WASH & PET SHAMPOO
Using soap nuts is an effective and natural alternative to repel insects off your
plants, animals and around the house. This easily replaces chemicals. This is a
great use for left over soap nut liquid from washing or laundry.  To repel pests
on plants, spray plant thoroughly, covering all surfaces and allow to air dry.  To
use as pet shampoo / pest repellant, use in a spray bottle.  Soaking your pet
thoroughly with the liquid before rinsing off (leaving some residue on the fur,
will help repel insects and is harmless).  Add tea-tree oil to the pet shampoo
for a nice clean fragrance and extra pest repellant qualities (not suitable for
cats as tea-tree oil is toxic to cats.

WINDOW AND GLASS CLEANER
Fill a spray bottle with 250mL water, 15mL vinegar and 15mL soapnut liquid. Spray
and wipe windows or mirrors clean. Polish with a dry cloth or newspaper.

LIQUID HAND SOAP
Fill a squirt or pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands.

HAND WASHING SILKS AND DELICATES
Add 15ml soap nuts liquid to warm water. Gently wash your delicate clothes.
Rinse with warm water and hang or lay flat to dry.

STEAM CLEANING SPOT TREATMENT
Add 45ml to 4L hot water and use in a portable steam cleaner. Great for getting out
urine smells and stains.  A table spoon of bicarbonate of soda added to this is
specially good for removing cat smells.

MAKING SOAPNUT LIQUID (aka soap nut juice)
Add about 100g (about 2 handfuls) of Soap Nut Shells to approximately 3 Liters of
water.  Bring to boil, and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process
extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water. Let it steep
overnight. Strain into appropriate container and compost the remaining shells.  You
now have a concentrated, chemical free detergent that can then be used as a laundry
detergent, shampoo, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing
up liquid or any other things you would normally clean with a liquid. Experiment with
longer boil times and water to shell ratios for stronger and weaker concentrations.  
You can also save up soapnuts used in your washing machine and use them to make
the liquid – there is still a lot of saponin to be extracted by boiling after they are no
longer useful for laundry.