| Repugnant and potentially hazardous chemicals have | | | | 1) Since soap nut powder is such an amazing scouring |
| built up within our washing machines. Soap nuts break | | | | powder and cleanser, you can use it to clean up the |
| down these old chemicals so effectively and so | | | | visible heavy residue. You can buy soap nut powder |
| quickly that a simple cleaning of your washer is made | | | | or even better yet, just grind some yourself and save |
| easy. Soap nuts can be used to purge your machine | | | | a few bucks. Grind them to dust in a coffee grinder or |
| of unwanted chemicals and contaminants. Give your | | | | processor. You will be astounded at how well the |
| washer a fresh start before doing your next load. | | | | powder works. (btw: While you are at it, try some on |
| My realization of the significance of this began after | | | | the rings in your toilets and sinks. My toilets and sinks |
| receiving many reports that mildew odors (particularly | | | | are sparkling clean for the first time in years!) |
| in front loaders) were gone after just a few washes | | | | 2) Do a few HOT water washes and rinses of old |
| with soap nuts. All washers get a build up of chemicals | | | | rags or anything other than your clothes, diapers, |
| in them over a period of time from using typical | | | | towels, linens, etc. that will be in contact with your skin |
| detergents. Front loaders and HE washers are even | | | | for any long periods of time or be harmed by the hot |
| more susceptible because of their design. This build-up | | | | cycles. If you don not have enough old rags for a few |
| of chemicals is especially noticeable in and around the | | | | loads just rewash them. |
| seal in the door of the washer. Also, it is commonly | | | | I do not like suggesting wasting any water or energy, |
| reported that the build-up and "rings" start disappearing | | | | but it is really the best way to effectively get all those |
| in a very short period with the use of soap nuts. | | | | chemicals out of your washer for good. I had one |
| This tells us that the old chemicals in these build-ups | | | | customer who even reported hearing increased water |
| and residues are ending up right in our laundry. We | | | | flow through their washer drainpipes after doing these |
| know the residue is going away because of using | | | | things. Now that really tells us just how much chemical |
| soap nuts. The problem is that the only place for it to | | | | residue many detergents leave behind. |
| go is directly into the wash/rinse water. Right? Well, | | | | These very, very simple steps will minimize the |
| we can avoid that. | | | | possibility of any unwanted chemicals getting into your |
| The saponin in the soap nuts works exceptionally well | | | | laundry - which is, of course, the primary reason we |
| and very quickly to break down and dissolve these | | | | are changing to soap nuts in the first place. So, if your |
| chemicals. Hence, your first few washes may still | | | | machine shows any signs of old chemical build-ups, |
| contain a lot of those old chemicals because they are | | | | (and even if it does not, for you can not see every |
| already residing in the machine. Albeit, saponin is | | | | place where the build-up exists) these initial clean up |
| breaking these chemical down, why not just get rid of | | | | efforts will lead to an even more pleasurable first |
| them first? Who knows how potent these residues | | | | experience with soap nuts. |
| are? It is even reasonable to assume that they are | | | | Those of us that have been using them have already |
| more concentrated in chemicals than the original | | | | cleaned up our machines through just normal usage. |
| detergent. | | | | The use of soap nuts is a rapidly growing and better |
| So, here is a very simple suggestion that can only | | | | way of washing laundry, plus they are leading us to |
| improve your washing experience: Just clean the crud | | | | many other greener and safer cleaning methods. We |
| out of your machine. Sorry, even though they are | | | | never stop learning, and I will never stop sharing any |
| washing machines they are not self-cleaning. However, | | | | new information or tips. I hope that this article will help |
| soap nuts will make it very easy. | | | | the growing number of new users of soap nuts to |
| | | | have the best experience possible. Good luck and |
| Here are two very simple things to do: | | | | enjoy! |