Everything You Need to Know About Soap Berries

When deciding to make the switch to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, the way you wash your clothes might not be at the top of your list. However, the type of laundry detergent and cleaning agents you use can have huge impacts on our environment.

Since you can’t particularly see the tangible harm, like when we throw away a piece of plastic, it’s easier for us to ignore this large problem. Even though we can’t see the chemicals in our water, our environment is seeing the harm in our declining ecosystem.

The Problem with Popular Laundry Detergents

Certain detergents that include phosphate can create algae blooms in fresh water. This is harmful because that algae becomes overgrown and uses up the oxygen that is needed by the aquatic life. The oxygen depletion can have detrimental effects on the surrounding marine life.

Manmade surfactants that are used in detergents to break down oil and dirt from clothes can easily get into the water system. These chemicals can break down the protective layer of skin on fish, making them more susceptible to diseases and parasites.

We all have to look at our daily lives and take responsibility for the products we buy and the effects they might have on our environment and on our health. Once we are educated about the potential risks, we need to make changes so that future generations aren’t stuck with the consequences.

Every time we spend money or purchase items, we are either voting to care for our environment or to destroy it.

Instead of buying commercial laundry detergent, try out a natural laundry detergent alternative, like soap berries. It does the job and doesn’t harm the environment!

What are Soap Berries?

Soap berries, also called soap nuts, are a natural fruit that grows on the Sapindus Mukorrosi tree. The soap berries create a soap called saponin, which is a natural surfactant. They are 100% natural and biodegradableso they don’t stay in the environment for years like other chemicals.

Why Should I use Soap Berries?

Avoid harsh and toxic chemicals found in your average commercial laundry detergents. Natural soap berries are not only safe for the environment, but also for you and your families’ health. People with sensitive skin will benefit from these since there are no added chemicals. Soap berries are a great detergent to wash baby clothes in for this reason as well.

The saponin is a natural insect repellent, so no pesticides have to be used in growing the berries. They also have antimicrobial properties, meaning they inhibit growth of bacteria and other fungi that could cause harm.

Soap berries also don’t leave any residue behind in the washing machine and can even get rid of other deposits left behind from previous detergents.

Don’t forget the added bonus that soap berries are much more affordable than your regular laundry detergent, they are sustainable, and aren’t packaged in plastic containers!

How do I Use Soap Berries?

Soap berries come in their natural shell. All you have to do is add 4-5 soap berry nut shells into a reusable washable bag. Place the small bag in with your laundry, and remove once it’s done washing.

Leave the soap berries out to dry, using them again for the next load. They can be used up to 10 times or until they start to disintegrate. Then once they are all used up you can compost them, making them an excellent eco-friendly alternative to regular laundry detergent.

Give soap berries a try and see how they are just as effective as your commercial laundry detergent brands! There is no need to buy toxic chemicals when nature provides us with a natural way to clean our clothes and fabrics.