In China, soapberry is used in different ways for various purposes. We wish to provide some standard method for using soapberry but find that is not possible. People found their ways to get amazing results from soapberry and those are quite different from people to people. Our answers in FAQ are guidelines and recommendations, they are not the best answers for everybody, but they will provide direction.
What I need to know about storage?
Keep soapberry in a relatively dry environment, no need in an airtight container though. Soapberry has shelf life of years, while homemade soapberry liquid shall be used within one week. Children and pets do not like soapberry's terrible taste. However it shall be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Can you use soapberry if you have a nut allergy?
Soapberry is not nut but fruit: They are not part of the nut family and won't cause any nut allergy.
How many do I need for laundry?
We recommend that you use 6 soapberry shells per wash which can then be reused
around 4 times. A 2-pound bag would wash 8 loads per week for around 12 months before it runs out.
Will they remove stains?
They are effective at removing everyday stains but you may need to use a separate stain treatment for more stubborn ones.
Can they be used on diapers?
Absolutely! Soapberry is ideal for diaper cleaning.
Will my whites stay white?
For best results separate your colors and whites. Because they don't contain optical brighteners you may experience some graying over time. Try adding half a cup of lemon juice or vinegar to maintain your whites.
Are they safe to use in all machines (front and top loaders)?
Absolutely - just remember to keep them in the cotton wash bag provided to avoid the shells sticking in any filters in your machine. If the nuts have come free in the wash check your filter.
Is it ok to leave them in the rinse cycle
Yes, there is no residue to wash away. The little remaining saponin in the rinse adds body and softness to you laundry... you can even save water and energy by reducing your rinse cycle!
Can I use soapberry with cold water?
Yes! The saponin release more slowly in cold water but they still work effectively. If you want to speed up the release of the saponin in cold water, pre-soak
soapberries in warm water beforehand.
Do I need to use fabric softener?
The saponin contained in soapberry leave your laundry beautifully soft so there should be no need for further softeners.
What I need to know about storage?
Keep soapberry in a relatively dry environment, no need in an airtight container though. Soapberry has shelf life of years, while homemade soapberry liquid shall be used within one week. Children and pets do not like soapberry's terrible taste. However it shall be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Can you use soapberry if you have a nut allergy?
Soapberry is not nut but fruit: They are not part of the nut family and won't cause any nut allergy.
How many do I need for laundry?
We recommend that you use 6 soapberry shells per wash which can then be reused
around 4 times. A 2-pound bag would wash 8 loads per week for around 12 months before it runs out.
Will they remove stains?
They are effective at removing everyday stains but you may need to use a separate stain treatment for more stubborn ones.
Can they be used on diapers?
Absolutely! Soapberry is ideal for diaper cleaning.
Will my whites stay white?
For best results separate your colors and whites. Because they don't contain optical brighteners you may experience some graying over time. Try adding half a cup of lemon juice or vinegar to maintain your whites.
Are they safe to use in all machines (front and top loaders)?
Absolutely - just remember to keep them in the cotton wash bag provided to avoid the shells sticking in any filters in your machine. If the nuts have come free in the wash check your filter.
Is it ok to leave them in the rinse cycle
Yes, there is no residue to wash away. The little remaining saponin in the rinse adds body and softness to you laundry... you can even save water and energy by reducing your rinse cycle!
Can I use soapberry with cold water?
Yes! The saponin release more slowly in cold water but they still work effectively. If you want to speed up the release of the saponin in cold water, pre-soak
soapberries in warm water beforehand.
Do I need to use fabric softener?
The saponin contained in soapberry leave your laundry beautifully soft so there should be no need for further softeners.
