Soapnuts for Skin Care, Laundry, Dishes, Shampoo and More!

My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
~Erma Bombeck

Soapnuts are the dried shell of the fruit of Chinese Soapberry trees (also known as sapindus trees). The shells contain saponin, purported to be as effective a cleaner the chemical laden cleaners we use around the home. It is a natural surfactant, reducing the surface tension of water.  Apparently the chemicals in household detergents are manufactured surfactants.

The Sapindus Mukorossi trees have the highest saponin content. These trees grow wild in North India and the berries have historically been used medicinally. It is now primarily known for it's cleaning properties. Some uses for soapnuts include: laundry detergent, dishwasing detergent, fruit rinse, jewelry cleaner, and shampoo.

Soapnuts are natural, organic, nd environmentally safe. They can be used 2-4 times (for laundry). 

Note: I have got to try this! I will let you know if it works.

Farewell Dryer Sheets - I am using Aluminum Foil Now

Behind every working woman is an enormous pile of unwashed laundry.
~Barbara Dale 

Dryer sheets are truly horrible! Who knew?

I have been using dryer sheets for years. I have to admit that the smell has lately become a bit too much - not particularly "fresh," but the odor we have come to associate with clean clothes. If you ever hang your clothes out to dry on the line, you know that "fresh and clean" smell does not remotely resemble the smell of a dryer sheet.

Static cling, however, is also a real issue. Didn't you ever get to work only to realize there was a nylon knee-high clinging to the back of your sweater? I hate when that happens.

The solution is: Aluminum foil! A bit of foil, balled up and tossed in to the dryer eliminates static cling. It has no odor at all and is reusable. This really works! The last load of clothes I took out of the dryer included nylons, fleece and a ball of aluminum. No cling at all!

Note: Over time the foil balls become smooth and kind of cool looking.

Something else I learned while researching dryer sheet alternatives: You can cook oatmeal in a thermos. Just pour all the ingredients in (make sure the water is boiling) shake, and allow time to cook.