Soap Nuts

1 bag = 250 - 350 loads of laundry. What more do you need to know? Ok, maybe you need to know what the heck they are! These aren't really nuts, they're berries from the soapberry tree. And people have been using their natural detergent abilities for centuries. I bought a bag recently for $42 and that includes shipping from Canada. Now I don't need to worry about buying laundry detergent for, what, 2 or more years?

I've used them twice, and am impressed. To use, simply put a few berries into one of the tiny drawstring bags included and throw into the drum of your washing machine. If, like me, you use cold water they suggest soaking the bag and berries in some hot water for a few minutes beforehand. Then throw the bag along with the hot water into the machine.

You can reuse those same berries for several loads, then they will apparently dry up and you can compost them. How eco-friendly! Plus, for those who have to lug those heavy detergent bottles to the laundromat, think how much easier it'll be to carry in a small bag of berries that wash and soften fabric at the same time! I highly recommend these! Check out the link above and read more about how fantastic these berries are!