Soap nuts

Ok, Tara. I ordered the sample packet of soap nuts from the website you provided and have used them. I even used your idea of tying knots in the bag to remember how many times you use it. Great thought, and worked

I'm just not sure I SEE a difference with using them. Obviously I know they are better because they are natural and therefore that alone would make me keep using them. I just wish I SAW a difference, kwim? Am I missing something? Albeit I only got to use them 5 times so maybe that's not enough to see one.

ETA: How many nuts do you use for a full load of clothes AND what size of box do you buy at a time and how long does that last you?

This post has been edited by coasterqueen on Feb 18 2009, 08:35 AM

that is the #! complaint that I hear from people about the nuts. they can't tell if they are working because they can't see or smell a difference. I don't know what to tell you. I washed poo poo cloth diapers with the nuts, and when the wash was done the poo was gone. same with the kids jammies covered in oatmeal. The clothes come out stink and crust free, same as if I were using tide or some other brand, so I assume they are working.
I have been using them for about a year now, and don't even miss the scent of the detergents now. Actually, if our cloths get washed elsewhere the softener and detergent smell seems overwhelming to me. I don't like it.
so, in a year, I have bought 3 cereal box sized boxes of nuts. I use 2 per bag, and 4 washes per set . Then I save those all up and boil them down for good measure to make soap nut liquid. I either use the liquid soap in my washing machine, or I use it to spot clean my carpets .

Ok, well I thought I read the instructions for the sample pack and it was for 5 loads (I think 5 nuts in the bag, maybe). I just want to make sure. Yes, everything looked clean using them. I don't worry about the scent/smell factor - it's never been an issue for me before.

Ok, so I'm going to order my first big box of them and wash "green-er"

Another question, Tara. If I bought liquid instead say like from here: http://www.amazon.com/Maggies-Soap-Nuts-Li...34978756&sr=8-6

That's a 32 ounce bottle and it mentions depending on the washer you may just need a teaspoon per load. My washer is fairly new (a year old maybe) and it just has a compartment for liquid soap and I fill it completely up when using regular soap. Probably 1/2 a cup or maybe a 1/4 of a cup. So if I used the liquid I'd just put a teaspoon in the compartment and leave the rest of the compartment empty?

where did you get the free trial? I am thinking of tring these, I still have some other laundry soap as I had socked up when it was cheep.

It wasn't free, but here is where I got it from: http://www.maggiespureland.com/

I'm just seeing this now. Sorry Karen.
I would just put the liquid soap directly into the machine and not use the compartment. I assume you figured it out.. its only been 2 months. How are you liking the nuts?

I'm just seeing this now. Sorry Karen.
I would just put the liquid soap directly into the machine and not use the compartment. I assume you figured it out.. its only been 2 months. How are you liking the nuts?

No problem. I did put it in the compartment. I am not liking the liquid. I think I'm going to go back to the actual nuts. The jug I got said 60+ loads, something like that, and I know since I am not sure how much liquid to put in, I'm putting in too much. The jug is going faster than it should, so I think the nuts are what I need. I do love the stuff, though.

I'm just seeing this now. Sorry Karen.
I would just put the liquid soap directly into the machine and not use the compartment. I assume you figured it out.. its only been 2 months. How are you liking the nuts?

No problem. I did put it in the compartment. I am not liking the liquid. I think I'm going to go back to the actual nuts. The jug I got said 60+ loads, something like that, and I know since I am not sure how much liquid to put in, I'm putting in too much. The jug is going faster than it should, so I think the nuts are what I need. I do love the stuff, though.

I have never gotten the liquid, but I do save my left over nuts until I have a few cups worth then boil them down myself to make a few mason jars worth of liquid. I add a few drops tea tree oil and some essential oil and use that to spot clean my carpets.

Well, I've tried and tried the soapnuts and it's NOT working. I'd much rather just use vinegar. I noticed time and time again things not getting washed out (like simple stains that would come out in vinegar or regular detergent) so then I tested those same items with regular detergent and they came right out. That definitely made Dh and I decide that they are NOT getting our clothes clean enough for US. Seems to work for others, so maybe it's our water or operator error - although it's not difficult.

I've got one box left I'm going to see if a friend wants to try them out - I'm going back to vinegar mix in mine.