Frequently Asked Questions about Earth's Berries Soap Nuts

Over the past 2 years I have gotten many questions via email, most of the information can be found on the site somewhere, but this will make a quick and easy reference for the most commonly asked questions.

What species are Earth’s Berries soap nuts?

Earth’s Berries are of the highest quality sapindus mukorossi species. Though there are many species of soap nuts this is one contains the highest level of saponin (cleaning agent) and work best for your laundry and cleaning needs.

Are they de-seeded?

Yes the Earth’s Berries soap nuts are de-seeded, however it is all done by hand and due to human error you may find that the odd seed gets into your bag. Do not use it in your laundry.

Are they organic?

Yes they most definitely are organic; however they do not, as yet, have the organic classification on them. My choice to hand pick my supplier, one whose mission is fair practices and fair wages to his employees, was more important to me at this time. He has a small operation and in time will have the organic classification.

How do they get here?

They arrive here by ship; I do my best to order in large quantities so that I can keep the carbon footprint as low as possible.

Where are they packaged?

There is much debate as to whether they should be packed in India or packed when they arrive. I have my bags packed in India because I know that I am then continuing the employment of a small village and because of the fair practices of my supplier it is important to me to support his company, and the people. The internal bag is sealed an protects against moisture in the bag.

What about the carbon footprint it takes to get Earth’s Berries Soap Nuts to Canada?

I choose to bring over the Earth’s Berries in Shipments of no less than 3000kg per shipment, below is the calculation between using plastic and the shipment and the CO2 difference

• Each 3000kg shipment from India   = approximately  2 tons of CO2 to the carbon footprint

• 3000kg of soap nuts replace= 27000 plastic 32 load laundry bottles

• The production of 1 plastic 32 load bottle = 1kg of C02 carbon footprint

• Therefore that is equal to 27,000kg of CO2 carbon footprint

• 27 000 kilogram = 27 ton [metric] co2 carbon footprint

What is the sustainablility of the tree?

The seed of the Earth’s Berries are left in India, therefore providing lots of time for them to take hold and grow a new tree. It takes nine years for the tree to bear fruit that is usable as an Earth’s Berry. Most of the trees are centuries old.

Can we grow it here?

There is a real possibility that the tree would survive our climate here, however, the import of the seed at this present time is not allowed. The tree is a very hardy tree and may be extremely invasive to our present wild species of trees.

How do you purchase the Earth’s Berries?

They are picked and packed for me in India. I feel so strongly about how well the workers are cared for and the income that both jobs provide to the community that I have chosen to have the packaging done there as well.

Do I have to fish them out of the machine during the rinse cycle?

No, unlike other “detergents” that leave a heavy residue on the clothing, Earth’s Berries soap nuts leave no residue at all. Think of it more like cleaning with vinegar, in the wash cycle they will wash and in the rinse cycle they will soften. You actually only need the rinse  cycle to clean off the dirty wash water as there is nothing to rinse from the clothes.......definitely shut off the extra rinse you may be running on your machine.

Are they hypo-allergenic.........I have a nut allergy?

For those concerned about nut allergies, they are actually a berry not a nut. They are considered hypo-allergenic, meaning that they are likely not to irritate sensitive skin. They have actually been shown to improve some skin conditions such as eczema.

How many times have I used that darn bag??

I have considered selling many different items to make this easier, however one of my resellers at Sustain in Huntsville said what about 5 hooks. Wow, what a great idea!

So this is what I have implemented in my own house. I got 5 metal hooks from the dollar store, mine have a sticky back, but you could definitely find some that are magnetic, or make your own from wood and mount it on the wall. Have fun with it! You can make it a laundry room accessory.

• Make up your bag with 4-5 Earth’s Berries Soap Nuts
• After the first use you would hang it on Hook #2 and continue to move it with each use

They went into the dryer, should I throw them out?

Nope just check them, either visually or another way is to put them into hot water and give a squeeze, if they still release a good amount of suds then they can be used again!

I’ve made the liquid, but I am afraid I won’t use it all in 10 days?

1. You can always half the recipe
2. A few drops of Oil of Oregano or Grapefruit seed extract and some of your favourite essential orders will help with preservation
3. Citric Acid is a great preservative, use one tsp per litre of liquid, dissolve it into 2 tblsps of hot water and then add it to the liquid.
4. Freeze the liquid into ice cube trays and use 2 cubes for a large load
5. Use it around the house, I do all of my cleaning with the liquid.

They aren’t working what am I doing wrong?

1. Do you have hard water? If so, make sure you are using the 5 whole berries or 10 halves, you need a few more to get a great result.
2. Are you using cold water? If so, pre soak for a minute or 2 in hot tap water before putting the bag in the washing machine......don’t throw out the water that you soaked them in, put that water in your wash as well.
3. Are you using enough Earth’s Berries? Many of the berries are halved during processing so make sure you are using 2 halves for one whole berry

Looking for a really easy way to pre-spot, this idea came from one of my customers

• Get your bag ready for the laundry and soak it in hot water for a few minutes, then rub the bag with the berries onto the stain

I’ve actually started carrying this in my purse as my own little “Earth’s Berries” stain bag

Can I just leave the bag in the washing machine between washes?

No, this will actually begin to mould both the berries and the bag. It is best if you aren’t using the bag for the next load to hang it somewhere in your laundry room. Before I put in the hooks I hung it on the door knob or on the tap.

Why don’t you have more recipes for body and hair care uses?

I personally use Earth’s Berries soap nuts for all kinds of things in my home from shampoo to cleaners. However, there are more regulations in Canada for the use of the soap nuts directly on the skin. I would invite you to explore other sites to find recipes for more and more uses. They truly are a gift and can be used in every area of your home and body.