One of the most well-known traditional laundry methods involves women carrying basins of clothes to the river and beating them against rocks to increase friction and remove dirt. However, this method was exhausting and often ineffective against stubborn stains from food or grease. As a result, people began searching for more efficient ways to do their laundry.
The discovery of using ash powder revolutionized the laundry process. By adding a small amount of ash powder during washing, oil and grease stains could be effectively removed from clothing.
This is because ash powder contains potassium carbonate, a similar component found in modern detergent. In some regions, people even ground and mixed seashells with ash powder to enhance its cleaning power.
Later on, people found that certain plants and fruits containing saponin, such as soapberries and soap nuts, could effectively remove stains from clothing. They extracted the saponin, added fragrances, and sold the resulting product widely.
These natural laundry detergents made from soapberries and soap nuts were excellent at cleaning clothes while preserving fabric colors. Additionally, they were gentle on the skin. Today, some people even make their own organic laundry detergent using soap nuts at home.
Here’s how you can make your own organic laundry detergent from soap nuts at home:
Ingredients:
– Soap nuts: 3kg
– Sugar: 1kg
– Water: 10 liters
– Large plastic container with a capacity of 15-20 liters
Instructions:
1. Wash the soap nuts thoroughly.
2. Dissolve the sugar in water and soak the soap nuts in this solution. You can use a basket and stones to keep the soap nuts submerged. Close the container and store it in a cool, ventilated area.
3. Open the container every few days to stir the solution, then close it again. In the first few days, you may want to leave the lid slightly ajar or cover the opening with a cloth to prevent insects from entering while allowing air circulation.
4. After three months, you can extract the enzyme solution for use. You can reuse the soap nuts for a second batch. The clear liquid on top can be used for laundry, while the cloudy liquid at the bottom is great for washing dishes.
For 5-7 sets of clothes, mix 100-200ml of the enzyme solution with water for washing.
