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kiwivic 
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Location: Nelson, NZ
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 Topic: Soap nuts
Posted: 13 February 2008 at 12:08pm |
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I usually use Eco-Store powder for all my washing, but have been looking into alternatives - specificially soap nuts. Has anyone tried them?
Vic xx
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kebakat
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 12:15pm |
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Never even heard of it!
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nikkitheknitter
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 12:20pm |
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I've heard good things about the washing balls from Greenbeans.
Are the soap nuts the natural thingys?
Not heard any reviews but I'd be interested to hear your view if you do end up using them!!!
I'd say they'd be fabulous for kiddos with sensitive skin.
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Kels
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 12:22pm |
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Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs
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mummy_becks
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 1:13pm |
Haven't about them but like nikki have heard about the balls.
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I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived!
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AliaDawn
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 1:17pm |
I've considered them, but I'd rather see some good reviews from trusted people before I tried them! Just a little sceptical here 
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nikkitheknitter
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 1:21pm |
Soap Nuts at Scarecrow Farm
Maybe you could email the ladies at Scarecrow Farm? I think they are on here too...?
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AliaDawn
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 1:23pm |
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Is scarecrow farm being weird for anyone else? I noticed a few days back that when I go to it, it constantly reloads itself over and over. The product pages are OK though - If I can manage to get there. I use firefox by the way.
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kiwivic
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 3:46pm |
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Yes, Scarecrow Farm was where I read about them! I know they're really popular with cloth nappy users in the UK (as are eco balls). I think I might try a 50g sample bag (only $5). I'm very intrigued and will let you all know how I get on!
Vic xx
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nicolaann
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Posted: 13 February 2008 at 4:34pm |
Will be interesting to hear what they are like. I have never heard of them before. 
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Nicky, Mum to Alex (5) & Sophie (3)
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Instinct
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Posted: 14 February 2008 at 12:01pm |
I have been using the soap nuts and finding them fantastic. My son is toilet training so we don't have many nappies left to wash any more. So with these I can throw other washing in with them - and they don't cause buildups!!
I think they are fab, especially for washing cloth nappies and I'll be getting some in stock for the site in the near future.
The clothing comes out clean, and soft ... and the nappies don't stink 
Big thumbs up for me!
Karyn
www.mothersinstinct.co.nz
Edited by Instinct
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nicolaann
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Posted: 14 February 2008 at 12:49pm |
Thanks Karyn, thats great to hear from someone who has tried them. I think I will order a 50g pack to try.
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Nicky, Mum to Alex (5) & Sophie (3)
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kiwivic
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Posted: 14 February 2008 at 12:56pm |
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Woo-hoo, I have ordered the sample bag - can't wait for it arrive! :)
I got it off TM and postage was only $2.50.
Vic xx
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kiwivic
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Posted: 22 February 2008 at 11:09am |
My soap nuts arrived yesterday and can't say I'm overly keen on them. I did a few washes yesterday to try them out - DH's work shirts first and they came out still a little whiffy under the armpits (sorry, DH would kill me for telling you that!) - as if they'd just had a rinse rather than a wash. You couldn't smell them without sticking your nose right in and having a big sniff, but I'm just fussy about stuff like that. Also, I often stick a load on at night before I go to bed and then hang it out in the morning. Only the load this morning smelt awful - like it had been sitting wet in the sun for days  - I had to put it on a wash again with detergent. I didn't want to chance it with my nappies so think I'll be sticking with my Eco Store powder for now.
Vic xx
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mothersinstinct
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Posted: 22 February 2008 at 11:15am |
 kiwivic wrote:
My soap nuts arrived yesterday and can't say I'm overly keen on them. I did a few washes yesterday to try them out - DH's work shirts first and they came out still a little whiffy under the armpits (sorry, DH would kill me for telling you that!) - as if they'd just had a rinse rather than a wash. You couldn't smell them without sticking your nose right in and having a big sniff, but I'm just fussy about stuff like that. Also, I often stick a load on at night before I go to bed and then hang it out in the morning. Only the load this morning smelt awful - like it had been sitting wet in the sun for days - I had to put it on a wash again with detergent. I didn't want to chance it with my nappies so think I'll be sticking with my Eco Store powder for now.
Vic xx |
What temperature did you use to wash them with? They apparently have been having more success with a warmer wash rather than cold. Also you can add some drops of essential oil such as Lavender or Tea Tree. If you have been washing on cold, I would suggest going a bit hotter and see how you go.
I probably wouldn't leave the washing sitting for that long over night in this weather. They do tend to get a bit stinky left in the washing machine for hours - I have done this myself with regular detergent, and they have stunk
Edited by mothersinstinct
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nicolaann
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Posted: 22 February 2008 at 11:29am |
Oh bugga.. I was really keen to get some, but now I'm having doubts!
Maybe I will still get a sample bag?? 
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Nicky, Mum to Alex (5) & Sophie (3)
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kiwivic
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Posted: 22 February 2008 at 1:24pm |
I did 2 washes in cold and one in warm. To be honest I don't want to have to wash in warm all the time because a) my power bill will go up and b) not all our washing is suited to a warm wash. As for the overnight wash, I probably do one load a week overnight and have never had a problem with it smelling bad. I know that if I've ever left it for a day in hot weather then it might be a little whiffy, but this was only 7hrs overnight and not in the hottest part of the day. The wash smelt REALLY bad
It was only a sample bag so I haven't lost out too much ($7.50 incl postage) - I think I'm just happier to stick with the Eco Store and cold washes (except for nappies which I always do in a warm wash).
Vic xx
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mothersinstinct
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Posted: 25 February 2008 at 2:04pm |
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I believe it works out around 10c more per wash to wash in warm, rather than cold. I have always found a warmer wash is much better for stain removal anyway, and I've always washed the nappies in the same temperature. I don't mind paying this little extra for the amount I will be saving by using soap nuts, compared with detergent prices.
I have just done a full load of washing with a full bag of soap nuts, on a medium heat, with a few drops of tea tree and they have come out feeling soft, and smelling fresh.
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kiwivic
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Posted: 25 February 2008 at 2:49pm |
Each to their own, it's just not for me
Vic xx
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nicolaann
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Posted: 05 March 2008 at 10:50am |
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I bought soemsoap nuts, and have been using them this week. I'm a little undecided on weather or not I like them. My normal clothes washes seem to have come out fine. I'm just not too sure about the nappies. I forgot to put tea tree in this morning, and my nappies are smelly. Although I guess they would be with eco store if I didn' put the oil in. I will keep using them and see how it goes. Haven't tried a warm wash yet, so may do that tomorrow.
Has anyone else tried them since lately?
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Nicky, Mum to Alex (5) & Sophie (3)
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Soap nuts
