Ok, so call me impatient but since I can't seem to reply directly on the thread I decided to start another thread with my reply. Hope that doesn't seem rude or anything, I just don't want to wait till my login problems are fixed as that could take a while and then the thread would be way far down...

So, for handwashing I doubt you could really ruin them by how you washed them since handwashing goes pretty easy on the item being handwashed. Covers aren't typically prone to build-up the same way that diapers are (some net articles will say that some PUL covers are prone to build-up but I would think that would be pretty difficult to do personally, just thought I'd mention it just in case but I doubt it'd be an issue). So, basically wash them in whatever is easiest for you and just make sure to rinse well if it's something kinda harsh (just to avoid irritation). When I used to hand wash I'd bought a bar of Sunlight detergent since I figured that's what would probably clean best. It's not very expensive if I remember correctly and a bar would last forever!!

As for soap-nuts, you can make a liquid soap (by boiling the nuts) to use in cold water but you absolutly don't have to. All you have to do is soak the soap nuts in hot water first. What I would do is just keep a plastic container near the machine, run some hot water and catch it in the container. Soak the nuts for a minute or so (doesn't take very long, just the time for you to put the clothes in and let the washer fill a bit of the way. Then just throw the nuts and water in the machine and you're good to go. These are the directions I got right on my bag...

That said I do plan on eventually making some liquid soap, in part because it's apparently good for all kinds of other uses including an all-purpose cleaner, shampoo and body wash!!

As for HE washers, I don't have personal experience with that but I've read that soap nuts are ideal for them because they are low-sudsing.

Karen.

pbresolin, Yes, you need warm or hot water to release the saponin from the nut. The hotter the water the more saponin is released. Also, the longer you soak (if you use the soaking method), the more saponin is released... And yes, I hope my login problems get solved soon too! There are more threads I'd like to reply to but what I have to add isn't as important so I'll probably wait for those, don't want to clog up the board with a million reply threads...