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What is a good price for soap nuts in the US? I'm at the end of my trial package and want to reorder. I found a 500 gram bag (150-175 loads) at http://www.laundrytree.com for US$38, including shipping. Is that a good price? (Before I forget, thanks to all previous posters who convinced me to try these out!)
In previous posts I've seen primarily Canadian websites with complaints that they don't ship to the US. Has anyone found a different US site with a better price? Or even better, are there any nation-wide brick-and-mortar stores that sell them?
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The vast majority of Canadian online stores ship to the US, the problem probably is that soap nuts are considered a plant so it's probably prohibited materials (unless you have a special import license most likely).
I would keep looking for a better price. I found a Canadian website that has bags twice the size (1kg) for CDN $34.00 including shipping. I know that this particular website doesn't help you much but I'd be surprised if you couldn't find something comparable (if not cheaper) in the US.
Maybe Nakedbabytoes can help you. I know she's in the US and uses soap nuts. She's mentioned where she buys them a few times but I can't recall. You could always look up her past posts if she doesn't see this thread soon enough).
Karen. |
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| Thanks for the tip on pricing. nakedbabytoes is the one who clued me into LaundryTree.com. I'll do some more searching on my own... hopefully somebody else has a lead for the US? |
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You rang???
Lol! I buy mine from laundrytree. I have seen them cheaper on eBay & such but the laundrytree lady is so nice & tends to send me free stuff. So I figure why not support the little WAHM? I guess I'd just google "soapnuts" & see what you get. I remember there was a place that had "nellies" or something like that which came in huge bags & were pretty reasonable.
Soapnuts in general are just so much cheaper than regular soap anyway. You will save no matter what, that's for sure!
Good luck! |
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I found two sites with prices closer to what Karen is paying.
www.zamuta.com sells 32 oz bags for $35 including shipping. stores.greenvirginproducts.com sells 1 kg bags for $37 including shipping.
Any experience on how long I can store the nuts in the bag before they go bad? Do I need store them in an airtight container? |
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I store mine in a ziploc bag in the cupboard. I can't see them going bad unless they get wet. I have had mine for 9 months and haven't had any trouble so far.
Enjoy soap nuts... I just love, love mine!
Julie |
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OK, I just have to ask - Do you really think your laundry is getting clean with soap nuts? I've wanted to try them, but I've heard comments like "They aren't effective in removing stains" and "your clothes feel weird coming out of the laundry." So - give it to me straight, please.  I'd love to hear some more feedback on how these work for all types of laundry, not just diapers.
Currently, I use the Simple Green / washing soda recipe, and though I like it in general, I find that it doesn't do much for stains. I'm not too thrilled with it in cold water, either. But maybe I'm finicky about my laundry. |
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Thanks for the help ladies. I got a recommendation on another site to use a coop. I've got no idea how to do that, though  .
Andretam: I'm happy with them. I was convinced to try it by reading several old threads on this forum. Do a search on soap nuts and you can read the comments of women with far more experience than I. |
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| I live in Canada and was able to purchase a 1 kg bad for $20. I didn't realize how high some places are selling them for. No matter the difference in price you are definatly saving compared to any detergent...but thought I would add what i pay for them into the discussion. Im in Northbay ON and purchase my soapnuts from Bush Babies Boutique. They do have a website and prob ship to the US....the owner is amazing...but not sure the shipping charges and if you would be saving but worth checking out. |
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I have found that the soapnuts are very effective at cleaning. The stain removal thing is true to a certain extent though. That doesn't mean the clothing isn't clean, just that it's not as effective on stains. They don't contain UV brighteners (that leave a light reflecting chemical residue on fabric to make them appear whiter) and don't contain fragrances so if that's what you're used to then it won't be the same experience. But whitening can be achieved with something like an oxygen bleach and scent can be added with essential oils, although I've never really felt the need for either of them. Heck, plenty of regular detergents aren't that effective on stains either, otherwise stain sprays and Oxy-Clean wouldn't exist...
Mekayla, pretty sure the store you're referring to actually sells 1lb bags (which would be a little less than half of 1kg). That would come to be significantly more expensive but then if you can get without paying shipping and supporting a local business then it may be worth it for you.
Karen.
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