Soap nuts for gentle laundry (Greenwich SE10)

These are unused. I used to use them for a long time but have a new washing machine with auto dispenser, so no use for these leftover ones.

Soap nuts are the dried fruit shells of the soapberry tree that work as a natural, chemical-free laundry detergent by releasing plant-based soap compounds called saponins in water.

Getting good results is straightforward once you know the basics:

Use the right amount. Place 4–5 shells in the cotton wash bag provided and tie it securely. Don't overfill — the saponin needs room to release into the water.
Check the temperature. Soap nuts work best between 30°C and 60°C. For cold washes, pre-soak the bag in warm water for 60 seconds before adding to the drum.
Add them at the start. Put the wash bag in with your laundry at the beginning of the cycle, not in the detergent drawer.
Reuse them. Let the bag air dry between washes and reuse until the shells go grey and soft — usually after four to five washes.
Pre-treat tough stains. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of natural stain remover directly to the fabric before washing.