Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy from GreenPlanet Scientific?
Products and Service. You'll love our products and you'll love our service. Our products are superior and so is our customer service. And, we work to provide the best available pricing in the industry.
Where are SoapBerries made?
SoapBerries are made in the USA.
Directions for Use:
- SoapBerries are a simple to use one-step process (superior cleaning ability and natural fabric softener all in one). Before adding laundry, toss 1 unopened packet of SoapBerries into washer. Use two packets for extra-large or heavily soiled loads. Rest assured that your cloths are now being cleaned naturally with saponin - creating the smallest ecological footprint possible.
- After your wash cycle is complete, remove the packet and set it aside until your next load.
- Reuse the packet until the fruit shells open up, begin to feel squishy and lose shape (good for approximately 4-6 loads of laundry per packet).
About the SoapBerries Packet:
- Each packet contains multiple de-seeded SoapBerries soap nuts and the packets themselves are made of a proprietary recycled material.
- Each packet can be used for 4-6 loads of laundry (large hot water loads 4 washes, small cold water loads up to 6 washes)
- It is safe to use at double strength, 2 packets for extra large or heavily soiled loads.
What happens to the packets during the rinse cycle?
During the rinse cycle the saponin released from the packets during the slower wash/agitation cycle is rinsed free from your clothing. The small amount of additional saponin released during the quicker rinse cycle acts as a natural fabric softener without leaving residues on your clothing.
I've heard use of SoapBerries are beneficial to septic systems?
Yes this is true. The number one cause of septic system failure is due to excessive use of detergents. The use of SoapBerries Laundry Detergent markedly reduces this problem as the natural saponin of SoapBerries easily breaks down in septic systems. In addition, the natural saponin found in sapindus mukorossi fruit shells
also contains antimicrobial properties (though we are making no such official antimicrobial claims on our product labeling) to help with the breakdown of fats and oils found in grey water thus helping to curb pollution and reduce stress on your septic system.
I've seen these referred to as soapnuts in literature. What about people with nut allergies?
This is a great question and easy to answer. SoapBerries (sometimes referred to as soapnuts) are not actually nuts at all. They are not legumes but, instead are the unmodified dried fruit shells from the fruit (or seed) of the sapindus mukorossi tree. They are completely hypoallergenic.
Are all soapnuts the same?
No, the genus sapindus has 168 species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars, making the particular choice in soapnut use very important. Simply put, some work much better than others. We've done the work to figure out which ones work best.
What are saponins?
Saponins are natural glucosides consisting of polycyclic aglycone (sapogenin) and a sugar side chain joined by an ether bond. When in contact with water the saponins produce a foam that has detergent-like qualities that make water wetter thus lifting dirt and debris from fabrics and then bonding to the dirt and debris as it is washed away in the rinse cycle.
What about people or animals with sensitive skin?
SoapBerries are completely hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for infants, adults, or animals having skin sensitivities. They are veterinarian endorsed as being pet friendly.
What about use on delicate clothing and bright colors?
SoapBerries preserve color in delicate laundry better than chemical detergents. For centuries in south Asian countries, people have washed even the finest silks using SoapBerries.
Can I eat SoapBerries?
No, they are not for human or animal consumption - they don't taste good.
Do SoapBerries contain any dyes or fragrances?
No, SoapBerries Laundry Detergent is dye and fragrance free, leaving your clothing clean, soft, and fresh smelling, with no fragrances or harmful chemical residues like you find with typical detergents.
What happens if a packet tears open during a wash cycle?
If a packet tears open during a wash cycle, our sincere apologies. This can occasionally happen. Not to worry though. Your cloths are fine and still will have been cleaned naturally. If you do experience breakage, simply gather the shells together, put them into an old sock and tie the sock at its top; then place the sock into your washer and reuse the shells for your next load of laundry just as you would using a normal packet.
What is the billing method?
All online orders must be placed with a major credit card. Established customers (wholesalers and distributors) may call our office to place orders directly paying by check at established terms.
Can I place orders by phone?
Yes. Simply call our customer service department at 1-800-222-5537, or 1-978-486-3690.
Can anyone order products from you?
Yes, we sell to end-users, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.
What do I need to do to get started?
Upon placement of your first order, you will be asked to provide information appropriate to add you as a customer and pay for your product. If you are a tax exempt facility you will also need to send us a copy of your exemption status to avoid paying sales tax. This can be provided by faxing a copy of your certificate to our office at 1-978-486-3693.
How soon will I get my order?
We make every effort to fill orders as quickly as possible but are dependent upon transit times required by FedEx and various Common Carriers used for shipments to various locations across the country.
Can I return an item?
If you are not satisfied for any reason with any of our products we will work with you to return product purchased within 30 days of the original purchase date for a full refund minus associated freight charges, but you must call our office to process a return as returns will not be accepted without prior authorization.
Whom can I call if I have a question about my order?
You can call our customer service department at 1-800-222-5537, or 1-978-486-3690.
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We are committed to providing the highest levels of security and protection. For added security, we have put a number of technological protections in place to ensure that your transactions are secure and your credit card information is secure. Please see our SSL Certificate for additional information.