My natural way to conker chemicals in your wash
Living Clean, a city-based cleaning company which uses only natural ingredients, is using conkers in washing liquid and as a deterrent to moths.
Once considered a health and safety risk and nearly banned by council bosses, conkers have not always enjoyed the best reputation in Norwich.
But now it appears the humble horse chestnut has cleaned up its act to be championed as an eco-friendly alternative to washing liquid.
Julie Bishop, owner of green cleaning business Living Clean, based in Unthank Road, claims 20 conkers can produce five litres of effective washing liquid.
And the good news doesn't stop there. According to research by the company, whole conkers can be used in place of chemical moth balls to keep away the insects which destroy carpets, clothes ana blankets made from natural fibres.
The findings follow experiments carried out by Living Clean staff based on suggestions from clients or traditional housekeeping recipes which use the power of Mother Nature in place of chemicals found in most household cleaners.
With autumn in full swing, there is an abundant supply of conkers waiting to be collected.
To make the laundry liquid simply dry and peel the conkers, grind up the pale centres to a paste and bring to the boil in a saucepan of previously boiled water.
After leaving to cool and
straining, the resulting fluid is used in place of normal washing liquid
And the solution to moths is easier still. Dry out the conkers and place them in wardrobes, chests of drawers, coat pockets and on carpets and the smell will deter moths from laying their eggs in your garments.
The claims are a far cry from concerns raised over horse chestnuts in 2001, when City Hall wanted to cut down trees in Bluebell Road, warning they might encourage children to run into the road.
Labour later lost control of the council after a 70-year stint, and then chairman Charles Clarke blamed the loss on the conker fiasco. Ms Bishop said: "Our clients give us a lot of suggestions and it has been long known that conkers are a moth
repellent. People use a lot more natural fibres in clothes these days and this has resulted in a rise in moth infestations. "Conkers also a laundry liquid and our clients loved it. One called the other day and said she had been using it for 20 years. It produces a soapy sap that's a natural detergent.
"We do a lot of research into alternative ways of cleaning, a lot of research into with recipes to see what does and doesn't work. We want to show our clients they don't have to clean with harsh chemicals. Why should children have all the fun with conkers?"
Has your business come up with an unusual way to save the environment? Call business reporter Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or e-mail sam.williams@archant.co.uk
Sam Williams