How To Make Handmade Soap Last Longer

1)  Keep On Curing

Soap contains water and the longer it cures the more moisture can evaporate. The less moisture in the soap, the harder it wil be and the longer it will last.

Our soaps are cured well for a minimum of four to six weeks before they are sold so you can use them straight away. But you like, you can leave them to cure for a bit longer at home. 

Let your soaps sit somewhere open to the air in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. A pretty dish or basket on your dressing table is ideal. Or an airy linen cupboard or undies drawer works too. Preferably not in your bathroom as the heat and humidity will hinder the curing process.

Just remember, two to six weeks is plenty of time for extra curing as the natural colours and essential oils can fade if the soap is left for long periods of time.Handmade soap is meant to be used and enjoyed so don't overdo this one!

2)  Keep Soap Dry Between Uses

The key to making handmade soap last is to keep it as dry as possible between uses. Soap dissolves in water. It's meant to. That's how it keeps you clean. It makes bubbles and traps the dirt and impurities from your skin to be washed away. 

But, the more you can keep your soap dry between uses, the longer it will last.

If you have a special soap that only you use and other people use the shower, try taking your soap in and out of the shower with you. That way it won't be getting wet in between times unnecessarily. 

3)  Cut Soap Bars In Half

Another way to keep soap dry is to cut the bar in half and only use one half at a time in the bath or shower. The other half stays dry and good as new until you've used up the first half. You'll get much more out of your soap with this simple trick.  

This also makes it easier to handle if you suffer from arthritis or stiffness in your hands and fingers.

This is a great tip to do for your children. It makes soap easier for little hands to hold and you know how they love to squeeze and squish soap! At least they can't waste an entire bar this way. 

4)  Use a Well Drained Soap Dish

Make sure your soap dish or container has clear drain holes so your soap is not sitting in a puddle of water all day. See number 2 above.  

5)  Use a Soap Saver Bag

Instead of throwing them away, collect all the little end pieces of soap in a soap saver bag. It could be a lovely hand crocheted number, a small calico drawstring bag or an upcycled nylon gift bag. You can even make your own from an old face washer. (Would you like me to show you how to make a super simple one?  I may create a mini-tutorial for a future letter) 

Hang the bag over the tap making sure it's not right under the line of water. Use it as a body wash or to wash your hands at the laundry sink. 

6)  Use a Wash Cloth or Loofah 

Use a wash cloth, shower scrunchie thingy or body loofah to apply soap to your skin. You will create way more suds using much less soap than if you use the soap directly onto your skin. It's probably more hygenic that way too. Just let your wash cloth dry out between uses. 

Do you have any other tips to make the most of handmade soap? Let me know by replying to this email. I love hearing from you too!

Katrina xxx

PS: Checkout our range of natural Handmade Soaps here