You can effectively use those small pieces of used soap in several resourceful ways to avoid waste and save money. Here's how:
1. Combine with a New Bar
This is the simplest solution!
- Stick the old bar onto the new bar: Wet both pieces and firmly press them together. The slight moisture will help them adhere and prevent slippage. This avoids creating more tiny pieces in the future.
2. Employ a Soap Saver Bag
A soap saver bag is an excellent tool for using up soap scraps.
- Place soap slivers inside: Collect all your small soap pieces and place them in the bag.
- Use as normal: Wet the bag and use it as you would a regular bar of soap. The bag provides exfoliation and helps create lather.
3. Create Liquid Soap
Transforming solid scraps into liquid soap is a great way to maximize their usage.
- Grate the soap: Use a cheese grater to finely grate the used soap pieces.
- Dissolve in water: Combine the grated soap with water in a saucepan. The ratio is typically around 1 cup of grated soap to 4 cups of water, but adjust to your desired consistency.
- Heat gently: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the soap is fully dissolved.
- Cool and store: Let the liquid soap cool. It will thicken as it cools. Store it in a pump bottle for easy use.
- Optional additives: Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance if desired.
4. Freshen Drawers and Closets
Repurpose soap scraps as a natural air freshener.
- Wrap the scraps: Wrap the used soap pieces in a breathable fabric, like cheesecloth or an old sock.
- Place in drawers or closets: Place the wrapped soap in drawers, closets, or even your car to add a subtle, clean scent.
5. Make Shaving Cream
Used soap can become a base for homemade shaving cream.
- Grate the soap finely: As with liquid soap, finely grate the used soap.
- Mix with hot water: Add a small amount of hot water to the grated soap, stirring until it forms a paste.
- Add moisturizing ingredients: Mix in a teaspoon of glycerin, coconut oil, or shea butter to moisturize your skin.
- Whip: Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or immersion blender.
- Store: Store your homemade shaving cream in an airtight container.
6. Craft Soap Balls from Scraps
Another way to reuse the scraps is to create new soap balls.
- Collect the scraps: Gather all your used soap pieces.
- Soften the soap: Dampen the scraps slightly with warm water.
- Mold the soap: Press and mold the dampened scraps together into a ball shape.
- Dry and harden: Let the soap ball dry completely until it hardens. This might take a few days.
7. Enjoy a Relaxing Bath
Even small pieces of soap can enhance your bath experience.
- Place soap in a washcloth: Put the small pieces inside a washcloth.
- Create lather in the bathwater: Rub the washcloth to release the soapy lather into your bathwater.
In conclusion, repurposing used soap is easy and eco-friendly. By trying these suggestions, you can eliminate waste and potentially save money.