How to Extend the Life of Your Handmade Soaps: Storage and Care Tips

Handmade soaps are little treasures—carefully crafted, filled with skin-loving ingredients, and often a true work of art! But they can be a tad delicate compared to commercial bars, dissolving faster if not pampered. So, how do you make the most of these lovely creations? Let’s dive into some fun, easy ways to extend the life of your favorite handmade soaps.

1. Give Your Soap a Drying Break

Unlike mass-produced bars, handmade soaps are often richer in natural oils, making them more prone to turning into mush when left in water. So, step one in soap care is simple: let it breathe! A well-ventilated soap dish with good drainage is your soap’s best friend. The goal is to let it dry between uses.

Tip: Look for a soap dish with ridges or slats, which will help water drain and keep the bar elevated.

2. Cut Your Soap into Pieces

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider cutting your soap bar into halves or quarters. This way, you’re only using a small piece at a time, keeping the rest fresh and untouched. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to make a favorite scent last longer!

Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to get clean cuts and store the unused sections in a dry place until they’re needed.

3. Store It Away from Humidity

Bathrooms tend to be steamy and humid, which is not an ideal environment for your soap. For better longevity, store your soaps outside the shower—perhaps on a countertop or a designated soap shelf. It may sound odd, but your soap will thank you by lasting longer.

Alternative Idea: If you have multiple soaps, consider a breathable container to keep them all happy and dry.

4. Use a Soap Saver Bag

Soap saver bags are not only fun but also functional! These mesh or cotton bags let you lather up with ease, using up every bit of soap (yes, even those little slivers that tend to slip away). By keeping your soap in one of these bags, you can minimize waste while enjoying a sudsy, skin-loving cleanse.

Fun Fact: Soap saver bags also offer a light exfoliation, making your skin routine even better!

5. Rotate Your Soaps

Got a collection of scents to choose from? Rotate between your favorites! By alternating between different bars, you’re giving each soap a chance to dry out fully, prolonging their life.

Tip: Keep your soap rotation organized by labeling each one, so you know which scent to pick next!

6. Let New Bars Cure Longer

If your soap is freshly made or feels a bit soft, you can extend its shelf life by letting it “cure” a little longer. Curing is a fancy term for allowing the soap to dry out completely, making it harder and longer lasting. Simply leave it in a cool, dry place for a couple of weeks before use.

Reminder: Always check the ingredients to ensure your soap is fully cured and safe for use.

7. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Handmade soaps and sunlight aren’t the best match. Direct sunlight can cause natural ingredients, like essential oils, to degrade, affecting the scent and quality. Store your soap in a cool, shaded area to maintain its fragrance and structure.

Extra Care Tip: Consider wrapping unused bars in wax paper for extra protection.

8. Keep Soap Slivers Alive

Don’t toss those last bits of soap—combine them! You can press small pieces together into a new bar, use them in a soap saver bag, or even melt them down to create a “soap soup.” It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to avoid waste.

Fun Project: Try melting leftover soap slivers to make new shapes using silicone molds!

9. Use a Loofah or Washcloth

Instead of rubbing the bar directly on your skin, use a loofah, washcloth, or sponge to create lather. This helps reduce wear and tear on the soap, extending its life. Plus, it can lead to a richer lather!

10. Get Creative with Storage

If you’re a true soap lover, why not display them like the mini artworks they are? Use a cute soap dish, a small wooden crate, or even a decorative plate to add a charming touch to your bathroom decor. Just make sure whatever you use keeps the soap dry!

Handmade soaps are worth the extra care, offering not only a cleansing experience but also a luxurious ritual with every wash. So, put these tips to good use and watch your soaps stay beautiful and bubbly for longer!

For more handmade soap goodies and tips, visit The Soap Hag.