If you use solid soap at home, you probably have little leftovers in your shower, bathtub, or near the sink. Instead of throwing them in the trash, you can give them a second life and put them to good use. Discover 9 recycling tips for your soap scraps and get on the zero waste track.
1. Make soap with leftovers
With your reclaimed soap scraps, you can easily put them together to make a new soap. Simply store the pieces in a pouch. Once you have enough (a good dozen), melt them in hot water in a pan and add some vegetables and essential oils. When the mixture is cooled, pour it into a small mold and let it dry before putting it in the freezer for 3 hours. Your new solid soap is ready and (almost) homemade!
2. Create a zero-waste liquid soap
To recycle your leftovers, it is possible to create a liquid soap. After cutting or grating the pieces, you just have to put them in a pump bottle for liquid soap and add hot water. Count 1 liter of water for about ten pieces. By stirring the bottle, the pieces will gradually dilute. The mixture will harden as it cools. Simply shake it before use.
3. Make an exfoliating soap with scraps
Recycling your soap scraps can give you a little wellness moment. You can make an exfoliating soap with the scraps. Collect them and put them in a small pouch or a pair of pantyhose that you no longer use. All you have to do is rub the pouch over your skin, making small circles. The exfoliating effect is guaranteed thanks to the soap’s mesh and foam!
4. Make a dishwashing liquid with soap scraps
Soap scraps can be recycled to make an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid.
Collect enough soap scraps, about 30g. Mix the soap scraps with hot water, 2 spoons of white vinegar, 1 spoon of baking soda, and a few drops of essential oils to create a homemade washing-up liquid, very ecological and zero waste!
5. Create a zero-waste foaming sponge
Making a foaming sponge has the same virtues as washing up liquid. No need to make homemade dishwashing liquid because the sponge does all the work! Slip a piece of leftover soap into a notch in a new sponge. As soon as you wet your sponge, it will become all foamy and be handy for washing your dishes or cleaning your countertop.
6. Perfume your closet with soap
Soap scents the body, and leftover soap has the same benefit. Use them to scent your closet or dressing room. Not as well-known as lavender sachets, soap scraps offer your clothes a delicate, fragrant scent. Slip the dry soap scraps into a small cloth pouch and place it in your drawer or closet. You can also use this pouch in your bedding to add a pleasant scent to your sheets and comforter covers.
7. Make a homemade shaving soap
Shaving cream is a daily necessity for some people, both men and women. With the leftovers, it is possible to make shaving soap for the beard and the legs. Grate the pieces, melt them with hot water, and pour the mixture into a small box. With a shaving brush, simply spread a little soap on the beard or legs before shaving. Simple and effective.
8. Create decorative soaps for the bathroom
If you have an artistic streak and a creative soul, take the opportunity to recycle your leftovers into a decorative soap. Make small shavings, slip them into a transparent fabric pouch (a bag of earrings, for example), and close the pouch with a colored ribbon. You can then hang it on a doorknob, in a room, or your closet.
9. Protect your outdoor plants with leftover soap
Leftover soap can also be used outdoors. Leftover soap can become a real ally for the sake of your plants and your garden. Melt your leftover soap with hot water and add a few chopped garlic cloves. After infusing for 12 hours, pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray your plants. This is a 100% homemade insecticide for your garden.
Other tricks are also worth knowing: you can use your soap scraps to make a dressmaker’s chalk (soap marks very well on fabrics), to make colored soap balls, to wash your windows, or to clean the house.