Zero waste: recycling soap scraps
We generally don't know what to do with our solid soaps that have become too small to be used easily.
But what about soap scraps? Lothantique gives you his tips!
Instead of throwing them away, set them aside and let them dry. Once the leftovers have accumulated, you can reuse these soaps to give them a second life! Here's how:
Instead of throwing them away, set them aside and let them dry. Once the leftovers have accumulated, you can reuse these soaps to give them a second life! Here's how:
Transform your solid soap pieces in liquid soap
For this trick, your soaps must be very dry. First, you will have to mix your soaps to make a fine powder. Then put the powder into a saucepan and pour in some water. Heat over low heat and stir gently until the mixture is smooth. If your soaps have neutral smells and you want them to be scented you can add a few drops of essential oils* to your preparation.
By cooling the mixture will thicken, if it becomes too thick add water and mix until you get the desired consistency. All you have to do is pour your preparation into a suitable bottle.
*Note that essential oils are not recommended for children and pregnant women.
By cooling the mixture will thicken, if it becomes too thick add water and mix until you get the desired consistency. All you have to do is pour your preparation into a suitable bottle.
*Note that essential oils are not recommended for children and pregnant women.
Redo a bar of soap
Here is our tip to make your home solid soap with your remaining soaps: In a saucepan heat your soap leftovers with water (for 100 grams of soap you will need about 70ml of water) and mix until you get a homogeneous paste. Pour the mixture into a mould and let cool and dry for a few days. Put your mixture in the freezer for about 4 hours before unmoulding. If you do not have a mould, you can form a ball when the dough begins to harden.
Create your own home dishwashing liquid
Once your pieces of soap are dry, we recommend that you mix them or grate them to make a powder or flakes. In a saucepan, heat water and add your powder or soap flakes (for 30 grams of soap you will need about 400 ml of water). Mix until the soap flakes are completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and add a tablespoon of soda crystals and a tablespoon of bicarbonate. Be careful when adding bicarbonate, a foaming reaction will occur take care to use a large enough container to prevent it from overflowing. Mix until the dough is smooth. You can add a few drops of essential oils. Let cool, your washing-up liquid is ready! Do not worry if the product does not foam with your sponge, it still remains very effective.
Use an old soap as an exfoliating scrub
You will find in many shops soap nets (prefer those made of natural fibres). Insert your soap inside and thread it over your skin in small circles. Your skin will then be exfoliated and soft.
Perfume your wardrobe
Put your pieces of soap in a small bag and hang it in your wardrobe or slide it into the drawer of your dresser. The smell of soap will gently spread on your laundry.
We hope to have convinced you not to throw away your leftover soap with these few tips!
