Have you ever used up a bar of soap and wondered what to do with the remaining bits and pieces? Throwing them away is not the only option. With just a bit of effort, you can recycle old soap to make everything from customized bath bars to simple, non-toxic insecticides for plants.
Piggyback New and Old Soaps
This is one of the easiest ways to recycle bar soap. All you need is plastic wrap and a new bar of soap. Run both the new and old soap under warm water. Make sure that the pieces are sufficiently wet. For best results, the leftover soap sliver should be soft and almost bendable. Firmly press the two soaps together and secure them with plastic wrap. Wait about twenty-four hours, or until the soap is completely dry before using.
Customized Bath Bars
Save money and pamper yourself at the same time by using old soap scraps to make new, homemade bath bars. This method is more complicated than the others, but the results are worth it. Shred a cup of leftover soap into a saucepan and cover the flakes with water. Let the soap soak for about a day before bringing the mixture to a boil. Make sure to stir the soap occasionally. Once it is fully melted, you can mix in ingredients to customize your new soap; for instance, oatmeal for exfoliation, or drops of essential oil for scent. Pour the mixture into the mold of your choice and let it harden.
Non-Toxic Insecticide for Plants
Kill two birds with one stone with this method of using old soap to rid plants of harmful pests. Shred one tablespoon of leftover soap into a quart of warm water and stir briskly. When the soap is fully dissolved, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and let it cool. This non-toxic insecticide is safe to use both indoors and outdoors. Simply spray the infested plant, wait for the mixture to dry, and then rinse the plant with water. The soap spray effectively kills small insects and their eggs.
Soap-filled Scrubber
The idea behind this method is to create a pocket of sorts that you can fill with scraps of old soap. Materials can be anything from an old sock to a store bought sponge. Simply place the leftover soap into the pocket and secure the opening. This scrubber is both handy and versatile. Place a soap-filled nylon sock near the garden hose for an easy clean-up after gardening, or keep scraps of old soap in a shower glove for an exfoliating wash.
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