How to Properly Store Handmade Soap for Longer Use

Handmade soap is crafted with natural ingredients that nourish the skin, but it also requires a little extra care to keep it lasting as long as possible. Unlike commercial soaps loaded with preservatives, natural soaps retain their glycerin, which attracts moisture. While this is great for hydration, it also means that improper storage can lead to mushy, wasted bars. Here’s how to store your handmade soap to keep it fresh and firm for as long as possible.

1. Keep It Dry Between Uses

The biggest enemy of handmade soap is excess moisture. To prevent your bar from becoming soft and dissolving too quickly, always store it in a way that allows it to dry properly.

- Use a well-draining soap dish with slats or holes to prevent water from pooling underneath.

- Avoid leaving soap in direct contact with water in the shower or sink.

- f possible, use a soap saver pad or a wooden dish to keep it elevated.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

If you buy or make multiple bars of soap, proper storage before use is essential.

- Keep unused bars in a dry, ventilated space, like a linen closet or on an open shelf.

- Avoid airtight containers unless the soap is fully cured, as trapped moisture can lead to sweating or softening.

- Store away from direct sunlight to preserve essential oils and natural colors.

3. Cut Larger Bars Into Smaller Pieces

Cutting your handmade soap into halves or quarters can help extend its lifespan. Using a smaller piece at a time means the rest of the bar stays dry and fresh until you need it.

4. Rotate Your Soaps

If you have multiple bars, use the oldest ones first to ensure they don’t sit too long. Handmade soap continues to lose moisture over time, becoming harder and longer-lasting, but waiting too long can affect the scent and quality.

5. Traveling? Use a Soap Saver Bag

For gym-goers, campers, or travelers, store your soap in a breathable soap saver bag made of natural fiber like sisal or cotton. These bags allow your soap to dry while doubling as an exfoliating scrubber when in use.

6. Consider a Soap Tray in the Shower

If you prefer to keep your soap in the shower, use a wall-mounted soap holder or a magnetic soap hanger to keep the bar from sitting in water.

 

By following these simple storage tips, you can extend the life of your handmade soap, keeping it firm, fresh, and effective for every wash. Treat your soap right, and it’ll keep you smelling fresh for longer!