4 ways to reuse and recycle soap scraps

Many people don't know, but there are ways to reuse leftover soap.

Regardless of where you live or who you live with, one thing is almost certain: your soaps never make it to the end, right?

As we use the soap during baths, it consequently decreases in size. 

After all, every time we use it, the soap comes into contact with water and, as we rub it to wash ourselves, it reduces.

It turns out that these soaps shrink until they become almost impossible to use because of their size.

And it is at this moment that Brazilians are divided into two types: those who don't want to know anymore, throw the used soap away and open a new, bigger one.

The other type of person also tends to give up on the soap and move on to another. But instead of throwing away the old soap, this second type of person prefers to keep this tiny soap.

Depending on the situation, there are people who keep several types of soaps.

And after keeping them stored for a while, the only way out seems to be to throw this “collection” of soaps away, right?

Actually, it's not quite like that! And here you will discover some ways to reuse soap scraps to give them a new use!

So get your old soaps ready and check out these tips!

4 ways to reuse and recycle soap scraps

Gone are the days when the only destination for those older soaps that are already very thin and tiny.

As time went by and craft and DIY techniques became popular, the acronym in English for do it yourself – which means something like do it yourself, in free translation – there is no shortage of options to give new uses to these soaps.

In this topic, we’ve put together 4 really cool ways to get your creativity going and recycle. I’m sure you’ll be surprised by some of these techniques and their results!

Create sachets to reuse soap scraps

A great way to reuse leftover soap is to create sachets with the leftovers.

And we’ll explain how this tip works.

To start, thrash out the leftover soaps you have at home. 

Then, use a round piece of tulle, or lace too, since the important thing is that the fabric in question has 'holes' so that the scent can escape – and a saucer to shape your sachet.

Place the fabric on the saucer, add the grated soap, and form and close the bag with the help of a ribbon or elastic band.

After that, just place these bags in places like drawers and cabinets. That way, these places will have a pleasant smell all the time.

Then just pay attention and change the soap after a while, as it will dry out and lose its scent.

Turning it into new soap is a great way to reuse leftover soap. 

Just because they are small and close to the end doesn't mean that these soaps can't be used again. Quite the opposite.

You can turn soap scraps into new soaps – and we’re not even talking about sticking them all together and creating a ‘ball’ of soap.

Making this new soap is very simple: after gathering the soaps you have already used, cut everything into small pieces and soak them in a container with water for about 1 hour.

Once they are softer, you will knead these soaps using a spoon until everything forms a homogeneous mass.

The next step is to transfer this mixture to a container with the shape you want your soap to be.

Nowadays, it’s easy to find molds for just this purpose. They come in fun shapes – like stars and hearts – and make the process of making new soap much easier.

After placing in the container, just take these molds to the refrigerator and wait for the mixture to harden. 

Then, just unmold and use your new soap normally.

Mix with washing powder to reuse leftover soap

Another very simple and easy way to prevent soap residue from going to waste is to mix it with your washing powder.

To do this, you can cut the soap into very small pieces – or even grate it – and add it to the washing powder you use to wash clothes.

This way, in addition to giving a new use to soaps that would otherwise go to waste, you also give your washing powder a boost, ensuring that your clothes smell even better!

Create handmade liquid soaps

After learning how to transform soaps into new handmade soaps, know that you can also give this product a new look and transform it into handmade liquid soaps!

To do this, you will need to heat the soaps over low heat and, along with these leftovers, you will add ½ tablespoon of glycerin and approximately 12 glasses of water.

As soon as the mixture starts to heat up, you should stir everything using a wooden spoon so that the mixture dissolves well.

Once it reaches this point, just remove it from the heat and let it cool. Then, just add it to the container you want to use it in and that's it: you'll have an excellent handmade liquid soap with a unique scent!

Conclusion 

Did you see how easy it is to give a new look and reuse the soap leftovers that you have at home?

After learning these tips, I'm sure you'll think twice before throwing your soap scraps in the trash.

Now just remember to store them somewhere so they don't dry out over time and, as soon as you have a good quantity, just get to work and reuse these soaps.

Did you like this content? Then take the opportunity to read it too 5 tips to make your laundry room more beautiful