Extend Soap Life with Farm Tips
Elevate your bathing and showering experience with artisan soap that truly makes a difference. We understand the disappointment when your beloved soap dissolves too quickly, leaving you wanting more.
In this blog post, we’ll unveil three timeless tips straight from the farm folk who have mastered the art of making soap last longer. These tried and true techniques will revolutionize your soap game and ensure you get the most out of every bar.
Get ready to discover the secrets that will prolong the life of your soap and keep you happily lathering for longer periods. Say goodbye to premature melting and embrace the satisfaction of maximizing your soap’s longevity. Let’s dive into these game-changing tips that will make your soap last longer than ever before.
The Skinny on Our Handmade Soap
We’ve got fantastic news for you! Our soap is a top-notch, high-quality product that delivers premium results. With a blend of nourishing goat milk, invigorating essential oils, and natural ingredients straight from the farm, our soap not only takes care of your skin but also provides a delightful bathing experience.
We care about the environment too! We take pride in using plastic-free packaging, making our soaps not only good for your skin but also for our planet. Unlike soaps packed with synthetic surfactants, our soap is gentle on sensitive skin and free from artificial fragrances. We believe in keeping it real and avoiding the harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. Sure, those chemical-laden soaps may last longer, but we prioritize the well-being of your skin over longevity.
Experience the refreshing difference of our premium soap, where quality meets nature. Pamper your skin and indulge in the goodness of our farm-fresh ingredients. Say goodbye to irritation and artificial scents, and say hello to a soap that’s truly good for you and the environment.
Types of Oils
The types of oils in soaps can also make soap last longer. “Hard” oils, like coconut or cocoa butter, shea butter, or palm oil, that are solid at room temperature, make a longer-lasting bar.
There’s a tradeoff, however.
- Palm Oil
We’ve made a decision: saying no to palm oil. Why? Because we care deeply about the environment and the negative impact its production has.
- Coconut Oil
And while we do use coconut oil, it has limitations as well. Coconut oil works pretty well as a lathering agent but not so well as a moisturizer.
- Olive Oil
So we often use olive oil instead (even though it’s more expensive to use) because it’s one of the reasons our handmade soap is so healthy for your skin.
So..while harder oils might make your soap last longer, for us, it’s not worth sacrificing quality. Thus, We tend to mix liquid oils with hard oils in our soaps.
Curing Process to Make Soap Last Longer
The amount of time soap takes to cure directly impacts its ability to withstand hot water during a shower. But to grasp the concept of curing time, let’s delve a little deeper into the world of soap.
Surfactants
Soap works its magic by being a special kind of cleanser called a surfactant. It’s like a superhero that swoops in and lifts dirt and bacteria away from surfaces, leaving them squeaky clean.
Surfactants are like secret agents that lower the tension of liquids, making them spread more smoothly. In cleaning products, these agents grab hold of dirt and grease particles, helping to whisk them away from the surface.
Imagine surfactants as invisible forces that reduce the stickiness between liquids, giving soap its slippery and wet texture. They make sure your soap glides effortlessly and gets the job done.
Saponification
Making soap involves a fascinating process called saponification. It’s like a chemical dance between an acid and a base that creates something amazing.
During saponification, vegetable or animal oils go through a transformation. They become soap when combined with lye, also known as sodium hydroxide. This reaction generates both soap and glycerin, a natural byproduct.
Lye, being a strong alkali, works its magic by turning triglycerides (found in oils) into soap. As for the glycerin, it’s a wonderful bonus that comes along for the ride.
Now, here’s where curing comes into play. Curing allows time for any remaining lye to convert into glycerin, ensuring a safe and gentle soap. Additionally, the curing process contributes to the soap’s hardness, making it long-lasting and ready to serve you well.
So, saponification and curing work hand in hand to create the perfect bar of soap—a true masterpiece of chemistry.
The cure time of soap plays a crucial role in how long it lasts. When soap is given a longer curing time, it becomes harder and less likely to melt quickly, ensuring a longer lifespan.
As a small farm, we do our best to maximize the curing time for our handmade soap. However, we have limited space to work with. Despite this challenge, we have put in the effort to find the perfect balance. We have determined an ideal curing time that allows us to create high-quality bar soap while keeping it affordable for our valued customers.
Rest assured that we have carefully crafted our soap with the right amount of curing time to provide you with a long-lasting and exceptional product. Enjoy the benefits of our dedication and experience the joy of using soap that lasts.
Reduce Moisture
Water has a knack for dissolving things—it’s just its nature. That’s why we aim to minimize the contact between your soap and water as much as possible.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute! How can I take a dry shower? That’s like saying ‘protect my boat by keeping it out of the water!'”
Well, here’s the thing: People do protect their boats by keeping them out of the water, which is why boat lifts are so popular!
So, imagine this: You need a “soap lift” for your soap! Just like a boat lift keeps your boat high and dry, a soap lift will keep your soap elevated and away from excess water.
By using a soap lift, you’ll prevent your soap from sitting in water, ensuring it lasts longer and stays in great condition. It’s a simple but effective way to make the most out of your soap and enjoy its benefits for an extended period.
So, let’s give your soap the lift it deserves and make your showers even more satisfying!
Soap Dish
When it’s not being rubbed luxuriously against your skin, keep your Goat Milk Soap in a soap dish that allows for both drainage and air flow.
Some soap dishes are just that…a soap dish. You want to make sure that it has a raised surface to allow for air circulation as well as drain holes or slats to allow excess water to escape.
We love wooden dishes just for holding a bar of soap. Not only are they a beautiful addition to your bathing space but they also do a fantastic job of whisking water away from your favorite soap bar and letting the soap air dry.
(Those “fancy” plastic ones just don’t cut it in our house!)
Furthermore, storing your soap bars in a direct shower stream will make soap soggy…and the hot water will make bar soap dissolve faster. Yikes!
Wire Rack
Avoid soap mishaps and maximize its lifespan! When soap bars rest on the shower ledge, especially as they shrink into slivers, they become sticky, fragile, and difficult to use. Even wire rack shower caddies aren’t foolproof as the soap is exposed to the direct shower stream, causing it to dissolve rapidly. Take action to let your soap dry effectively and preserve its longevity.
The Wash Cloth Trick
Here’s a smart tip: keep a dry washcloth right outside the shower. After you’re done showering, use the cloth to gently dry off your soap bar. Then, let the soap dry completely, ready for your next shower. This simple step ensures your soap stays dry and ready to lather up for your next cleansing session.
Downsize
Another way to make soap last longer is to partition it. Cut your soap bar into smaller pieces. By only bringing only the smaller piece into the direct stream of the shower head, the remaining pieces of the precious bar soap last longer.
If you would prefer not to cut you new soap bar yourself, you might be interested in purchasing a bag of soap ends!
Bags Of Soap Ends
Use Accouterments to Make Soap Last Longer
Adding a few other shower accessories (besides an appropriate soap dish!) can add to the longevity of your handmade soap.
Washcloths
U sing a washcloth works wonders for creating and maintaining lather with bar soaps. Unlike using your hands, a washcloth helps to generate more lather while retaining it for a longer time.
Not only does a washcloth offer the added benefit of exfoliation for your skin, but it also allows you to use less soap. Now, we do love seeing our customers come back for more soap, but we also want you to be delighted with your purchase!
If you’re looking for an even more convenient way to amp up the lather, we invite you to try our felted soap options. They come with a built-in lather-boosting feature, making your shower experience even more enjoyable.
So, give a washcloth a try and indulge in the creamy lather that comes with it. And if you’re up for it, explore our felted soap range for an extra special lathering experience. Your skin will thank you, and we’ll be thrilled to have you as a happy customer!
Soap Saver
Another accessory you might want to try is a soap saver bag. Using a soap saving pouch like this doubles as a washcloth, a storing soap solution, as well as a management strategy for soap remnants.
As your soap bar breaks, put the soap remnants inside the soap saving pouch so that you can get every last sudsy bubble out of it.
While you won’t get the soap ends completely dry, you’ll at least keep them from slipping down the drain.
You may also want to consider picking up a bag of goat milk soap shavings (a lot like grated soap) to supplement your supply of soap saver contents!
Cooler Showers
Last but not least, consider this tip—although I must admit, it’s a tough one—try taking cooler showers.
Cooler showers are not only beneficial for your skin but also for your soap. Although it may not give you that same heavenly sensation, cooler water temperatures actually help prolong the life of your soap.
By reducing the heat, you’re preventing your soap from melting away too quickly, allowing it to last longer and stay intact for more enjoyable showers ahead.
So, as challenging as it may be, give cooler showers a chance for the sake of your soap and your skin. The rewards will be worth it in the long run!
Final Thoughts on How to Make Soap Last Longer
Soap lasts longer, no matter the type or how you use it, if you follow these three simple tips.
First, say goodbye to excess moisture by storing your soap in a well-ventilated soap dish that allows for proper drainage. Let it rest overnight, away from water, to ensure thorough air drying.
Secondly, amp up the lather power by using a washcloth or indulging in a felted soap bar. These accessories help create luxurious bubbles and make your soap go the extra mile.
Next, consider adding some supporting cast members to your soap routine. An appropriate soap dish, a dedicated washcloth, or a handy soap saver bag can all contribute to prolonging your soap’s lifespan.
And if all else fails, think about downsizing. Cut your favorite bar into smaller pieces before taking them into the shower. This way, you can control the amount of soap exposed to the water and make it last even longer.
By giving your soap the attention it deserves and following these simple tips, you’ll be able to savor every last bit of your favorite bar!