How to Make Your Soap and Shampoo Bars Last Longer

Switching to a sustainable routine can be easy and indulgent. Bar soaps and shampoo and conditioner bars are packed with plant-based, clean ingredients that nourish your body naturally. But how do you make these bars last longer? If you’re new to bars, it’s important to build habits and invest in accessories that optimize your washing experience. With proper care and maintenance, your bars will not only last longer, but they’ll be more pleasant to use and they’ll keep your counter or shower looking clean and crisp. 

What Causes Soap Bars to Degrade?

Water is the biggest culprit when it comes to shortening the lifespan of your soap and shampoo bars. Prolonged exposure to water breaks down the bar, causing it to soften, dissolve, and ultimately melt away faster than it should. Moisture traps and improper storage can cause them to stay wet, making them more vulnerable to wearing down quickly. The good news is that this is easily preventable with a few simple strategies.

1. Ensure Proper Drainage

Your soap is only as good as your soap dish. You’ll want to choose a soap dish that allows your bars to dry fully between uses. Our Bamboo Waterfall Soap Dish is the perfect solution for this. The angled design creates natural airflow and lets excess water drain away from the soap, preventing sogginess and helping your bar last significantly longer. The bamboo material is eco-friendly, aligning perfectly with your sustainable self-care routine.

2. Amplify Airflow

Where you place your soap matters. Avoid leaving your bar directly in the shower’s stream or sitting in a water-filled dish. Instead, place your bar in a location that receives proper ventilation so it can dry out completely between uses. Proper airflow helps the bar stay firm and intact, reducing premature wear. When traveling, try our Plastic-Free Travel Soap Keeper. This container comes with a removable bamboo lift that allows you to store your bars outside the container while you’re at your destination. When you’re on the move, the case with lift keeps your luggage dry and your bars from sitting in sogginess. Just be sure to remove your bars from the case for permanent storage, as you’ll want to offer them more airflow long-term.

3. Use Up Every Last Scrap

No need to throw out those last bits of soap or shampoo bars! You can make use of every piece with these clever methods:

• Soap “Soldering” - When you start a new bar, press the old scraps into the fresh bar by wetting both bars and applying some pressure to fuse them together. Let them dry like that for 24 hours, and when you return, your two bars will be one. As you use it, they’ll meld together, ensuring no soap goes to waste.

• Soap Scrap Bag - Use our Soap Scrap Bag and Washcloth to collect small soap pieces. Then, you can use the bag as a loofah, gently scrubbing your skin while dispensing soap. This makes it easy to use up the small bits of soap without fumbling to apply them to your skin.

• Liquefy Scraps - Another option is to collect the remnants and liquefy them. Simply put them in a container with hot water and give it a shake. If your scraps are bigger, you can also cut them into smaller pieces before mixing in water to help them dissolve. Then, use the mixture as a liquid soap for handwashing, extending the value of your bars even further. Bear in mind, because our bars don’t contain preservatives, you’ll want to store this in the refrigerator or use it up quickly to prevent bacteria growth. 

Why Bars Are Worth the Switch

At Sunniemade, our bars are crafted from clean, plant-based ingredients that nourish your skin and hair without the need for harsh chemicals. Plus, bar products are often more concentrated than liquid products, meaning they last longer and deliver more value per use. By following these tips, you can maximize the lifespan of your bars, making them not only a better option for your body but also for the planet.

By caring for your bar soaps and shampoo bars properly, you’ll save money and minimize waste—all while keeping your skin and hair healthy. Embrace sustainable self-care today with Sunniemade!