10 things you can do with natural solid soap

In the past, artisanal hard soap was often used, but it has been abandoned due to the cleanliness and convenience of liquid and scented soaps. However, liquid soap is not the most sustainable, because it incorporates water that weighs and occupies, so transportation costs (and CO2 emissions) are multiplied several times. We propose a return to solid soap as part of a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle. With measures as simple as this, the world is changed. Also, solid soap has many applications, as you will see.

What is solid or hard soap?

Traditional solid soap should not be compared to conventional soap. The differences start with the simple and natural production (You can find a recipe for making it yourself here.) By omitting chemicals and petroleum derivatives, solid soap is particularly suitable for allergy sufferers, as the risk of intolerance is kept very low. This type of soap has a color from white to brown, a fatty acid content of 72 to 75%, and a pH value of 8.5 to 9.5.

solid soap has numerous advantages over other soaps and cleaning agents that are made from petroleum-derived raw materials. You can use it for these everyday problems:

For handwashingAgainst pimples, acne and oily hairAgainst leg crampsFor him pest control (aphids or moths) on plantsTo do foot baths At home, it can be used against stubborn stains, such as surface cleaner, as a dishwasher and as a detergent Helps in the care of the skin with psoriasis

Also, natural soap is very cheap and has a shelf life of at least 12 months. High-quality soaps are also environmentally friendly if they do not contain fragrances or dyes, borates, phosphates, optical brighteners, or similar additives. The few natural ingredients in solid soap ensure that the product breaks down quickly in nature.

What to watch out for when buying solid soap

There are a few things to consider when purchasing solid soap. these soaps they often differ in the way they are made and in their ingredients, which means that each product can have different properties.

Almost all solid soaps are made from palm oil or traditionally from animal fats. But also there are soaps that are made exclusively with olive oil (like, for example, Castile soap).

You must decide if the soap should be moisturizing or highly active for washing. Oily soaps are much milder. They dry out the skin less and are therefore particularly suitable for body care. However, if you want to work with solid soap at home, you should make sure that the natural soap is not too greasy.

8 uses for solid soap

1. Body cleansing

The tried and tested method of wash hands and body with solid soap. Shower gels are much less cost-effective and are often filled with petroleum-derived compounds like polyethylene glycols (PEGs), which increase the skin’s permeability to potentially harmful compounds that are also found in soap, such as perfumes or soaps. preservatives.

Solid soap is very effective for hygiene and is especially indicated for people with oily skin.

2. Clean the kitchen

Natural, homemade solid soap is particularly effective in the kitchen. Stubborn stains are often difficult to remove without the use of chemical cleaning agents. With solid soap and water you can easily clean stainless steel surfaces thanks to the high content of fatty acids.

3. Solid soap against aphids

Is your houseplant infested with aphids? No problem, hard soap can also help you with this problem. To do this, clean the leaves of infected plants with a solution made with solid soap and water. For this you need approx. a tablespoon of grated hard soap, which you must dissolve in a liter of warm water. Spray the plant generously on the affected areas and let it act overnight. The next day you can clean the leaves with water.

4. Solid soap for oily hair

Natural soap removes grease from hair. However, this effect requires the use of soft water. If the water is hard, that is, it has a high proportion of lime, it is deposited as a white veil on the hair. If you have dry or brittle hair, but still want to use hard soap as a shampoo substitute, you should treat the hair with an additional care product with the appropriate oils.

5. Hard soap for acne

The degreasing effect of hard soap is ideal for fighting acne. Here, the soap displays a deep cleansing effect and Eliminates the breeding ground for pimples. Watch how your skin reacts to the soap, as it could dry out your skin.

6. Hard soap for foot care

Do you suffer from inflammation of the nail bed or calluses? A foot bath with hard soap can help. Simply put some soap in a large basin, add hot water and keep your feet inside for a few minutes. The bath is also suitable for the hands if you have a nail splinter or an inflamed nail bed.

7. Hard soap for stubborn stains

Stubborn stains caused by cherries, grass and the like can be pre-treated with solid natural soap. Unlike expensive chemical stain removers, the harsh soap gently cleanses the soiled garment. The surfaces and fabric of the textiles are not damaged. Moisten the stain with a bit of water, then scrub it with harsh soap. Let the soap work briefly, then wash the item in the washing machine as usual.

8. Hard soap like laundry detergent

We can use hard soap as an excellent alternative to powder or liquid detergents for the washing machine. Just grate the soap into the detergent compartment and select the usual wash cycle.