How to Make Your Handmade Soap Last Longer

How to Make Your Handmade Soap Last Longer

Meet Max — and His Soap Conundrum

Max is a retired farmer, and he and his wife swear by Washpool soap. He often tells us how much our bars have improved his skin — but there’s one thing he missed from his supermarket days:

“Your soap doesn’t last as long as the commercial ones I used to buy.”

Fair point, Max. Our bars are different. They’re softer, gentler, and packed with moisturising ingredients — and that means they need a little extra care to last their best.

Let’s explore why… and how to fix it.

Why Handmade Soap Behaves Differently

Unlike commercial soap, which is often made with synthetic detergents and drying agents, our bars are made from scratch using the traditional cold-process method. Here's why that matters:

  1. No Palm Oil – We don’t use it. While it creates a rock-hard bar, we prioritise skin health and sustainability.

  2. Extra Oils – We “superfat” our bars, meaning there’s extra unconverted oil in each bar to nourish the skin.

  3. Natural Milks – Goat milk and coconut milk boost lather but also make the bars more water-soluble.

  4. Glycerine-Rich – We keep the natural glycerine, which hydrates your skin — but can also soften the bar.

So how do you help your soap last?

Top 10 Tips for a Longer-Lasting Soap Bar

1. Stand It on Its Edge

Let the air circulate! Standing your soap upright (on its smallest side) keeps it drier and firmer.

2. Use a Proper Soap Dish

Choose a slotted dish, a riser, or anything that drains well. No more mushy puddles on the basin.

3. Cut It into Smaller Pieces

Perfect for hand basins, travel, or kids. Use one piece at a time and keep the rest dry. Just slice it with a regular kitchen knife.

4. Use a Soap Sack

Those tiny ends don’t need to go to waste. Toss them in a natural fibre soap bag and keep enjoying the lather.

5. Rotate Your Bars

Keep a few on the go and switch between them. More drying time = longer life per bar.

6. Buy in Bulk & Let It Cure

The longer you let handmade soap “rest,” the harder it becomes. Stash extra bars in a dry place — Grandma kept hers in her underwear drawer. Bonus: your knickers will smell divine.

7. Use a Sponge or Konjac

Lather your soap onto a sponge, flannel, or Konjac sponge. They hold the lather while keeping your soap dry between uses — and Konjac sponges are compostable too.

8. Take Shorter Showers

Obvious but effective! Once you’re clean, give the bar a rest. You can still enjoy a mindful rinse — just put the soap down.

9. Share Your Tips

Have a trick we haven’t mentioned? Pop the kettle on and let us know — we’d love to add your ideas to the list.

10. Consider Liquid Soap for Tricky Setups

If you're in a humid climate or live with someone who really loves long showers, a liquid soap might be more practical. Look for natural liquid soap made with the same quality oils you’d find in our bar soap — no detergents or synthetic fragrances needed.

Max’s Favourite Soap Accessories

  • Soap Riser – Elevates your bar for maximum drainage

  • Proper Soap Dish – Designed for drainage, style, and longevity (no soggy soap here)

  • Soap Sack – Great for travel, lather, and small leftovers

  • Konjac Sponge – Gentle, exfoliating, and compostable — a sustainable lather-lover’s dream

  • Bargain Bag – Let your bars cure and rotate for longer life

Final Thoughts

Handmade soap isn’t just functional — it’s a daily ritual. With a few small tweaks, you’ll get more from every bar while enjoying all the benefits: better skin, less waste, and thoughtful self-care.

Max found his groove — and we hope you will too.

Explore Our Soap Range

Need Help Choosing? Get in touch — we’re always happy to recommend a bar to suit your skin and style.