3 Great Tricks for Recycling Leftover Soap

Leftover soap doesn't have to go into the trash can. Even though it may not be able to be used for its normal purpose, there are plenty of other ways to recycle it. Want to know more? Find out here!
3 Great Tricks for Recycling Leftover Soap

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Soap is an everyday product that most households use. It comes in many different formats and is essential for proper hygiene. However, if it comes in its solid form, then there are often small leftover pieces that may people discard. So, how can you recycle this leftover soap?

These days, it’s getting more and more popular to reuse as many household items as we can. Because of that, it’s worth knowing how to give another life to those pieces of soap that can accumulate at home. The truth of the matter is that it’s quite simple, and you don’t need too many other complementary ingredients.

3 ways to recycle leftover soap

Unlike other products around the home, soap is actually very easy to reuse and recycle. For this reason, people have shared several different ideas about how to recycle leftover soap. In the following lines, we’re going to share 3 great ideas with you.

1. Aromatic bags

Is there a bad smell in your closets, or are there poorly ventilated places in your house? Well, you don’t have to resort to conventional air fresheners. One of the ways you can recycle leftover soap is to make little scented bags for areas like these. It’s very simple!

You’ll need:

  • Leftover soap (whatever amount you require)
  • Fabric bags
  • Tape or ribbon

Instructions:

  • To begin with, take the leftover soap and grate them with a regular grater.
  • Then, fill the cloth bags and tie them with a ribbon.
  • Put one or more of these bags inside your closets, or any other area that you fancy! Enjoy the aroma!
An aromatic made using leftover soap.

2. Liquid soap

Another simple way to recycle leftover soap is to prepare a homemade liquid soap. The final result is multipurpose, which means that you can use it to wash your hands or to clean different household surfaces.

If you decide to use it to wash your hands, then try adding some essential oil with antibacterial properties to enhance its benefits. Some good options are tea tree essential oil, lemon oil, or lavender oil. Use about 8 to 10 drops.

You’ll need:

  • Leftover soap – 200 grams (7 oz)
  • Water – 750 ml (25 fl oz)
  • Glycerin – 40 ml 1.3 fl oz)
  • Essential oil (your preference) – 8 to 10 drops (optional)

Instructions:

  • First, grate the leftover soap with a fine grater until it becomes powder.
  • Then, heat the water until it comes to a boil.
  • When the water boils, add the grated soap and glycerin.
  • If it seems too thick, then add more water. If it seems too liquid then add more grated soap and glycerin.
  • Stir the ingredients for a few minutes, until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  • At this point, if you like, you can add the drops of antibacterial essential oil and mix them in.
  • After obtaining the desired consistency, let it cool and store it in a container for liquid soap.
Liquid soap.

3. Exfoliant from leftover soap

Exfoliating products are quite popular these days, and applying them regularly is key to keeping skin clean, protected, and free from impurities. In fact, it’s very common to find them on the market in different formats and compositions.

However, so that you don’t have to buy the commercial formats, why not make a homemade exfoliant with soap and natural ingredients? It’s a great way to recycle leftover soap and, at the same time, save money. The result is ideal for removing dead cells and softening the skin.

You’ll need:

  • Leftover soap (100 g or 4 oz)
  • Water (50 ml or 1.7 fl oz)
  • Linseed or ground oats (20 g or 1 oz)

Instructions:

  • First, grate the leftover soap to make it easier to use.
  • Then, put it in a pan and heat it in a bain-marie until it melts.
  • After that, add a little water, along with the flaxseed or ground oats.
  • Mix well and then remove from the heat.
  • Let it rest for about 5 minutes and store the product in small molds.
  • When it has solidified, your exfoliating soap will be ready.
  • To use it, simply moisten your face with warm water and rub the soap in with soft circular movements.
  • For best results, rub your skin with a small vegetable sponge after applying the soap.
  • Finally, rinse with plenty of cold water.
  • Repeat 2 to 3 times a week.

Were you familiar with these ways of recycling leftover soap? From now on, you can save these pieces of soap and use them however you want. As you can see, it’s a very simple way to reuse it!

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All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • The Soap and Detergent Association. (1990). Glycerine: An Overview. Chem Soc Monogr. 1953.
  • Swamy MK, Akhtar MS, Sinniah UR. Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens and Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3012462. doi:10.1155/2016/3012462
  • Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.93629

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.