This recipe turns one standard bar of soap into approximately 1 to 2 gallons of liquid cleaner, depending on the consistency you prefer.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 Bar of Soap: (approx. 4–5 oz) Use a high-quality castile soap for a natural version, or any bar you enjoy.
- 10–12 Cups of Water: Distilled water is best if you plan on storing it for a long time.
- 1 tbsp Glycerin: (Optional) This helps keep the soap smooth and moisturizing for skin use.
- Box Grater: To shred the soap for faster melting.
Instructions
- Grate the Soap: Use the fine side of a cheese grater to turn the solid bar into small flakes.
- Boil the Water: Bring your water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Incorporate the Flakes: Turn the heat down to low and stir in the soap flakes. Use a whisk to ensure they dissolve completely without boiling over.
- Add Glycerin: Once the soap is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear, stir in your glycerin.
- Cool and Set: Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for 12 to 24 hours. It will thicken into a gel-like consistency as it cools.
- Whisk and Store: If it becomes too thick or “clumpy,” simply whisk it or use an immersion blender to smooth it out before pouring it into your repurposed dispensers.
The Benefits of This Method
- Massive Cost Savings: A single bar of soap often costs less than a dollar, yet it can replace several bottles of expensive liquid hand soap or dish soap.
- Customization: You can add a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or lemon) once the mixture has cooled to give it a custom scent and added antibacterial properties.
- Gentle on the Environment: You are reusing existing containers and avoiding the purchase of new plastic bottles every month.
- Versatility: This liquid can be used as a pre-treatment for laundry stains, a floor cleaner (when diluted further), or a standard hand wash.
