We already know that bars of soap used to own a permanent place by the sink. But, unfortunately, the hard soap is becoming more and more of a rarity due to the liquid soap. To remove hard soap altogether is a bad idea. Even if you don’t use blocks of the stuff to wash your hands anymore, there are actually several little tips that put the soap to good use. People from Washington, D.C. would find these very useful, especially the last one.
Here are 7 ways that hard soap can still be indispensable in every home – whether it’s dealing with insect bites or removing mist from your glasses. Have a look through the list below and don’t hesitate to pass it on to others!
Fragrance
No disrespect to flowers or scented candles, but there’s another way to get rid of bad odors in old wardrobes, suitcases or dusty rooms. Lay a bar of soap in there. Just keep in mind that it’s best to have the soap wrapped, otherwise it can make a mess.
Place a bar of your favorite scented soap inside your closet or dresser drawers. Not only will this have your clothes smelling fantastic, you’ll get a nice, refreshing whiff each time you open a drawer! I’ve always been a fan of the mild yet clean-smelling Dove soap bars. I also love this St. Helena lavender soap, which has real organic lavender flowers blended inside.
REM sleep disorder
Restless legs as a result of REM sleep disorders is a common problem that affects millions of people the world over. To avoid kicking your legs out whilst sleeping, as well as cramps and tingling sensations, try placing a bar of soap between the mattress and the bottom sheet. It makes your sheets smell nice and it works. Yes, I’ll admit it sounds strange, but many people swear by it!
If a cramp arises, pull the soap near the cramp. Also, if the soap gets old it becomes less effective. Cut it in half and it will start working again.
In the garden
If you notice your garden plants have damaged leaves and stems, pests may be to blame. Herbivores, such as deer and rabbits, can do significant damage to garden plants, like young flowers, clovers, fruits and vegetables, if left unattended. If you suspect such pest are to blame for damaged foliage, inspect the leaves; unlike insects that leave jagged edges on half-eaten leaves, mammals, like rabbits, leave a clean cut or devour the foliage completely. To keep pesky mammals at bay, a bar of soap can be added to your garden as an inexpensive repellent, since animals find the stench unpleasant.
Clean glasses
Anyone who wears glasses can attest to how annoying it can be when they mist up. If you hate this as much as I do, try rubbing some dry soap against the inside of the glasses. Buff out the soap with a soft cloth, like microfiber, and you’ll be fog-free. The same trick can also be used to prevent bathroom mirrors from misting after a hot shower.
Volumize your eyebrows
Rub an eyebrow or clean eyelash brush over a bar of soap. Use the soapy wand to instantly fluff up and volumize your eyebrows for a thick, groomed look.
Loosening things
We’ve all experienced our zipper getting stuck. Or how about that window that suddenly refuses to open? A great lubricant to speed up the separation process is actually a bit of dry soap. Another top tip is to rub soap on the hinges of creaking doors, when you want them to open nice and smoothly.
Soften shoes
Is there any better feeling than pulling on a new pair of shoes? Right up until the moment you get a blister, of course. Did you know that if your shoes need softening on the inside – to prevent the infamously uncomfortable rub – then soap can be the thing you need!
Insect bites
Itchy and painful insect bites are no one’s idea of fun. Fortunately, there are several household remedies to help get rid of them – and one of them, strangely enough, is by using a bar of soap. Just wet the soap, rub it on the bite, and the itchiness will soon cease.