Are you tired of soggy soap dishes, slippery soap bars, or a cluttered sink area? We all want a clean and organized space, especially around the kitchen or bathroom sink where soap is a daily necessity. But sometimes, a traditional soap dish can add to the mess rather than solve it.
This clever, zero-cost trick offers a simple solution to keep your soap always accessible, dry, and your counters tidy. It’s an easy DIY that uses materials you likely already have, saving you from buying another soap dish and making your daily handwashing routine a little smoother.
What You’ll Need
- One bar of your favorite hand soap
- Approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) of sturdy string (e.g., kitchen twine, thin rope, or sturdy yarn)
- A piercing tool (e.g., a metal skewer, knitting needle, or a sturdy, sharp pencil)
Why This DIY Can Be Useful
Hanging your bar of soap has several practical benefits. Firstly, it allows the soap to air dry completely between uses, preventing that soft, mushy texture that often comes from sitting in a soap dish filled with water. A dry bar of soap lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.
Secondly, it frees up counter space, reducing clutter and making your sink area look cleaner and more organized. No more lifting a slimy soap dish to clean underneath it!
Finally, by hanging the soap directly on your faucet or a nearby hook, it’s always right where you need it, making handwashing quick and effortless.
How to Make It
- Prepare your soap: Take your bar of soap and lay it on a stable surface.
- Create a hole: Carefully use your piercing tool to make a small hole through the center or near one end of the soap bar. Push the tool straight through until it comes out the other side. A gentle twisting motion can help.
- Thread the string: Take one end of your sturdy string and carefully thread it through the hole you just made in the soap.
- Secure the knot: Bring the two ends of the string together and tie them into a firm, secure knot, creating a loop. Make sure the knot is tight enough to hold the soap securely. You might want to tie a double knot for extra security.
How to Use It
Once your hanging soap is prepared, it’s ready for action:
- Choose your spot: Hang the looped string over your kitchen faucet, bathroom faucet, or any convenient hook near the sink. Ensure it hangs freely without touching the counter or the basin when not in use.
- Wash hands: When you need to wash your hands, simply grab the hanging soap, lather up, and return it to its hanging spot.
- Let it dry: The open air will help your soap dry out, keeping it firm and ready for the next use.
What to Expect
You can expect a significantly tidier sink area, as your soap will no longer sit in a messy dish. Your soap bar should last longer due to better drainage and drying. You’ll also find the soap conveniently within reach for every handwash. While this method isn’t a magic solution for stubborn grime, it provides a practical improvement to your daily routine for keeping your hands and sink clean.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the right string: Natural fibers like cotton or jute twine work well and are often readily available. Avoid very thin or easily breakable string types.
- Consider soap size: This trick works best with standard-sized bar soaps. Very large or irregularly shaped bars might be harder to pierce or hang effectively.
- Rotate soaps: If you have multiple bars, you can easily switch them out by untying the string and re-threading.
- Placement is key: Make sure the soap hangs in a spot where it won’t drip onto anything important or constantly get in the way.
Important Notes / Safety
- Piercing caution: Always exercise care when using a sharp tool to pierce the soap. Keep your fingers clear of the piercing path.
- Secure knot: Ensure the knot holding the string is very secure to prevent the soap from falling unexpectedly.
- Soap ingredients: Be mindful if using homemade soaps with very soft textures, as they might crumble more easily when pierced.
