Unexpected Uses for Soap

Have you ever looked at a bar of soap and wondered if there are ways to use it beyond washing your hands?  No, me neither!  Thankfully, some other clever people have come up with 11 unexpected uses for soap, so we don’t have to ponder!

Because of coronavirus, we all know soap has cleaning and germ-busting superpowers.  And here’s my guide to my favourite sustainable soaps. But illustrator Yumi Sakugawa’s series of illustrations for the website WonderHowTo takes soap to the next level.

This illustration on 11 unexpected uses for a bar of soap is particularly brilliant, and I had to share it.  There are so many uses for soap that I wasn’t aware of.  From stopping squeaky floorboards to avoid getting dirt under your fingernails whilst gardening!  And ones like using soap to help your saw cut straight and to make your screw go in straight, are just pure witchcraft!

Clever Household Uses for Soap

To make this guide accessible to all I’ve transcribed it below.

Pincushion

Wrap a bar of soap in a cloth and stick pins on top.  The soap will lubricate the pins for easier insertion.

Marking A Hemline on Cloth

You can mark a hemline on cloth with a sliver of soap.  It’s easier to wash off than chalk.

Stop Your Glasses From Fogging Up

During cold weather you can stop your glasses from fogging up by rubbing soapy water over them, and then wiping it off.  This technique can also stop your glasses steaming up when you wear a face mask.

Check For Gas Leaks

Smear wet soap on your gas pipes if you suspect a gas leak.  If soap bubbles appear, then you have a leak.  Obviously, call a gas engineer if in any doubt.

Always Cut Straight When Sawing

Rubbing a little soap on your saw’s blade will help ensure your hand saw cuts straight.

Dirt Barrier

Put a little soap under your fingernails before gardening to avoid getting dirt under them.

Natural Deer Repellent

Hang slivers of soap inside some old tights, and hang from trees to act as a natural deer repeller.

Efficient Screwing

Rub your nail or screw with soap before hammering or screwing for more efficiency.

Natural Lubricant

Use soap to unstick zips, lubricate squeaky door hinges and unstick drawers.

Tackling Squeaky Floorboards

Put a little soapy water inbetween floorboards to get rid of floorboard squeak.

Shaving Cream Substitute

Use soap as a shaving cream or shampoo substitute in a pinch, or if you’ve been caught out whilst travelling.

What wild uses for soap!  Did you learn anything new?!

I’ve shared some of Yumi’s great illustrations before – here are 21 amazing uses for coconut oil and 13 unexpected uses for vinegar.