Once again, it’s going to be a long winter and we are more confined than usual. Just as quilters end up with a kaleidoscope of fabric scraps, we tend to end up with an interesting collection of soap bar scraps. So in the spirit of fun, here are a few useful ways to use up odds and ends of soap.
Keep dirt from under your fingernails
Love digging in the garden, but hate what it does to your fingernails? Scrape your fingernails over a bar of soap, so that some of the soap gets under your nails. The soap blocks the dirt from getting under your nails. When you’re done, just wash your hands well and relax in your well-tended garden.
Keep Clothes Fresh
Put a bar of soap in your drawers and closets. It will help absorb musty odors. Use some scraps from your favorite soaps for a pleasant scent. Just wrap a bar of soap in a cloth bag or a piece of fabric (one of our Angela bags works great) and tuck it in with your clothes. This also helps keep car interiors fresh.
Fix Stinky Shoes
Do you have a pile of stinky shoes, boots or (worst of all) sports equipment)? Place a bar of soap inside smelly shoes or a bag of sports gear and the soap will absorb the odors.
Sewing tips
Just stick the tip of your sewing needle into a bar of soap before using it. Or make a pretty pin cushion from a wrapped bar of soap. The soap will lubricate your pins and needles so that they glide smoothly through fabrics. You can also use a piece of soap to mark hem lines on fabric for your sewing projects. It washes right out when you’re finished.
Stuck zipper?
It’s so frustrating when the zipper on your favorite jacket is stuck. Rather than yanking on it and cursing, gently rub a bar of soap along the zipper and the lubrication will help release it.
Stuck or squeaky doors and drawers?
If the high pitched sound of squeaky hinges is getting on your nerves, rub a bar of soap over the hinge so that it moves smoothly. If the drawers in your furniture are difficult to open, rub a bar of soap along the runners. The lubrication will help your drawers glide smoothly.
We think soap makes everything better. Just a reminder that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Sweeten up your own day or someone else’s with our valentine package – a heart shaped rose scented lotion bar, a bar of honey and oats soap and botanical bath salts (comes with a mesh bag for easy tub clean-up.)