Finding simple solutions to create less waste are often easier than we think. At the same time some methods just work better than others. The first time I tried to create liquid soap from a bar was a pointless disaster. Finally I figured out exactly why it wasn’t working, and exactly what I needed to do differently. Today I want to share what makes this simple zero waste solution work.
What you will need…
- 3 cups purified water
- 1 1/2 cups soap flakes
- 20 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Cheese grater
- Container of choice (I prefer a glass jar)
1. Use your cheese grater to break down the soap bar into tiny pieces.
2. Add soap flakes to your glass jar and fill with hot water to dissolve the soap flakes.
3. Once cooled and soap flakes dissolved, add essential oils of your for scent and additional cleansing properties. Lemongrass, lavender, lemon, or peppermint essential oil are all great options.
4. This recipe make 32 oz of liquid soap.
I use this simple DIY Liquid Soap for cleaning as well as shampoo and body wash.
Liquid soaps tend to cost more as well as contribute to excessive plastic bottles. The most important aspect to making a great DIY Liquid Soap is to use a bar soap that has a high glycerin content. The easiest way to know if a soap bar is high in glycerin is when it is wet it gets soft around the edges and is gooey once it is almost gone. I love using the Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap. I purchase 8 oz bars packaged in recyclable paper.
If you try this please let me know how it works for you. Find more zero waste articles here.
One Love!
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Janine says
This is cool. Didn’t know it was that simple. I’d like to do this with the Sappo Hill Oatmeal unscented soap. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Janine,
Let me know how it works out for you. I haven’t tried it with the oatmeal soap so I’m curious.
Tam says
This recipe seems much simpler than what I’ve found on pinterest. I’ve been wanting to do this to Lykas papaya soap which I find too drying in bar form. Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tam,
I like to keep things as simple as possible. Let me know how things turn out.
Shelly says
I used my African Black soap and it turned out fantastic. I added 2 tsps of vegetable glycerin, unpasteurized honey and a bit of avocado oil for added moisture (Canadian winter is drying).
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Shelly,
This sounds amazing. Using African Black Soap to create liquid soaps are always a winner. Thanks for sharing!
Rahima says
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for sharing this information. I was wondering how fine the grating needs to be?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Rahima,
The soap I chose for this actually crumbles pretty easily. Some soaps have even more moisture in them. As long as you use a cheese grater you will find that this is pretty easy regardless of how fine it grates and the soap will dissolve without much effort.
Rahima says
Thank you!
Linda says
I just wanted to let you know that it was through your blog over a year ago I first heard about zero waste living. I then read a book about it and honestly thought it was both fascinating & a bit crazy. I got on Instagram and through the community there have been going zero waste for about 8 months now. It’s definitely a process & sometimes slow but great, so thanks for blogging on this important topic and introducing me to it!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Linda,
This is so awesome to hear! I am hoping to get back into more zero waste again myself. It has been a serious struggle with a baby since you must buy some things new, and also you receive gifts that are definitely not zero waste. It can seem crazy at first, yet by incorporating this type of mindfulness into your life you become more conscious in how you live and why.
Naya says
Contemplating trying this but have you ever run into issues with mold? I feel like 32oz would take a while to get through.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Naya,
I think because we use so much soap we have never had any experience with mold. You can make smaller batches though if you are concerned. I keep shredded soap ready to go when I need it.
Naya says
Smart! I’ll do that then. I loved the KMF bar as a shampoo bar per your recommendation. I also recently tried a goat milk bar from Trader Joe’s which is super nice from head to toe. It actually smells the same as the KMF bar since it too is mostly olive oil. Don’t be fooled by the packaging though. I thought I found a cool zero waste find because it comes in a pouch but the bar was actually wrapped in plastic inside. I want to try to find something similar maybe among the package free soap at Whole Foods.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Naya,
It’s so crazy how you have to literally inspect items for secret plastic wrapping. It is a learning curve.
Laura says
Thank you for sharing! I have been working towards zero waste for a few months now. I didn’t every buy bar soap previously and while I have been buying it now (in recyclable paper of course) it’s just not my preference! I’ll definitely be giving this a try!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Laura,
I hope this works out the way you’d like it to. Good for you for working towards zero waste!
Prima Donna says
Do you have to store the finished product in the fridge? Than you for this DIY!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Prima Donna,
I don’t personally store this soap in the fridge because we use it for so many things and use it up rather quickly. If you feel more comfortable to do so go for it.
Prima Donna says
Thanks for the reply. I will surely try this recipe soon with my African Black Soap!
Jo says
Thank you for the recipe! I divided the quantities by 4 to make a smaller amount and it was a little watery, but I also shook it and created bubbles… ^.^ whoops! Will be doing next time with slightly more soap. I also added eucalytpus oil. Great idea!! 🙂 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jo,
There is always some trial and error with DIY’s. I’m sure your next batch will be perfect. This is a more liquidity soap though.
Kimberly says
Hi followed your recipe exactly and it turned into a solid goo inside the jar. Why would it do that and is there a fix or do I have to throw it out? Did anyone else have that issue?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kimberly,
Try adding more water and see if that helps. Depending upon the soap used, there can be varied results on how much water is needed. I hope this helps some.
Poppy says
Hello Dawn,
I hope you’re well, I love your website. I would love to try this recipe, but are you not worried about the ph being too alkaline?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Poppy
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Poppy,
Soap usually is alkaline. Many commercial pH balanced hand and body washes are made with surfactants instead of soap. If you are using a natural soap for shampoo you can follow up with an acidic rinse such as aloe vera juice or a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse. I hope this helps and thank you for the compliment.