How to Soften Soap

Buying softened or liquid soaps can become a costly endeavor, especially if they get a lot of use in your home. To save some money, or to use up those little slivers of bar soap that tend to get thrown out, make your own softened or liquid soap. Refill your old liquid soap bottles, or purchase small hand pumps often used for lotion at a home and bath store.

Cheese grater
Pot
Essential oil, if desired
Glycerin, if desired

Instructions

- 1
  Shred the bar soap using a cheese grater. Use the finest side for quick softening; a coarser shred also works.
- 2
  Fill a pot with water. How much water you use depends on how thick you want the soap --- it's not an exact science. Start with 1 qt. water, or 4 cups, for every cup of soap flakes.
- 3
  Heat the soap and water to a slow simmer, stirring until the soap melts. Add more water if it's too thick; add more soap flakes if it's too thin. Remember, though, that it thickens as it cools. Add 1 tbsp. glycerin to help thicken the soap. Also add 1 tsp. of essential oil, if desired, at this time if the bar soap didn't have a fragrance.
- 4
  Remove the softened or liquid soap from the stove. If it's too thick, add a bit more water and stir. If it's too thin for your liking, add more soap flakes and reheat to melt the new soap.

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