Switching to solid bar shampoo is an excellent choice for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. However, to make the most out of your shampoo bar, storing it correctly is essential. This guide covers the best way to store soap bars, maximize their lifespan, and ensure they stay fresh and ready to use.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Shampoo & Soap Bars
One of the biggest perks of solid shampoo is how long it can last when stored correctly, one bar can replace multiple plastic bottles of liquid shampoo. If used carefully, many shampoo bars can last up to 90 washes.
That’s six months of plastic-free showers if you wash your hair every other day! On the other hand, improper storage leads to quick deterioration, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan. Let’s look at how to store solid shampoo and soap bars effectively to avoid wastage.
How to Store Solid Soap & Shampoo Bars in the Shower
For those who enjoy the convenience of keeping shampoo bars in the shower, there are a few simple steps to ensure they last as long as possible. Here’s how:
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Dodge the Direct Flow of Water
When setting up a spot for your shampoo bar, aim to keep it out of the direct flow of water. Water exposure between uses leads to unnecessary wear, as the bar slowly dissolves when exposed to the running shower. Place your shampoo bar on a shower rack or shelf, ideally far enough from the shower stream, this will make solid shampoo last longer.
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Drain Excess Water
The best way to store soap bars is to ensure they dry fully between uses. Many soap dishes come with built-in drainage holes, which are crucial for helping shampoo bars dry out. Without drainage, bars will sit in water, becoming mushy and quickly wearing down. If your soap dish doesn’t have drainage holes, you can add some clean pebbles to the bottom to allow water to escape, keeping your soap bar dryer.
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Allow the Bar to Dry Between Uses
After each use, take a moment to set your bar aside to air dry fully. Air circulation is essential to maintaining the bar’s structure, making it last longer. A proper drying setup also ensures that the soap bar isn’t sticky or hard to handle.
Extra Tips for Maximizing the Life of Your Shampoo and Soap Bar
Aside from the shower setup, there are a few additional tricks to help your solid shampoo bar stay fresh and functional.
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Consider Cutting Your Bar into Portions
For easier storage and travel, consider cutting your shampoo bar into smaller pieces. By only using one portion at a time, you avoid unnecessary exposure to water. Just cut a small slice, store it in a compact container, and you’re good to go.
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Keep Bars Away from Sunlight
Natural ingredients in soap bars can degrade when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Keeping your shampoo bar out of sunlight will help preserve the ingredients and the bar’s overall structure, allowing it to last longer.
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Travel-Friendly Shampoo Bar Storage
Shampoo and soap bars are fantastic plastic-free travel products. They’re compact, won’t leak, and can easily fit into a carry-on. However, to make sure they don’t dissolve or get damaged in your travel bag, keep these tips in mind:
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Dry Thoroughly Before Packing
If you’re in a hurry, gently pat your shampoo bar with a towel or cloth to remove any excess water. Packing a slightly damp bar in a container may lead to mushiness and reduce its lifespan.
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Bring Your Mesh Bag Along
If possible, take a mesh soap bag along on your trip. You can hang it up in your hotel bathroom to dry between uses, keeping the bar dry and easy to use without leaving residue on surfaces.
Why Make the Switch to Solid Shampoo Bars?
Switching to solid shampoo bars is a step toward reducing single-use plastic in your routine. Each bar eliminates the need for multiple plastic bottles, which can have a significant environmental impact. Beyond the sustainability benefits, solid shampoo bars can actually save money in the long run since each bar lasts so much longer than a typical bottle of shampoo.
Final Thoughts
Solid shampoo bars offer an eco-friendly alternative to bottled shampoos and can last up to three times as long provided they’re stored correctly. Similarly, solid soap bars are an excellent and eco-friendly alternative to liquid soaps laden with chemicals. However, these soap and shampoo bars need care to store them. With the right care, your shampoo bars will stay fresh, functional, and long-lasting.
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