Make Easy Liquid Hand Soap from Soap Scraps

Most of us have little slivers of soap left after we use a bar of soap for a time. If you have a large family or lots of guests, you may have a lot of scraps. If you have wondered what to do with them, these 2 recipes may solve your problem. I don't really like the idea of re-using soap to make gift items, but these soaps would be perfect for your own use-and they are easy to make.

Liquid Hand Soap From Scraps

1 cup soap scraps
3 cups water
Large microwave-safe bowl

Note: it's probably better to use a microwave which will not later be used for cooking food

1. Place the soap scraps in the bowl.
2. Add water carefully
3. Microwave the mixture on high for 5-6 minutes (till the soap dissolves). Stir the mixture every 2 minutes during this heating process and watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
4. Remove the soap mixture from the microwave and let it stand until it is completely cool (it thickens as it cools).
5. To use: Put the soap into regular soap dispensers or recycled pump bottles.

Gel Soap From Scraps

1 cup soap scraps
1/2 gallon water
2 tablespoons glycerin (available at craft stores with soap-making supplies)
Large old pot (be sure it's one you won't later use for food prep)
Jar with tight-fitting lid (If recycling a jar, be sure it's clean.)

1. Mix soap scraps, water and glycerine together in the pot.
2. Set the pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until the soap has dissolved. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
3. Cool the soap mixture slightly, then transfer it to a jar.
4. Cool completely, then cover the jar tightly.

This is a great recycling project, but if you don't have soap scraps (or enough to make a full cup) grate a bar of soap into small pieces to make up the difference. One bar makes about 1 cup of grated soap.