How to Make Liquid: Soap From Bar Soap

Learn how to make liquid soap from bar soap with this simple DIY! Whether you’re looking to make your soap last longer or just prefer the convenience of liquid soap, this method is a great way to get the most out of every bar.

One of the first questions we thought of when we heard you could make liquid soap from a soap bar was: Why?

Why make liquid soap from bar soap? But then, of course, it hit me.

Think about it. Liquid soap can be used in so manymore ways than a bar of soap.

From washing dishes to a homemade shower cleaning solution to making clothing or fabric cleaning liquid.

And let’s not forget – cost savings!

With everything being so expensive these days, saving money where we can is essential.

This is why we're sharing how to make liquid soap from bar soap right here in this note.

As a bonus – making your own liquid hand soap from a bar of soap is not only enjoyable and cost-effective, but you can be sure you make an all-natural and chemical-free blend if you choose the right soap bar to make it with.

Homemade liquid hand soap

What is liquid soap? Well, it’s precisely what it’s named as. It’s soap in liquid form.

Both bars of soap and liquid soap have been used for centuries to cleanse and protect the skin and for many other household duties.

In short, a typical bar soap is usually made from animal or vegetable fats, while liquid soap is in liquid form, usually with glycerin added, so it stays liquid straight from the bottle.

Both bar and liquid soaps have benefits and drawbacks, much like everything in life, and it all depends on your needs and what you want to use them for.

Benefits of liquid soap over bar soap

Some believe that liquid soap is more potent at killing bacteria and viruses, and it would make sense.

The liquid can be diluted with water to make a cleaning spray and spritzed, meaning the effects travel further (in theory) as an example.

Also, the convenience of liquid soap is somewhat there too.

It really comes down to personal preference, in our opinion.

One thing’s sure, though, that both types of soap have advantages depending on your needs.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• It’s easy and fun to make liquid soap! You only need a few supplies and a cheerful team of kids (or friends!) to help you.
• Some studies show that liquid soap is better for reducing bacteria levels on the skin (but do your own research on this.)
• Liquid soaps often produce a thicker lather making shower or bath time that much more luxurious and enjoyable.

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Recipe: How to turn bar soap into liquid soap

Supplies needed:

• Grater for soap
• Soap dispenser
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Ingredients needed:

• Soap bar 1.6 oz (approximately half a bar. We like using our handmade shea butter soap)
• Vegetable glycerin .25 oz
• Distilled water or filtered water 1 quart

Note: The final results can vary depending on the soap bar you choose. If your soap turns out to liquidy or too hard, you will need to adjust the water content.

Instructions:

1. Grate the soap using a box grater until its completely shredded.

2. Bring the water to a light boil in a small saucepan, then add the shredded soap bar, and stir until completely dissolved.

It didn’t take long to dissolve, but we went ahead and stirred it for a good 5 minutes just to be sure it wouldn’t separate as it cooled.

3. Stir in the vegetable glycerin.

4. Let it cool completely. We am not entirely sure how long it took to cool, but we left it out for about 5 hours before moving on to the next step.

5. Give it one final gentle stir before transferring it to a reusable soap dispenser with a nozzle.

Tips

• This is ultra important! Make sure the soap shreds are entirely dissolved in the water, or else you’ll end up with clumps in the final product that will clog up the dispenser. If it needs a touch longer to melt, then no problem; just don’t let it over-boil.
• Stirring well helps remove soap clumps, if there are any.
• Use a regular dispenser (not a foaming dispenser.)
• We personally do not add a preservative. You can extend the life of the soap if you do; otherwise, discard it after around four weeks if it’s not been used.
• This may not work with all conventional soap bars. The amounts may have to be adjusted depending on the quality of the soap too. Be aware of potential trial and error!
• We used our shea butter soap bar for the soap bar base of this recipe.
• You’ll only need about half a soap bar to make this amount.
• This recipe is a perfect way to use up small leftover pieces of soap too!

FAQs

Can we turn a bar of soap into liquid soap?

Yes! Follow the recipe we've shared in this note to do precisely that.

What soap bar to use to make liquid soap?

We used our own shea butter soap recipe for this recipe. It’s a personal choice, so try with any soap bar and see how you go.

Always look for a natural, organic bar with zero harsh chemicals or fragrances.

You may need to adjust the quantities somewhat to get the texture of the liquid soap you like too.

Will we need a preservative?

But by all means, you could add a preservative if you want to extend the shelf life of the liquid soap. This article suggests that liquid soaps do not require a preservative. We did not use a preservative in this recipe.

Can you make liquid soap at home?

Yes! Just follow the recipe we share here in this note.

We hope you found this note a joy to read and that you’re inspired to make liquid soap at home!

Remember to follow the instructions in this note and possibly adjust the quantities depending on the soap bar you use.

If you’d like to read more posts of mine and be inspired to make your own soap bars, too, see one of these next!

• Beeswax soap recipe
• Coffee soap recipe
• Hibiscus Infused loofah soap recipe

5 from 6 votes

How to Make Liquid Soap From Bar Soap

By the studio Ascher Prep: 10 minutes minsActive: 25 minutes minsTotal: 35 minutes mins Yield: 33 ounces of soap SaveSaved Pin Print Turn a simple bar of soap into a smooth, easy-to-use liquid soap with this simple DIY! Whether you’re looking to make your soap last longer or just prefer the convenience of liquid soap, this method is a great way to get the most out of every bar.

Equipment

• Grater for soap
• Handwash dispenser
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Ingredients

• 1.6 oz soap bar
• 0.25 oz vegetable glycerin
• 32 oz Distilled water or filtered water

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Instructions

• Grate the soap using a box grater.
• Bring the water to a light boil in a small saucepan, add the shredded soap bar, and stir until completely dissolved. Once it looks dissolved, stir it for an additional minute or two, just to be sure!
• Next, add in the vegetable glycerin and stir it in well.
• Now, you'll want to allow the soap to cool completely.
• Once the soap has completely cooled, give it one final gentle stir and transfer it to a reusable soap dispenser.
• Secure the pump nozzle, and its ready for use.

Video

Notes

This soap has a relatively high ph, and as a result, we did not use a preservative. If you want to add a preservative, use a broad-spectrum preservative and follow the instructions for proper use levels. This soap will last up to one month. Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse! This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.