In this blog, we discuss how the solid form of soap, which was common in the past, still has its uses. Unlike modern liquid soap, solid soap has a thick consistency and was stored in packages or enamelled tubs. Solid soap is highly effective for cleaning vertical surfaces, ovens, tile grout, stainless steel sinks, stain removal and even cast-iron pots!

 

Last edited on 8 May 2024

 

 

 

 

In the past, all soap was solid – the liquid variety is a modern phenomenon!

 

Soap was solid and so thick that it was packaged and sold in blocks, just as butter is sold in shops today. Our solid soap is exactly like that. When you buy a solid soap, make sure to choose one that is genuinely solid. If you receive a sticky soap with a consistency more like soured milk, you do not have the old-fashioned variety in front of you. Solid soap was stored either in its package or in an enamelled “tub”. Almost every home used to have one.

 

 

 

When and how do you use solid soap?

 

1. When cleaning vertical surfaces

– Put a dab on an Ecofiber cloth or sponge, dampen it slightly and work up a thick lather. It will stay in place rather than running off like cleaning spray. Leave it to work, then wipe with a damp cloth. Shower walls can be rinsed off.

 

2. The oven

– Do as above. Then place an ovenproof container of water inside the oven. Turn on the oven so that the water evaporates. Allow it to cool, then wipe it clean. Use an Ecofiber cloth if needed.

 

3. Tile grout

– Put a dab of solid soap on the scrubbing brush. Scrub and wipe clean.

 

4. Stainless steel sink

– Put a dab on an Ecofiber cloth or sponge. Dampen, rub, rinse clean and wipe dry.

 

 

 

5.  Stain removal

– Put a dab of solid soap on a moderately stiff brush or an Ecofiber cloth. The Ecofiber cloth works well for coarse clothing such as outerwear and workwear, while a laundry brush is better for other, more delicate materials. Dampen and scrub the stain. Wash as usual in the machine according to the care instructions. It works especially well on greasy stains.

 

 

 

 

6. Cast iron 

– Cast iron should never be degreased. You have probably heard that you must not use dish soap on cast iron. That is correct! But a fatty soap is a completely different matter. When you have a burnt cast-iron pot or pan, you can use solid, superfatted soap together with an old-fashioned dish brush made of rice root. It is highly effective and does not damage the cast iron.

 

 

 

7. Scrubbing rugs

– Put a dab of soap on the scrubbing brush and then simply scrub.

 

 

 

8. Grill grates

 – There is an entire blog dedicated to this! Click here to read it.

 

 

 

 

Of course, there are many, many other tips for using solid soap. These are just a few examples.

 

9. The mop bucket

No, in that case it is much quicker to use liquid soap, which dissolves immediately in the cleaning water. Of course, you can dissolve the soap and use it in the mop bucket, but you must be prepared for it to take a couple of minutes for the solid soap to dissolve in warm water.

 

10. Toilet cleaner

No, in that case it is much quicker to use liquid soap, which dissolves immediately in the toilet bowl. Use liquid soap instead of strong toilet cleaners. It works just as well and is gentler both on you and the environment. Use a basic, superfatted soap for this. All dirt originating from plants or animals is most easily removed with an alkaline product. A soap containing little soap and a lot of water will therefore not work as well here as a concentrated soap.


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- What are the advantages of using solid soap to clean the oven?

 

By using solid soap and an ovenproof container of water, you can effectively clean the oven without using strong chemicals. The water evaporates and helps dissolve the dirt.

 

- Why is solid soap a good option for cleaning stainless steel sinks?

Solid soap is effective for cleaning stainless steel sinks because its thick consistency makes it possible to dissolve and remove grease and dirt effectively without damaging the surface.

 

- Why should you avoid using liquid soap for certain purposes, such as the mop bucket and toilet?

Liquid soap is more practical for some purposes but may be less effective for others. For example, solid soap may be more suitable for cleaning certain surfaces, such as cast-iron pots, and may be more environmentally friendly than strong chemicals used for toilet cleaning.

 

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