Laundry soap has enjoyed widespread popularity for generations due to its effectiveness and versatility. It’s more than just a tool for cleaning clothes — it can serve many purposes around the home and even in personal care. Here are 11 extraordinary ways you can use laundry soap, based on time-tested tips from older generations.
1. For Hair Care
Believe it or not, laundry soap can be used to fight dandruff. Many people have found it to be a more effective alternative to store-bought shampoos when it comes to removing flaky skin. To use it, lather the soap thoroughly into your hair, then rinse it out with water mixed with a few drops of vinegar. The vinegar helps to restore the scalp’s natural pH and leaves your hair shiny and clean.
2. After Depilation
If you have sensitive skin, shaving or waxing can often lead to irritation or redness. Applying laundry soap after depilation can help soothe the skin. Simply lather the area gently, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This acts as a mild disinfectant and prevents inflammation.
3. Rejuvenating the Skin
Washing your face with laundry soap twice a week can help cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. After washing, be sure to apply a nourishing cream to restore moisture. Additionally, birch leaves soaked in laundry soap make an excellent natural exfoliant and help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin refreshed and glowing.
4. Stopping a Cold in Its Tracks
At the very first sign of a cold, especially nasal congestion, laundry soap can be surprisingly effective. Prepare a mild soap solution, soak a piece of cotton wool in it, and gently apply it to the inside of your nostrils. This can help stop the cold from progressing and relieve some of the early symptoms.
5. Treating Fungal Infections on the Feet
Laundry soap is a great remedy for treating fungal conditions, especially those affecting the feet. To use it, wash the affected area with soap, rinse thoroughly, and then apply iodine to the same area. This combination helps disinfect and speed up healing.
6. Disinfecting Toothbrushes
To prevent bacteria buildup on your toothbrush, it’s important to disinfect it regularly. Soak the brush overnight in a solution made with laundry soap. This simple habit can significantly reduce the risk of oral infections and maintain dental hygiene.
7. Reducing Swelling and Bruising
A soap-based solution can also be used to reduce swelling and bruises. Mix laundry soap with warm water until it forms a paste, and then gently massage it into the affected area. It increases blood flow and helps the body absorb the bruise more quickly.
8. Drawing Out Abscesses
To treat an abscess at home, mix equal parts of grated onion, laundry soap, and sugar. This creates a powerful homemade salve. Apply the mixture to the abscess before bed and wrap it with a bandage. By morning, the abscess will often come to a head or reduce significantly in size.
9. Healing Cracked Heels
Cracked and dry heels can be painful and unsightly. Soak your feet in hot water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of grated laundry soap. This softens the skin and makes it easier to exfoliate the dead skin. Repeating this process regularly will lead to smoother, healthier feet.
10. Treating Sunburn
Laundry soap can be surprisingly effective for soothing sunburn. If you’ve been in the sun too long and feel the burn coming on, gently apply laundry soap to the affected area. Let it dry on the skin. This method can help reduce redness and prevent blisters from forming.
11. General Skin Cleanser
Even beyond specific uses, laundry soap can act as a powerful yet gentle cleanser for various parts of the body. Its antibacterial properties make it especially useful in situations where regular soap may not be strong enough.
