You’ve found a handmade soap you love. A little care can help you enjoy it: let your bar dry between uses, protect spare bars from heat and humidity, and follow any care instructions that come with your soap.
What is curing?
For cold-process soap, curing is the resting period after a batch is made. Water evaporates and the bar develops over time. The time needed varies with the recipe and process, so follow the maker’s guidance rather than assuming every handmade soap has the same curing schedule.
Storing a purchased bar is not the same as curing a freshly made batch. If you’re unsure whether a bar is ready to use, ask its maker.
Keep your soap dry between uses
A bar left sitting in water can soften and wear away faster. Use a draining soap dish or rack that allows air to reach the underside, and keep it away from the shower’s direct spray. Empty pooled water and clean the dish regularly.
How to store unused handmade soap
Choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, heaters, and persistent bathroom humidity. Keep the bars clean and protected, and follow the packaging instructions supplied by the maker. Let a damp bar dry before packing it away.
Keep strongly scented bars separate if you want to preserve their individual scents. Use older bars first rather than letting your collection sit indefinitely.
How long does handmade soap last?
There isn’t one shelf-life number that fits every handmade soap. Ingredients, the recipe, packaging, and storage conditions all affect how a bar ages. Use any best-before date or guidance provided by the maker.
Scent and color may change over time. Don’t assume every change is harmless: if a bar develops an unusual or rancid odor, unexpected spots or growth, or a texture that concerns you, set it aside and ask the maker before using it.
A simple soap care routine
- Use a draining dish and keep your bar out of standing water.
- Let the soap dry between uses.
- Store spare bars somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
- Use older bars first and check the maker’s care guidance.
Find your next favorite bar
Explore these soaps from our collection:
- Raw Honey Soap
- Sage Against The Machine Soap
- Strawberry Moon Soap
- Healing Mountain
- Blackberry Sage Soap & Sundries
Have a question about caring for a particular bar? Ask us for guidance specific to that soap.