Tips

Why You Should Grate Your Soap and Place It in the Corners of Your Rooms

Soap is not just for cleaning; try grating a bar of soap and placing it in the corners of your rooms, and you'll be surprised by its unexpected benefits.

Administrator

27 July, 2024

Soap has a variety of uses, the most common being handwashing and laundry. But did you know that soap can also be used for a multitude of other purposes?

What’s the benefit of cutting soap into small pieces and placing them in the corners of a room?

There are several reasons why you might want to cut up soap and place it in the corners of your room. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

Effective Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and carry dangerous diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis. Keeping them at bay can be a challenge. Soap, especially those with natural fragrances, can be an effective mosquito repellent.

Placing cut-up soap in the corners of a room offers more benefits than you might think. (Shutterstock)

When you place small pieces of soap in the corners of your room, the fragrance fills the air, creating an environment that mosquitoes find uninviting.

You can also mix soap with water and place it in areas where mosquitoes tend to gather, such as corners. Mosquitoes are attracted to water for laying their eggs, but the alkaline nature of soapy water will kill them. Leave the soapy water overnight, and you’ll find dead mosquitoes floating on the surface in the morning.

Additionally, if mosquitoes lay their eggs in soapy water, the eggs won’t hatch. By periodically placing cut-up soap in the corners of your home every month or so, you can effectively keep mosquitoes at bay.

Deodorizing and Freshening the Air

Soap has a gentle and pleasant fragrance that can help eliminate unpleasant odors in a room. Placing small pieces of soap in the corners of a room will allow the scent to permeate the space, creating a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere. You can also place soap in closets, suitcases, or cars to keep them smelling fresh.

For an added touch, try wrapping the soap in a cloth before placing it in the desired location. This not only protects the soap but also allows the fragrance to diffuse slowly, prolonging its use.

Repelling Insects and Pests

In addition to mosquitoes, soap can also help repel other insects and pests like ants and cockroaches. Placing cut-up soap in the corners of your home, kitchen, or areas where insects tend to gather will help reduce their presence. The fragrance and chemical composition of the soap make it unappealing to these pests.

Other Handy Tips for Using Soap

Apart from its cleaning, insect-repelling, and deodorizing properties, soap can also be used in the following ways:

Fixing Stuck Drawers and Sliding Doors

Stuck drawers and sliding doors are a common household issue. Instead of calling a handyman, you can easily fix this problem yourself by using soap. Simply rub a bar of soap along the edges of the drawer or the door track, and you’ll notice a smoother operation.

Soap creates a thin film that reduces friction, allowing the drawers and doors to glide effortlessly. This trick also works for stuck locks and squeaky hinges.

Filling in Nail Holes in the Wall

If you have small nail holes in your wall from hanging pictures, you can use soap to fill them in. Choose a soap bar that matches the color of your wall, and rub it over the holes to fill them in. Once the soap has filled the holes, you can paint over it to make your wall look as good as new. This method not only covers up the holes but also leaves your wall looking smooth and flawless without the need for specialized materials or costly repairs.

Preventing Foggy Mirrors and Glass Surfaces

Bathroom mirrors and glass surfaces tend to fog up after a hot shower, making them difficult to use. To prevent this, rub a bar of soap on the glass surface when it’s dry, and then wipe it clean with a dry cloth to remove any residue and the scent. The next time you take a shower, you’ll notice that the mirror and glass remain clear. This also works great for eyeglasses.

Some additional uses for soap. (onegoodthing)

Cleaning up Broken Glass

Cleaning up broken glass can be dangerous, as tiny shards can be difficult to see and remove. Simply press a bar of soap onto the floor or surface where the glass has broken to safely and effectively pick up the glass fragments.

Finding Holes in Tires or Inflatable Toys

If you’re having trouble locating a hole in a tire or an inflatable toy, dampen a bar of soap and rub it over the surface. The soap will create bubbles as the air escapes, making it easy to identify the puncture and repair it.

Making Your Own Liquid Soap

You can easily make your own liquid soap at home. Grate half a bar of soap, mix it with boiling water, and stir until the soap is completely dissolved. Once it has cooled, you can add coconut oil, milk, or other natural ingredients to create your desired liquid soap. Pour the mixture into a dispenser and use it like regular liquid soap.

Protecting Your Furniture

Pets, especially cats and dogs, tend to chew on furniture, particularly wooden legs and edges. Rubbing soap on these areas will deter them from doing so. The taste and smell of the soap will be unpleasant to your pets, discouraging them from chewing on your furniture.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Grating soap increases its surface area, making it easier to absorb moisture from the air and release its fragrance. This helps to keep your home smelling fresh and can also extend the life of your soap.

Place the grated soap in the corners of your rooms, especially in areas with poor ventilation. The soap will absorb moisture and help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, keeping your home healthy and comfortable.

Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. By absorbing moisture from the air, grated soap helps to reduce the humidity in your home, creating an environment that is less conducive to the growth of mold and mildew.

Yes, you can use any type of soap that you prefer. However, natural, organic soaps tend to have a stronger fragrance and are more effective at absorbing moisture.

Replace the grated soap every few months or as needed. Over time, the soap will become less effective at absorbing moisture and releasing its fragrance.