Soap is an essential item in every household. From hand washing to bathing, cleaning dishes to doing laundry, soap plays a critical role. However, the question of where to store soap often gets overlooked. Improperly stored soap can become messy, damaged or contaminated. Finding the right storage solutions is key to keeping your soap fresh and effective for longer. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to stash bar and liquid soaps throughout your home. Discover tips on storage, organization, and safety to make the most of your soap supply.
In the Shower
The shower is the most frequent place soap gets used, so it makes sense to store some there. However, the hot, steamy environment can quickly damage soap if left out. Follow these tips for keeping shower soaps fresh and tidy:
Wall-Mounted Soap Dishes
Installing a wall-mounted soap dish near your shower head provides convenient access without cluttering ledges. Look for dishes with good drainage to prevent standing water. Adhesive options stick securely to tile without tools or hardware. For bar soap, choose a dish with ridges to promote drying between uses. For liquid soap, seek a deep, closed-edge design to prevent spills.
Shower Caddies
Shower caddies that hang from your shower head or suction to the wall are great for holding bar and liquid soaps. Look for caddies with multiple shelves or pouches to keep soap off wet surfaces. Make sure your model is rust-resistant and quick-drying. Consider wire, stainless steel or plastic construction. Place your soap on the highest shelf to prevent excess moisture.
Shower Niches
If your shower has built-in niches, these make ideal soap nooks. Look for crevices away from direct water flow. Ensure niches have good drainage holes. Place bar soaps on their side or in a dish to allow airflow. Stand liquid soap bottles upright to avoid leaks.
In the Bathroom
Storing soap in your bathroom keeps it nearby for hand washing and baths. Use these tips to organize your bathroom soaps:
Mounted Soap Dispensers
Install mounted soap dispensers near sinks for efficient hand washing. Look for commercial-grade, leak-proof models with a contemporary style. Seek dispensers with large-capacity reservoirs to reduce refilling. Place dispensers near faucets for easy pumping. Keep extra soap refills stashed under sinks or in cabinets.
Bathroom Countertops
For a decorative look, display select bar and liquid soaps on your bathroom countertops. Avoid placing soaps near sinks or bathtubs where they can get wet. Instead, position them near the edges or back of counters. Rotate soaps periodically to evenly distribute wear and tear. Wipe down countertops and soaps regularly to prevent buildup.
Drawers and Cabinets
Tuck bar and liquid soaps away in bathroom drawers and cabinets to preserve their conditioning oils. This protects them from excess moisture that can cause melting or cracking. Place soaps in plastic bins or caddies to contain any leaks if bottles tip over. Organize soaps upright and grouped by type for easy access.
Bathtub Caddies
Bathtub caddies that sit across your tub provide perfect access for bath time routines. Seek caddies with multiple shelves and soap dishes to keep bars dry between uses. Look for rust-proof materials that won’t corrode in the humidity. Suction-cup models stick securely to tile surrounds for safety. Store soaps toward the outer edges of caddies to prevent tub splashes.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen is a soap hotspot for washing hands, dishes and surfaces. Utilize these strategies to store kitchen soaps:
Sink Side Dispensers
Mounted soap dispensers near kitchen sinks enable easy hand washing. Select durable, leak-free pumps that complement your faucets. Seek large-capacity versions to require fewer refills. Place dispensers conveniently beside sinks within arm’s reach. Refill with economical hand soaps perfect for high-traffic usage.
Countertop Stands
Countertop soap stands provide decorative, convenient storage. Seek stands made of rust-resistant metals with raised edges to contain leaks and splashes. Choose stands with good drainage to prevent standing water under bars. Position stands near secondary sinks or prep areas where soaps get frequent use but won’t get excessively wet.
Under Sink Cabinets
Tuck extra soap supplies like refill jugs or bulk packages out of sight under kitchen sinks. This provides close access for refilling dispensers. Place soaps in plastic bins to prevent leaks from damaging cabinets. Stack soap types upright and label containers clearly for organization. Keep dish soaps separate from hand washing soaps for safety.
Drawers and Pantries
Store backup bars and bottles in kitchen drawers or pantries. Place soaps in sealed plastic containers to extend freshness in dark, dry settings. Organize soaps on shelves neatly grouped by type and use. Rotate stock regularly to use older soaps first before they expire.
In Laundry Rooms
The laundry room is ground zero for washing clothes, towels and linens. Follow these guidelines for storing laundry soaps:
Wall-Mounted Soap Dispensers
Install wall-mounted soap dispensers near laundry sinks for pre-treating spots by hand. Select automatic, drip-free dispensers with an industrial style. Seek large-capacity models that allow bulk refilling. Place dispensers nearby sinks for easy access but avoid direct splashes.
Laundry Sink Organizers
Plastic or metal organizers that fit across laundry sinks are great for arranging soaps within reach. Seek organizers with deep bins to prevent tipping and leaks. Make sure soap containers can drain properly to avoid standing water. Label bins clearly to keep soaps separate.
Shelving Units
Install shelving above or near laundry machines to hold an array of soaps. Seek open, ventilated metal shelving to promote air circulation. Arrange soaps neatly in rows grouped by type, such as detergents, pre-treat sprays, spot removers and fabric softeners.
Cupboards and Drawers
Designate cupboards or drawers for overflow laundry soaps and backups. Place soaps in sealed plastic bins or bags to extend freshness. Label containers clearly for easy identification. Set up an inventory system to rotate supplies and track usage.
On Machines
Set up soap trays or dispensers right on washers and dryers for convenience. Suction-cup trays securely to machines and create space for multiple bottles. Seek drip-proof dispensers with an industrial quality for heavy usage. Check trays and dispensers frequently for any leaks or damage.
In Multiple Rooms
Certain kinds of soap get used in various rooms. Consider these tips for storing soaps that follow you all around the house:
Hand Soaps
Decorative liquid hand soaps create a welcoming feel when placed in kitchens, bathrooms or mudrooms. Seek metal soap pumps or dispensers that match your decor. Display soaps neatly on washroom counters or shelves. Refill with gentler blends ideal for repeated hand washing.
Body Lotions
Keep moisturizing body lotions within reach of sinks, showers and tubs for daily use. Seek pumps that dispense controlled portions to avoid waste. Store upright on shower caddies, countertops or drawers. Look for lotions enriched with hydrating oils that replenish skin.
Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are must-haves throughout homes, especially high-traffic areas. Mount touch-free dispensers near doorways, in kitchens, washrooms and common living spaces. Seek dispensers with drip-trays to catch leaks. Fill with sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol for effectiveness.
Antibacterial Soaps
Active ingredient soaps kill germs for targeted cleaning. Place antibacterial bar and liquid soaps in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms for disinfecting. Seek versions containing benzalkonium chloride for lasting germ protection. Always follow label instructions carefully.
Multi-Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleanser soaps tackle messes in every room. Stock liquid cleaners or spray bottles under sinks, in pantries or laundry cabinets for grab-and-go convenience. Look for plant-based, eco-friendly cleansers. Dilute concentrated formulas into reusable spray bottles to cut waste.
Air Freshening Soaps
Fragrant soaps help deodorize and neutralize odors around your property. Place delicately scented bar soaps in musty closets, bathrooms or mudrooms to gently freshen air. Display aromatic liquid soaps on shelves or counters to perfume rooms.
Mechanics Soap
For heavy duty grease-cutting power, stock mechanics soap in garages and workshops. The abrasive grit tackles tough grime on hands and surfaces. Store small bars at sinks for frequent access. Keep larger quantities in a sealed bin to prevent drying out.
Soap Storage Safety Tips
Proper storage is also essential for soap safety. Follow these guidelines to avoid accidents or contamination:
- Always place soaps out of children’s reach, such as in high cabinets or with child locks. Supervise kids when handling soaps.
- Never stash soaps near stoves, ovens or other heat sources that could cause melting.
- Keep laundry soaps totally separate from hand or body washing soaps to prevent dangerous mixing.
- Allow good ventilation and airflow around soaps to prevent moisture buildup.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling used bars to prevent bacteria transfer.
- Avoid stacking soap bottles to prevent tipping or leaks from pressure.
- Check soap dishes and caddies frequently for sharp edges that could cut skin. Discard if damaged.
- Refill soap dispensers carefully to avoid spills that could be slipping hazards.
- Wipe up any soap spills or drips immediately to prevent slick surfaces.
- Ensure soaps are fully dry between uses to limit contamination from soggy bars or standing water.
Proper soap storage helps extend the life of your supply and makes soaps more effective. Follow these best practices to keep soaps fresh and readily available throughout your home. Utilize storage solutions that suit your space and usage needs. A little organization goes a long way for soap!
Frequently Asked Questions About Better Places to Stash That Soap
Storing soap properly is important for effectiveness and safety. Here are answers to common questions about the best places to stash bar and liquid soaps:
How should I store soap in the shower?
Install wall-mounted soap dishes or shower caddies to hold shower soaps off wet surfaces. Place soaps on upper shelves to prevent excess moisture. Built-in shower niches also work if positioned away from direct splashing.
Where is the best place to store soap in a bathroom?
Mounted soap dispensers, bathroom drawers and under-sink cabinets neatly organize bathroom soaps. Display select bars decoratively on countertops away from moisture. Bathtub caddies conveniently hold soap for baths.
Where should I store hand soap in the kitchen?
Mounted dispensers beside kitchen sinks enable easy access for hand washing. Under-sink cabinets or pantries store backup supplies out of sight. Place decorative liquid soaps on countertops away from splashes.
How should I organize laundry soap storage?
Wall-mounted dispensers, shelving units and laundry sink organizers neatly arrange laundry soaps. Store backup supplies or bulky containers in laundry cupboards and drawers. Place drip trays on machines.
What’s the best way to store hand and body soaps used in multiple rooms?
Display liquid hand and body soaps in dispensers in kitchens, bathrooms and common areas. Store upright and refill sinks, showers and tubs. Place lotions within arm’s reach. Sanitize hands with mounted sanitizer dispensers.
Are there any safety tips for soap storage I should know?
Always store soaps safely out of children’s reach. Prevent tip-overs, spills or leaks by securing bottles and avoiding heat sources. Never mix soaps like laundry detergent and hand soap. Allow good airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Key Takeaways for Storing Soap
- Mount wall dispensers or shower caddies to hold shower soaps off wet surfaces.
- Use bathroom drawers, under-sink cabinets and caddies to neatly organize soap.
- Place kitchen hand soaps at sinks and backup supplies in pantries or under sinks.
- Designate laundry room storage like wall dispensers, shelves and drawers for soaps.
- Display hand and body soaps in frequently used rooms for convenience.
- Follow safety tips like storing soaps out of kids’ reach and allowing good ventilation.
Proper soap storage extends longevity, prevents messes, and makes soaps readily accessible throughout your home. Use purposeful solutions that keep soaps organized right where they are primarily used. Establish smart stash spots to get the most out of your soap supply.
