You have taken the plunge into handmade soap and now the ultimate question arises: how to choose the right soap dish?
Once you have chosen quality handmade soap bars, it is equally important to select an eco-friendly soap dish that will extend the life of your soaps while aligning with your environmental values. Here is a guide to help you choose the best eco-friendly soap dish for your handmade soaps:
1. Eco-friendly and Durable Material
Opt for a soap dish made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Popular options include bamboo, wood from sustainably managed forests, natural stone, and recycled stainless steel. Choose materials that have minimal environmental impact and are built to last.
Avoid materials that contain harmful chemicals. Opt for natural, non-toxic materials that do not release unwanted substances when in contact with the soap. This ensures that your soaps remain pure and safe for your skin.
If possible, look for soap dishes with eco-friendly certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label for wood products, or other environmental labels that guarantee environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
2. Effective Drainage
The main enemy of solid soaps is stagnant water. Make sure that the soap dish you choose has effective drainage. Opt for a model with grooves, slots or a perforated design that will allow water to drain easily, preventing the soap from becoming soft and slimy. At Veriere, we simply recommend choosing a soap dish with holes. The water is then properly drained and your soap does not bathe in water. Also, be careful not to leave it directly under the shower water. Position your soap dish so that the soap is not constantly watered.
3. Ease of Cleaning
A soap dish that is easy to clean is a major plus. Choose a model with a smooth, easily washable surface. Avoid soap dishes with hard-to-reach corners, as these can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
4. Compatibility with Your Soaps
Make sure the soap dish you choose is suitable for the size and shape of your handmade soaps. The soap dish should be spacious enough to accommodate your soap without it sticking out or sliding around.
5. Aesthetics and Style
Besides durability and functionality, also consider the aesthetics of the soap dish. Choose a model that fits well in your bathroom and matches your personal style.
6. User Reviews
Before purchasing, check out online user reviews and feedback to get an idea of the quality and customer satisfaction of the soap dish you are considering purchasing.
7. And why not upcycle: transform an object into a soap dish
Take your zero waste approach even further by tinkering with an object to transform it into a practical and eco-friendly soap dish.
Where to find the ideal soap dish?
I would say, anywhere: specialty stores, craftsmen, small businesses, online... as long as you like the soap dish and it suits your needs :)
At Veriere, we are fans of soap dishes and bring them back as holiday souvenirs, to prolong these good moments of relaxation back home. The latest: a soap dish made from volcanic stone from Volvic in Auvergne, made by a local craftsman!
Don't hesitate to take a look at the Shower section of stores like Leroy Merlin, Castorama or Zodio to find soap dishes for the shower, and even shower baskets combining soap dishes and holders for other shower products if you ever use cosmetics other than soaps. By the way, if you want to start a transition to zero waste in the bathroom, take a look at my article for a plastic-free bathroom , see you soon!
My Leroy Merlin selection for less than €30 below, find all their shower supports here :
By following this guide, you will be able to choose a soap dish that is perfect for your handmade soaps, while being environmentally friendly. A good soap dish ensures that your soaps stay dry and ready to provide you with a quality and long-lasting experience.
