4 Ways to Properly Store Your Bar Soap in the Shower (And Keep it Dry)

There you are, hopping into the shower with limited time, hustling to start your day.

Then you pick it up, a soggy-laden bar of soap that just completely ruins the vibe. Not only does a wet, soft, soaked bar of soap lose its shape rapidly, but it also feels unpleasant to the touch. Far from the invigorating scrub you hoped for, you’re faced with a mess that’s seemingly a waste of good soap.

We’re here to save you so you don’t have to endure this experience. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to store your bar soap in the shower, ensuring it stays clean, dry, and ready to provide a refreshing wash every time you need it.

Key Takeaways

Here are a few tips for how to store your bar soap in the shower:

Methods to Store Bar SoapDescription
1. Use of Soap DishesSoap dishes separate the soap from a wet surface, preventing it from becoming soggy. They come in different materials like ceramic, metal, wood, or plastic, each with its own pros and cons.
2. Strategic Placement of the SoapThe location of the soap in the shower can affect its lifespan. Placing it out of the direct water flow, such as the back corner of the shower, keeps the soap dry when not in use.
3. Use of Soap Saver BagA soap saver bag is a small bag made from mesh or natural fiber. It extends the life of your soap and can be used as a washcloth. It also ensures the last bits of soap don’t go to waste.
4. Use of Shower Caddies with Soap CompartmentsShower caddies provide easy access to your soap. Many designs have special compartments for soap with a built-in drainage system to prevent the soap from sitting in water. A movable design allows adjustment of the caddy’s position to keep it out of the direct water stream.

1. Soap Dishes Exist

Soap dishes are the unsung hero of the bathroom world. A soap dish is a type of container where you can keep the soap separated from a wet surface when not in use. It typically has a sloping design or holes at the bottom to drain out the water, preventing the soap from sitting in a pool of water and becoming soggy.

The reason this happens is because the glycine and fatty acids in soap attract water molecules, causing the soap to absorb water from the air. This results in a soft, mushy bar of soap that quickly disintegrates.

soap in a dish

Although soap dishes come in various materials like ceramic, metal, wood, or plastic, each has its unique advantages and drawbacks. Ceramic soap dishes, for instance, are highly durable and resistant to mold and mildew, but they can crack or break if dropped. Metal soap dishes, on the other hand, are sturdy and long-lasting but may be susceptible to rust if not properly cared for. Wood soap dishes add a rustic charm to your bathroom but require regular maintenance to prevent them from rotting. And finally, plastic soap dishes are probably the most affordable and lightweight option, but they may not be as durable or eco-friendly as other materials.

Here are a few different designs you might consider based on your needs:

TypeExamples
Traditional Soap DishResin Soap Dish
Self-Draining Soap DishSelf Draining Soap Dish
Wall-Mounted Soap DishWall Mounted Draining Soap Dish

Of course, the choice of soap dish will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and shower stall.

2. Strategic Placement of the Soap

While the location of the soap in your shower may seem trivial, it actually plays a significant role in prolonging the lifespan of your soap.

bar soap sitting on a counter

Placing your bar soap directly under the showerhead or towards the front of the shower stall will likely expose it to continuous water flow or at the very least residual splashes. This causes the soap to remain in a constant wet state, facilitating its rapid disintegration and creating that undesired soggy texture.

Even if you got one of those Big Ass Brick of Soaps from Duke Cannon, which is known to last longer than regular bars, continuous exposure to water will still significantly reduce its longevity.

We have found that the back corner of the shower or a spot that’s out of direct water flow is ideal for placing your soap dish. This will keep your soap relatively dry in the shower when not in use. Furthermore, if you share the shower stall with someone else, placing it out of the way will prevent it from becoming soggy or wet when not in use by you.

3. Opt for a Soap Saver Bag

Did you know that soap-saver bags are an actual thing!?!

News to me too, but these ingenious tiny bags not only help prolong the life of your bar soap, but they also make your shower routine even more eco-friendly.

A soap saver bag, also known as a soap sack or a soap net, is a small bag made from mesh or natural fiber material. You slip your bar soap into it, and voila! You can use the bag as a washcloth, providing a rich lather and gentle exfoliation. As for storing, just hang it to dry. This will help to significantly increase the bar’s lifespan. Plus, when your soap is down to its last sliver, it doesn’t go to waste. The tiny end pieces remain in the bag and can be completely used up.

4. Shower Caddies with Soap Compartments

Shower caddies are perfect for resting your soap when not in use. They provide easy access to your soap, and many designs come equipped with a special compartment just for soap with a built-in drainage system that ensures your soap doesn’t sit in stagnant water.

macro shot of soap bubbles

There are different types of shower caddies available, however, we recommend one with adequate drainage or wire racks for the soap compartment. This will allow the soap to dry thoroughly between uses, making it last longer. A detachable or movable design may also be beneficial as it allows you to adjust the position of the caddy in your shower, keeping it out of the direct water stream.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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