Sunday, June 5, 2011

Foam Soap Refill

Last week I shared with you how to make your own body scrub. As promised here is my solution to expensive foam soap.   I haven't purchased actual foam soap for a long time - just when my pump wears out. 

What you need:



 Regular Dish Soap, Hot water, Foam Soap Bottle & Pump


What you do:

In an empty clean foam soap dispenser add 3 tablespoons of soap.  I just use whatever dish soap I have on hand and reuse the bottles and pumps. 

Next add 2/3 cup of very warm water.  Put the lid on, prime the pump and you’re ready to go. 



TIPS and HINTS

  • Dawn dish soap is highly recommended for this.   I get hives anywhere Dawn touches my skin, so I can’t personally report how well it works. I use Palmolive and it works just fine.

  • If you have really hard water your foam may be somewhat “weak” or "limp" and the liquid may appear cloudy.  Using distilled water instead of tap water can remedy both.  I just use tap water but have a friend who used distilled.
  • DO NOT SHAKE.  If you feel the soap and water are not combining; use a measuring cup and mix gently with a spoon and then pour into the bottle. You don't want bubbles before you pump the soap.

  • A couple of my friends say they wait 10 minutes before using.  I don’t know what the wait time does but they swear by it.
  • A clear soap works tends to work better than a creamy soap.  It doesn’t clog the pump as much and it mixes with the water better.

  • If you are after a pretty looking soap you can add a drop or two of food coloring.  You can also add a few drops of essential oil if you desire.


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51 comments:

  1. Handy Man, Crafty WomanJune 5, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Thanks for this! Came over from the Boogieboard Cottage Party.

    ReplyDelete
  2. JillJune 5, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Great thrifty idea!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)June 5, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Calling from homemaker on a dime. This post is beautiful and thanks for sharing.
    Now. I'm following you..hope you will follow me back:)

    Have a great weekend:)

    Sanghamitra.
    RAINBOW-The Colour sof India

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 6, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    great tip, and thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

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  5. cursiveartsJune 6, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Very useful!

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  6. Theresa @ Just Call Me "T"June 6, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Nice! :)

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  7. Tanya @ Greetings From the AsylumJune 6, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    I have been doing this for a while too, but I have used clear Softsoap from the HUGE Costco refill bottle. That soap is already scented. I never thought of using dish detergent! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JamieJune 7, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Thanks for the great tutorial. I never thought of making my own foam soap. Thank you so much for linking up to More The Merrier Monday. I can't wait to see what you come up with next week.

    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Grandma BonnieJune 7, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    New follower from the blog hop.
    Hope you follow back.
    http://grandmabonniescloset.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. MarleeJune 8, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    Great ideas! Found you at the Wednesday blog hop, and am glad I did! Am a happy new follower :).

    http://marleeindebt.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. TracyJune 8, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    thanks for the tips. I like foam soaps, but hate paying for them since they're mostly water!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    I'm visiting from dittledattle, where do we purchase the soap bottle pump?
    Can I use any bottle pump? This is such a great idea, we go thru that expensive hand soap like crazy.
    ~Jo
    Lazyonloblolly

    ReplyDelete
  13. kendascraftsJune 8, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Thanks for the great idea! I was just about to buy another bottle to replace the foam soap that is out. Thanks for the thrifty idea!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jaime @ Stitch2buttercupsJune 8, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Found you on Rook No. 17's Link Party. Thank you sooooo much for sharing this! I like foam soap, but cringe at the prices. I will definitely be making this from now on. :-)

    P.S. I'm your newest "stalker".

    ReplyDelete
  15. amberlynne85June 8, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    I also add a little dab of rubbing alcohol to mine so that I can get rid of all the nasty stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AshleyJune 8, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    i love foam soap, thanks for sharing!!!

    http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/

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  17. ms tJune 8, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    my mom uses dish soap to refill her regular soap dispensers & before i figured out her trick i used to *hate* washing my hands in her bathrooms because i always went home with severely dry & itchy hands - does this happen when you dilute it for foaming soap too?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Snowflakes & DragonfliesJune 8, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    ms. t - I have no problem when diluted. Give it a try, if you don't care for it you're only out a few pennies!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jana BJune 9, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    That is the most awesome thing, EVER. I have got to try it now!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lovely LightJune 9, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Thanks for the tip! They don't really sell foam hand soap here in South Africa, but I will bookmark your page for when I back in the states!
    I hope you'll check out my blog at http://withoutcomplexities.blogspot.com

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jenn EricksonJune 9, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    What an awesome tip! I'll definitely be trying this when our current foam soap runs dry!

    Thanks!
    Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Hi! I’m your newest follower. Please stop by and follow back when you have a chance. If you’re ever interested in a blog makeover please let me know. Take a look at my portfolio and packages when you get a chance. I’m also hosting a blog hop today as well. Come add your blog when you get a chance if you haven’t already. Hope you are having a Sweet Week.

    A Mommy’s Sweet Blog Design
    Join us every Friday for our Blog Hop!

    Review and Giveaway Blog Directory
    If you feature Reviews and Giveaways come add your blog here!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Blue Creek HomeJune 9, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    I tried to refill one and of course it didn't work the way I did it! I am glad to know how to do it correctly. Thanks! And for linking up to Treasure HUnt Thursday.
    Rhonda

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nicolette @ Momnivore's DilemmaJune 9, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    I use Doc Bronners in my foam soap refills. It's a great hack. I use 2 T and water and it costs me nothing!

    Thanks for linking up to Creative Juice!

    ReplyDelete
  25. DeniseJune 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    I would have never thought to make my own! This is a great tip. I look forward to learning more from you.I'm a new follower from You Like Me Blog Hop. I hope you will follow me back http://talesfrommyjournal.blogspot.com I can be found in facebook too http://www.facebook.com/DeniseMartin.LillaRose and twitter @DeniseLillaRose If you like/follow me there I will do the same for you. When you stop by my blog, please check out my kind of fashion (hair jewelry).

    ReplyDelete
  26. PamelaJune 10, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Love anything that helps save money. A great project.

    I'm a new follower from A Mommy's Sweet Blog Designs.

    Have a sun-filled day.
    Pamela

    ReplyDelete
  27. Terri @ A Creative PrincessJune 10, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    What a great idea!! Thank you so much for linking up!! See you next week!

    ReplyDelete
  28. very merry vintage styleJune 10, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I can't believe it's that simple! Thanks for a great recipe. Thanks for linking to Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

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  29. LeanneJune 10, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Thanks for the recipe. And for linking to the party. I hope to see you again next week.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Kiran Bajaj SawhneyJune 11, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Love your blog. Can we follow each other?

    http://www.kiransawhney.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. {nifty thrifty things}June 11, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Thank you so much for linking this up to {nifty thrifty things} last week!
    I hope to see you again tomorrow! ;)
    xoxo,
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  32. LisaJune 11, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    I was about to toss my soap dispenser...not anymore! I am going to try this. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Tracy @ Cotton Pickin CuteJune 12, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Hi. I just found you on The Shabby Chic Cottage and love your blog. This is so helpful, I know I'll be doing it. I'm now a follower as tonasun on GFC and by email. I hope you'll stop by and visit me too @ http://cottonpickincute.blogspot.com

    Have a wonderful Sunday...Tracy :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. SherryJune 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    I like using the home made products too. Thanks for linking this up at HSH!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  35. Mindie HiltonJune 12, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Thanks for linking see you next week at Bacon Time!

    ReplyDelete
  36. KateBJune 12, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    awesome! my husband is addicted to foam soap and so now he knows how to DIY...thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  37. BeccaJune 12, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Great tips!! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Allison {A Glimpse Inside}June 12, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    What a fabulous idea! I use foam soap but always buy the giant refill bottles. I'll have to try this next time I'm out. Thanks for linking it up to this week's Catch a Glimpse party!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Handy Man, Crafty WomanJune 12, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    Thanks for stopping by to add this to our Wicked Awesome Wednesday party!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Samurai MomJune 12, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    I use 1/2 Dr Bronner's peppermint castille soap and 1/2 plain tap water right in the dispenser.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Jenn EricksonJune 13, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    I tried your recipe this past weekend and it worked brilliantly!

    Thank you so much for linking up to "A Little Birdie Told Me..." at Rook No. 17!

    Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousJune 15, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    Thanks for linking to WorkShop Wednesday! I hope to see you again this week!

    ReplyDelete
  43. KateJune 16, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Pure geniusness! (if that's a word?) Anyways, I'm doing this from here on out.

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I've been making my own foam soap for a while now, too (love it, but too expensive to buy). But I've always used regular hand soap (from the big refill tub) and it works fine.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Screaming SardineJune 17, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Thanks for linking this up to the Sunburnt Cow Party. This is a great and cheap way of making the foam soap that's so popular. I need to get with the program!

    I featured you over at the Screaming Sardine.

    Cheers,
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  46. TerryJune 18, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Seriously? I love foaming soap and to be able to make this - how great is this? Thanks for sharing! I don't know how you come up with so many great things but you ROCK!

    ReplyDelete
  47. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeJune 19, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Hi, friend! I'm admiring all your creativity here. Can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop. Hope to see you there at the party :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. JenniJune 29, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    You will be featured tomorrow during my Linky Party! Thank you so much for taking the time to link up with the frog last week! It truly was an honor having you!!
    Jenni
    kissedbyafrog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Elyse and ClintJuly 4, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Thanks for sharing such a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  50. CharlotteJuly 27, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Delightful! Thank you!

    I featured you on my bi-monthly roundup of "stuff I like"

    http://charlottelaughs.blogspot.com/2011/07/another-round-up-july-edition.html

    ReplyDelete
  51. NatalieJanuary 2, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Love the tip about adding essential oil! Thanks, my mom and I were just scheming about making this work in an old foam bottle, so I was glad to find that it does!

    ReplyDelete

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