I'm not sure about you, but I wash my hands about a gazillion times a day, which means we go through a lot of soap around here! With four of us living in our house, I feel like we are constantly running out of soap. I decided to try making my own foaming hand soap to refill my empty hand soap containers, and was amazed at how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own DIY Foaming Hand Soap! Seriously, people...it doesn't get any easier than this!
All you need is an empty foaming hand soap bottle (most of them have plastic labels that will come right off), Castile Soap or Dish Liquid, and warm water.
First, fill your hand soap container with one cup of warm water.
Next, add one tablespoon of Castile Soap or Dish Liquid. I love Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap in Lavender, but like I mentioned before, you can use any dish liquid instead.
Replace the lid back on your soap container and shake well.
Your soap is ready to use!
Now, how's that for saving some money and trips to the store to stock up on more soap? I really wish I had known this trick years ago!
While I've got you here, I want to tell you about a super fun series I'm doing on Instagram! Starting on January 1, 2016, I am sharing a Tip of the Day there every single day! Some of the tips are from the blog, some of them are exclusively for my Instagram followers, and I'll be sharing some tips from other sources like Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart and more there! Be sure to follow me on Instagram HERE or search @mom4real on IG so you don't miss a single tip!
Lenore says
I've been re-filling foaming handsoap dispenser for years. I use the economy size handsoap (softsoap). Just be sure you don't overfill or it won't work. I read somewhere it's 1/3 soap to 2/3 water. You are using a lot less soap. Is it still soapy or just foamy?
Jessica says
Hi, Lenore! Mine is both foamy and soapy...I think 1/3 to 2/3 seams like too much soap, but that is just my opinion. Hope this helps, and have a great week! ~Jess
Irma Gutierrez says
Hi. I just eyeball it. I’ve been doing this for @ least 40 some years! I even make one for cleaning my Counter Tops. But use Dish soap, and 4 tiny drops of Bleach. The reason I say “tiny”, is that I pour the bleach into a small bottle. And it’s that “Splashless” kind. Have a Great Day❤️❗️
Lori says
I have one made with Blue Dawn on the recommendation of my eye Dr. He said oils stick like glue to the new materials used to make contacts lenses. Most hand soaps and many dish soaps have lotion in them so Blue Dawn, designed to break down oil, is what needed to use before touching my contacts. It seems to work as my contacts stay cleaner and last longer.
sheiliah says
I love your site it has been very helpful to my family...my husband is disabled and I am a 24/7 care giver. So I really have to be frugal being on a fixed income. Your site has been a blessing thank you so very much.
Sheiliah McGaughy
Jessica says
That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, Sheiliah! Thank you so much for the kind words! Hugs! ~Jess
COLLEEN says
I tried your DIY shampoo; but it seems like all I am doing is putting oil on top of oil; am I missing an ingredient?? I know it is not connected to this DIY soap reciepe but I am going to try that too. Please keep your tips coming because as my disabled veteran husband and I age we are always looking for tips to cut costs where we can. Love your site Keep them coming!!!!!
Nary says
I have also been doing this for years. I use Bath n Body regular hand soap. Just put 1 to 2" of their soap in a old foam bottle from them then fill up with water and shake. Any store bought hand soap will work. from one bottle of B&B soap I can refill my foam bottle about 5 times. Now that is cheap soap!
mary says
I use the 1"-2" hand soap method and then add essential oils for germ fighting.
JENI says
HI JESSICA! DO YOU HAVE TO SHAKE BEFORE EACH USE?
Jessica says
Hi, Jeni! I do not shake before each use :)
Wanda says
I have a grease monkey hubby so I use Dawn as my soap in some of my foaming dispensers. Also I have a Dawn Foaming soap container I refill as well.
Karen says
I add Avon Bubble Bath, works like a charm!
Faith says
Duh - been doing this for years. Even got my dispenser for4 free.
The hospital I had surgery in hands them out to it's patients. Keep
up the good work!
Faith says
Been doing this for years. Glad you put it up on your site.
I find that you need to adjust the amount of soap to get
the firmness you want in the foam. Depends on the dispenser.
Once you find the right amount of soap for your dispenser - it
works like a charm.
Janet B. says
I just saw a photo of your dog, Nash! My parents andI each had a Boston Terrier. They were both so sweet and funny. I love dogs with squishy faces.
pat says
I never was in to making my own products. But I have tried a few of your receips and they are great. I love when you can add oils for whatever fragrance you want. Will keep reading your ideas. Keep up the good work, it's the greatest..????
Jessica says
Thank you so much, Pat! I'm so glad I can help, and thank you for taking the time to leave me some kind words! ~Jess
Susan Baich says
Love, love your site!, Thank you! What a service you are providing!!
Valarie Stauffer says
Jess,
I have been living in a cave. I just came across your tips. I love Castille soap. I've been using it for years. Thank You, for being able to share your great tips to not only save us money. We save the earth too. Yay for us.
Have a beautiful day. ~ Valarie
kentuckylady717 says
Hi Jessica, where did you find your foaming soap bottles ?
I looked on Amazon, did not like the ones they had.....
I have been wanting to make this for awhile.....since buying the foam soap is so expensive...
also do you know what kind of essential oils you would use in it for germs ?
Thanks Jessica.....love your tips....
thriftysoul says
I use Purify from Amazon, which I get at a discount with their Subscribe and Save program. It's like the traditional "Thieves" essential oil, which is a germ-fighting blend of oils. Smells great, a fresh citrusy-lavender scent.
Lauren says
I love your recipes! One question I have is about the foaming soap dispensers for the body wash. Can you recommend a good one that lasts? The one I am using (borrowed from a store bought foaming soap) Doesnt pump out the soap. Do I have to be careful how much I fill up the bottle?
Thanks.
Marsha smith says
I use the 1/3 soap and 1/3 water and 1/3 air. I've found it doesn't foam right if there isn't any air. But it does the job. I also use shampoo as my 1/3 cup soap. You can get on sale for $1.00 bottle and it works fine. It's soft for washing my face and hands. I use that recipe in bathrooms. I use an antibacterial dish soap in the kitchen. Marsha
Larissa says
In most cases, you have to stay away from hair products and treatments that contain chemicals like parabens, DEA or sulfates.
Carol says
Can I get the DIY bug killer recipe for ANTS, Spiders??
Jessica says
Absolutely...this works great for ants, spiders and more!
Marian Hillyer says
Just found your log awhile ago..lots of useful info and straightforward instructions. Thank you...