making $oap outta...$oap

We go through three bottles a week, easy. We may not be the firmest parents on every issue but hand washing is non-negotiable.

I think it was my Cousin Peter's wife, Melissa, who showed me (via her then blog?) how to turn gel handsoap into foaming soap. Tot brill and a hefty $avings we've been pocketing for four years-ish. Nice!

I started with Equate gel handsoap but soon realized a Target Card gets me 5% off and free shipping, making Method a convenient, cost effective, still thrifty option.

Using Method Gel Handsoap per bottle fill-up cost is $.14.

Using Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap per bottle fill-up cost is $.56.

Of course, my calculations are dependant on the purchase price of the handsoap. Dr. Bronner's comes in gallons reducing the per bottle fill-up cost to $.43! And occassionally I find Method on sale for around $3 reducing the per bottle fill-up to $.09! Wowzas!!

The Dispensers:

I recently bought the fancy stainless steel joby for $11 from Zulily and I'm not in love. I prefer the plastic Dial foaming dispensers (purchased initially with Dial foaming handsoap and refilled with diluted Method gel handsoap). They last at least a year. Methods foaming dispensers look prettier but only last a few refills.

The Soap:

I like Method and Dr. Bronner's. Method is cheaper and feels more "traditional". I use it in the bathroom as that's where the littles wash; we go through two bottles a week there. I use Dr. Bonner's in the kitchen. It's very enviro-friendly but costs almost three times as much (although still only $.56 a refill) and rinses quickly which I like. I'm considering exclusively buying the scent free Dr. Bronner's by the gallon and adding my own essential oils. 

The Recipe:

2T gel handsoap (most any brand will work)

1c water

Shake...the soap, not you;)

The Result:

Can you guess my fave color? :)

Happy washing, Party People!! Hope you like it!