Does Handmade Soap Block Drains? The Role of Water in Your Home.

Attending markets can bring about for some very interesting conversations, so where I can I will 'Myth Bust' some of the claims that I hear.

Every now and then, handmade soap gets blamed for blocked drains or residue in sinks and showers. Usually after someone pulls build up from a plughole and assumes the soap must be the cause.

But the reality is a little more complicated than that. Real soap, for the want of a better term, has been made and used for hundreds of years. Long before bottled body wash and synthetic cleansers existed; households used traditional soap everyday. What many people don't realise is that soap can behave differently depending on the type of water in your home.

Soft Water vs Hard Water

The biggest factor is whether you live in a soft water or hard water area. 

Soft Water

In soft water areas, soap lathers easily and rinses away very cleanly. Bars tend to last longer, feel creamier on the skin, and leave very little residue behind.  This is why if you live in a soft water area you will have no issues at all using handmade soap daily.

Hard Water

Hard water contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. When real soap reacts with these minerals, it creates what is commonly called soap scum. This can appear as, a film on sinks or shower doors, residue around taps, buildup in plugholes over time.

But even then soap is rarely the primary cause.

What Actually Causes Drain Buildup?

Most drain buildup is a combination of, hair, body oils, skin cells, toothpaste, household grime and mineral deposits from water.

Soap will obviously become part of that mixture, especially in hard water areas, but it is not usually the sole cause.  

In fact, many commercial liquid cleansers and conditioners will contribute oils, waxes and residues to drains.

Why Handmade Soap Can Feel Different

Handmade soap is very different from many commercial bars. Traditional soap contains natural glycerin and is made with oils and fats that are designed to nourish the skin. Because of this, it often feels creamier and more conditioning. Some recipes, especially those rich in tallow, butters or higher superfat levels, may leave slightly more residue in hard water than a highly processed detergent bar. That doesn't make them 'bad' or damaging. It simply means real soap reacts naturally with the minerals in water.

Caring for Your Drains Naturally

Whether you use handmade soap or not, a few simple habits can make a big difference. Use a drain cater to stop hair entering the pipe, flush drains with hot water occasionally, clean out pulugholes before buildup becomes excessive, allow soap bars to dry properly between uses.

The Bottom Line

Handmade soap is not suddenly clogging homes or ruining plumbing. Real soap has been a part of daily life for generations.  Water type plays a huge role in how soap behaves, and understanding the difference between soft and hard water helps explain why experiences can vary from one home to another.

A good soap dish, and an occasional clean out make far more difference than avoiding handmade soap ever will.