How to Make Foaming Hand Soap (2-Minute DIY Refill)

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Foaming hand soap is one of the easiest things you’ll ever make, and one of the best ways to save a little money. A bottle of liquid castile soap makes dozens of refills, the kids love the foam, and you can scent it any way you like. All you need is a foaming pump bottle and two minutes.

Why foaming soap?

• It goes further. Foaming soap is mostly water, so you use far less soap per wash.
• Kids love it. Fluffy foam makes hand washing fun, and it’s easy to rinse off small hands.
• Less plastic. Refill the same pump bottle instead of buying new ones.

What you need

• A foaming soap dispenser (reuse an empty store-bought one, or buy glass or stainless pumps)
• Liquid castile soap, unscented or scented
• Distilled or boiled-and-cooled water
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil or vegetable glycerin for softer hands
• Optional: 5 to 10 drops of essential oil

The basic recipe

1. Fill the foaming bottle about 3/4 full with water. Add the water first so the soap doesn’t foam up while you pour.
2. Add liquid castile soap until the bottle is almost full, about 1 part soap to 4 parts water (for a 12-ounce bottle, about 2 tablespoons soap).
3. Add the oil or glycerin and essential oils if using.
4. Screw on the pump and tip the bottle gently to mix. Don’t shake hard.

Favorite scent blends

• Kitchen fresh: lemon and a little rosemary
• Calming: lavender
• Holiday: orange and a drop of clove or cinnamon
• Spa: eucalyptus and peppermint

Use essential oils sparingly with little ones, and skip them for babies and anyone with sensitive skin.

Tips

• Too thin? Add a little more soap. Too thick and the pump will clog, so go easy.
• Use distilled water so your soap lasts longer without spoiling. Make small batches and use within a month.
• Clean the pump between refills by pumping warm water through it.
• Dish soap works in a pinch: use about 1 part dish soap to 5 parts water.

Teach good hand washing

Wet hands, pump the foam, and scrub fronts, backs, between fingers and under nails for 20 seconds (two rounds of “Happy Birthday”), then rinse and dry.

FAQ

Can I use regular liquid hand soap?

Yes. Mix 1 part liquid hand soap to 3 or 4 parts water. Thicker soaps may need more water.

Why isn’t my soap foaming?

Usually the mix is too thick. Pour some out and add water.

Is castile soap antibacterial?

Washing with any soap and water for 20 seconds removes germs. You don’t need antibacterial soap at home.

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