Here’s why soap dishes are one of those little, easily-forgotten-about items, that actually have quite an essential function in keeping cleanliness and organization at home. Whether you love handcrafted soaps or just don’t like letting a bar of soap sit in a dish that fills with water, a good soap dish is an essential bathroom accessory.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!But did you know that soap dishes have an interesting history and more variety than you’d think? This post takes an in-depth look into the wonderful world of soap dishes, their history and development, the different types, and a selection of its benefits, meaning you’ll no longer have to wonder if they are just practical or if they are also treasured toilet treasures. Stay with us to learn how to select and maintain one that serves you well.
A Brief History of the Humble Soap Dish
Soap dishes are a modern-day convenience but they’ve been used since ancient times. Early versions were rudimentary slabs, carved from stone or wood, to support blocks of soap produced out of animal fat and ashes. With the arrival of the Victorian era, soap dishes grew more decorative, made of porcelain or brass to match the posh bathrooms of the day. These decorative soap holders were part of a larger fascination with cleanliness and hygiene during the period.
Fast-forward to the present day, and soap dishes are an essential bath accessory in homes everywhere, available in basic models and stylish, decorative pieces. And as sustainability and minimalism have grown in popularity, soap dishes are now a stylish and functional addition to any home.
Exploring the Different Types of Soap Dishes
Soap dishes no longer have to have a one-size-fits-all fit. They are available in a variety of materials, patterns, and mounting types. Here are some possibilities:
By Material
Plastic
Plastic plastic soap dishes are easy to clean and inexpensive so are great for families or high traffic areas.poi But they can become stained or crack with age.
Ceramic or Porcelain
These offer a classic and sophisticated look, and may be just the thing for contemporary or traditional bathrooms. They are heavier and more breakable but are easy to clean.
Wood
Perfect for someone with a rustic, eco-friendly style sensibility would be a wooden soap dish made from water-resistant (with proper treatment) biodegradable wood such as bamboo or teak.
Metal
Stainless steel or brass soap dishes are durable, contemporary and rust resistant (if coated properly) options for modern bathrooms.
Stone
Think marble, granite or resin, and those sands from the test tube. These are heavy and beautiful but they tend to be expensive than other materials.
By Design
Slotted Soap: Tray help stop the build-up of water, enables soap to dry, and keeps sink countertop clean.
Solid Soap Dishes: Ideal for decorative soaps Can be used in low moisture areas.
Dual Layer: Dish provides a slotted design with an extra layer underneath to catch water easily.
By Mounting Style
Wall-Mounted
Wonderful in saving counter space and adding a clean lined appearance.
Freestanding: A classic choice, this portable dish is well-suited for your sinks, bathtubs, or kitchen counters.
Suction mounted: If you’re not looking for a permanent fixture, you might want to purchase a suction mounted one. These dishes could be attached to a clean surface such as tiles or glass.
Now, why should one use one? What’s wrong with letting your bare soap sit on the counter? Well:
Soap life extension: If you let your soap bar sit in a pool of water residue, it will melt quickly. By allowing the soap to dry, you’re essentially expanding its life.
Cleaner surfaces: A dish will prevent soap scum from forming right on the sink or countertop. It makes cleaning easier and keeps your overall bathroom or kitchen cleaner.
Hygiene: A soap dish will also isolate your soap from bacteria as long as it is not used, which is very important as you don’t want to wash with soapy germs, do you?
Aesthetically pleasing: Besides, you can find a creatively designed transparent dish that matches your kitchen or bathroom’s interior design. Sure, a soap dish is a must-have, but how could you choose the right one? It sounds easy with so many options, but in reality, you have to consider:
Your space: For small bathrooms or sinks, you might consider finding a wall-mounted dish to save space.
Your decor: Vintage dishes are often made from ceramics and other materials, while the contemporary types are rather stainless steel.
Think About Functionality
If you use mostly large or oddly-shaped bars of soap, you’ll want a bigger dish with a slotted look for better drainage.
Durability Matters
Think about your location for the soap dish. For common areas, such as a guest bathroom, go with materials, like stainless steel or plastic, that hold up to daily use.
Do it Yourself Soap Dish Ideas for the Creative Homemaker
Feeling crafty? It’s fun to do, and you can have as much fun as you like with this project. Try these simple ideas:
Clay Soap Dish
Create a soap dish out of air-dry or oven-bake clay. Customize it with drainage holes and a coat of waterproof sealant.
Upcycled Materials
Reuse everyday objects like little saucers, lids, or even old wooden pallets as funky soap dishes.
Driftwood or Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood can be sanded, grooved and sealed with waterproof sealant.
Pebble Tray
Put smooth river pebbles in a shallow tray for a natural, drainage-friendly soap dish.
How to Keep Your Soap Dish Clean for a Longer Life
A soap dish is only as good as it is clean. Here’s how to keep it in good condition.
Empty It Regularly
If water pools in your soap dish, dump it out each evening to keep mold, mildew, and soap scum at bay.
Clean It Weekly
Clean the dish with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. For trickier stains on materials such as metal or ceramic, mix up a paste using some baking soda.
Dry Thoroughly
Be especially certain your soap dish is fully dried out after you clean it and if it’s wood or tends to rust.
Protect Wooden Dishes
Fans like: “I feel safe with the optional water-proofing that comes with a water repellant I’ve applied.” Apply a waterproof sealer (or mineral oil every few months) to keep water-resistant.
Why You Need a Soap Dish in Your Home
A soap dish might seem like a small detail, but it delivers a lot in terms of organization, cleanliness and style. And whether you’re trying to preserve the life of your favorite bar of soap or just looking to add some style to your bathroom, the perfect soap dish can make all the difference.
Ready to up your soap game? Play with materials, form, or even go homemade to make it perfect for your space. With a little TLC, and some thought when choosing and using the right soap dish, this can be an investment that perdures.
