Is Bar Soap Sanitary? How to Keep Bar Soap Sanitary

You’ve probably heard all about the natural soap benefits, from hydrating and nourishing skin to the environmental side of things. The truth is, shower gel and liquid hand soap just don’t cut it. Why settle for anything less than the best? 

There’s just one common sticking point we see consumers struggle with: is bar soap sanitary? It’s a fair question, especially if you’re asking: is sharing a bar of soap sanitary? 

The thought of lathering up with something that someone else just used can feel dirty, even if you’re getting yourself clean in the end. Here’s the truth, though: bar soap is not any less sanitary than shower gel or liquid soap.

Studies have found that even if germs do manage to survive on a bar of soap, they’re removed in the process of washing. You have nothing to worry about there. 

Still, we’ll share some tips on how to keep bar soap sanitary, from using a soap saver dish to rinsing bar soap before and after each use. You can even have different soaps for specific purposes, like shaving, hand washing, body washing, and everything in between.

Don’t let myths on sanitation hold you back from enjoying all that bar soap has to offer. Spoil yourself with the best bar soap for men at The Black Stuff today!

Benefits of Bar Soap

Bar soap has been around for centuries, and even though brands have tried to make shower gel and liquid soap the norm, it’s still here today. There’s a good reason it hasn’t gone out of style. 

The ingredients in natural soap are as skin-friendly as it gets. Plant-based oils and butters actively repair damage while nourishing and hydrating the skin, leaving it feeling soft instead of tight and dry like shower gels are notorious for.

Now, does bar soap expire? Technically, yes, all soaps do. However, it far outlasts its liquid alternative, delivering far better value for the money. It’s also free from unnecessary plastic waste, making it an easy eco-friendly switch.

Moreover, bar soaps smell natural and subtle. In comparing soap bar vs body wash, this is one of the biggest advantages it brings to the bathtub or sink - you aren’t going to smell like chemical fragrances.

The benefits are clear, but the truth about sanitation may still be shrouded in mystery. So, is bar soap sanitary? 

Is Bar Soap Sanitary?

The short answer is yes, bar soap is sanitary. Even if you don’t follow our tips on how to keep bar soap sanitary you won’t have to worry about doing more harm than good lathering up with a soap bar, even a shared one. Here’s why: germs cannot transfer from the soap to your skin!

Do Germs Survive on Bar Soap?

The biggest issue we see people take with bar soap is this: you use it to wash the dirt, bacteria, and dead skin off your body. Aren’t you just putting those contaminants back on your skin next time you use it?

It’s true that bacteria can land on bar soap, just like it can on literally anything you touch. But here’s the key difference: soap doesn’t provide the conditions bacteria need to thrive.

The surface of a bar of soap is constantly being rinsed and lathered, which removes any bacteria before it has a chance to spread. Like we said earlier, research suggests that even if bacteria are present on a soap bar, they don’t multiply or transfer in a way that poses a risk.

Much of this can be traced back to the alkaline nature of real soap. It’s a hostile environment for most bacteria, so even if these germs make their way onto the bar - they won’t last long!

Is Sharing a Bar of Soap Sanitary?

Now, is sharing a bar of soap sanitary? This is where the real germaphobes have a problem. However, this is once again a non-issue if you follow the advice we’ll share later on how to keep bar soap sanitary.

Just know this: if you lather it under running water, any bacteria on the surface washes away. Germs need moisture to thrive, and while showers and bathrooms are inherently humid, you can take steps to keep your soap bar dry.

You can simply rinse the soap before using it to remove any evidence of the previous person if you’re still worried. And if you really can’t stand the idea of sharing a bar of soap, just keep your own on hand! Nobody said you must share with your roommates or family members.

How Sanitary is Bar Soap Compared to Liquid Soap?

One common reason we see people continue settling for liquid soap over superior bar soap is that they believe it’s more sanitary. But just how sanitary is bar soap compared to liquid soap? 

The answer might surprise you. That bottle that you think is protecting against germs is a problem. Soap dispensers are rarely cleaned, meaning bacteria and grime from your hands build up over time.

But even if liquid soap was more sanitary than bar soap, is it really worth it? Many liquid soaps are packed with preservatives and harsh detergents to keep them shelf-stable, but this can dry out and irritate your skin.

People tend to use more than they need with liquid soap as well, whereas a bar naturally limits excess use. When you think about it, bar soap is actually the cleaner choice. But how do you keep bar soap sanitary if you’re still stressing about germs? 

How Do You Keep Bar Soap Sanitary?

Keeping bar soap clean and hygienic is simple. A few small measures can make a massive difference as far as sanitation goes, and you can use these to dispel any lingering doubts you have about bar soap’s sanitary nature. 

Use a Well-Draining Soap Dish

The best advice we have to offer for how to keep bar soap sanitary is investing in a proper dish to store it in when not in use. This is something so many people overlook, but you shouldn’t let your soap sit in a puddle of water for a few reasons.

When soap stays wet, it becomes soft, breaks down faster, and creates the kind of moist environment bacteria love. But, you don’t have to worry about this when you use our solid teak hardwood soap dish.

It’s specifically designed to double the life of your bar soap by keeping it dry between uses. The angled grooves allow water to drain away, preventing that slimy buildup that ruins good soap. Plus, it has non-slip pads on the bottom so it stays put wherever you place it.

Keep Your Soap in a Dry, Clean Space

A well-draining soap dish is just one piece of the puzzle. You should make sure you’re placing it somewhere that keeps the soap dry between uses. For example, you should not place it underneath the shower nozzle where it can get dripped on.

Instead, store it somewhere with good air circulation - like just outside the shower on a shelf, or if there is a window next to your shower, in a crevice there for maximum air flow.

Any unused soap bars should be kept in a cool, dry place such as a linen closet or bathroom cabinet. This is less about keeping the bar soap sanitary and more about avoiding premature softening. It will also preserve the essential oils and natural ingredients.

Rinse the Soap Bar Before and After Use

A quick rinse before and after using your soap removes any residue, dead skin, or germs that may have been left behind. This is especially important if you share soap with others or if it’s been sitting for a while between uses. 

Just hold the bar under running water for a second, lather up, and let the soap work its magic. Then, repeat the process of rinsing the bar before you exit the shower so it’s germ-free for the next use!

Have Different Soaps for Different Purposes

There’s nothing wrong with using one bar of soap for shaving, showering, and even washing your hands if you’re trying to avoid unnecessary spending. 

But, some people might have a hard time washing their face with the same bar of soap used to wash their nether regions. We totally get it. Having multiple bars of soap for each purpose is a great choice.

For example, you could use a rugged exfoliating soap like our Pine Tar Soap is great for deep cleansing after a workout or a long day, and a more gentle bar like our Ginger Bar Soap for everyday washing or sensitive skin.

Speaking of which, the only thing left to do now is set yourself up with the best bar soap for men here at The Black Stuff!

Find Your New Favorite Bar Soap at The Black Stuff!

Our brand was born in a kitchen as our founder made soap by hand for himself and his loved ones. Fast forward today and while a lot has changed, we still handcraft in small batches to keep strict control over quality. 

We don’t cut corners with synthetic fragrances or cheap fillers - just high-quality base oils, real essential oils, and time-honored soap-making techniques. Whether you’re after a bold, invigorating scent or a rugged exfoliating bar, we’ve got something for every man’s daily routine:

• Cedar citrus soap: A refreshing blend of zesty citrus, peppermint, rosemary, and cedarwood for a crisp, woodsy finish.
• Eucalyptus soap bar: Cooling eucalyptus, menthol, and ylang-ylang create a bracing, fresh scent that wakes up your senses.
• Bay rum soap: Warm and spicy with clove, cinnamon, pine, sweet orange, and a touch of spearmint for a classic, masculine scent.

• Pine tar soap: A bold, exfoliating scrub with volcanic pumice, activated charcoal, and oatmeal for deep cleansing.

• Ginger bar soap: Made with brewed Irish tea and honey, this bar features a warming lime, bergamot, ginger, and clove aroma.

We use the best essential oils for soap making, sourced sustainably, so you never have to worry about synthetic fragrances. You’ll smell naturally great instead of like a science project! 

Our customers consider us to be one of the top Dr. Squatch alternatives, and more people are making the switch from other brands and liquid soap daily. Join them and see what a difference our natural bar soap can make in your grooming ritual today!

Final Words on How to Keep Bar Soap Sanitary

So, is bar soap sanitary? In closing, it’s way more sanitary than you may have been led to believe - sometimes more sanitary even than its liquid soap counterpart! 

That’s because soap itself is a poor environment for bacteria to thrive, and any lingering foes that survive these conditions are rinsed off and sent down the drain when the soap gets used next. Plus, there are plenty of strategies you can use as far as how to keep bar soap sanitary.

The only thing left to do now is say goodbye to wasteful plastic bottles and synthetic ingredients, and upgrade to a superior way of washing. Your skin deserves better, and it’s here waiting to be discovered at The Black Stuff!