Handy Bar Soap Hacks to Make Life Around the House Easier

By Didi Atkins - May 6, 2025

This article appeared in peekably.com and has been published here with permission.

Bar soap is not just for washing your hands! There are so many unanticipated uses for this everyday household product to help make your life simpler! A bar of soap can cover a variety of issues, including everything from a squeaky door, to unwanted pests, all the way to a stuck zipper! Discover these bar soap hacks for practical ways to use bar soap beyond washing your hands, and help keep your house running smoothly!

Fix Squeaky Door Hinges

Cleaning your squeaky door is a simple fix with a bar of soap. Before reaching for an expensive lubricant, rub a dry bar of soap on the squeaky hinges. The soap acts as a natural lubricant, allowing the metal parts to slide easily, and stop the squeak.

Reddit // u/Philosopherskin

For the best outcome, if you can take the hinge pin out, coat it with soap before putting it back in. If the squeak remains, repeat this until you have a silent hinge. This trick works for lockers, gates, and other noisy hinges!

Unstick a Stubborn Zipper

A zipper stuck whether it is on your coat, bag or boots can be very annoying! A bar of soap can help! Simply rub the soap along both sides of the zipper teeth, especially on the jammed part. The soap puts a light coating on the zipper teeth which reduces friction and allows the zipper to slide easily.

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If the zipper still does not want to budge, use the same soap and start to gently wiggle the zipper as you apply soap. This trick is particularly helpful with older zippers that have lost their function. Keep a sliver of soap in your bag to fix a stuck zipper on the fly!

Prevent Foggy Mirrors

Stepping out of a hot shower to a fogged-up mirror can be frustrating, but bar soap can keep it clear! Before showering, rub a thin layer of dry soap over the mirror’s surface, then buff it with a clean, dry cloth until it becomes clear. This invisible layer prevents steam from clinging to the glass.

Reddit // u/choocchoopain

This trick is perfect for keeping bathroom mirrors fog-free, but it also works on car windshields, glasses, and even motorcycle visors. Reapply as needed to maintain a streak-free, clear surface every time!

Lubricate Sticky Drawers

If your drawers are tough to open and close, bar soap can help! Simply rub a dry soap bar along the wooden tracks or metal sliders. The soap acts as a natural lubricant, making the drawer glide smoothly without sticking.

Reddit // u/ApprehensiveFix5607

This trick works wonders for old dressers, cabinets, and even wooden window sashes. If the drawer is still sticking, reapply the soap and test it a few times. It’s an easy, mess-free way to restore functionality without using harsh chemicals.