Pure Soap: A Natural All-Rounder for Home and Garden

A bar of pure soap may look unassuming, but this traditional product has more uses than you might expect. It can help you take a more sustainable approach to everyday chores.

It cleans, cares for fabrics and can help protect plants—all without colourful packaging or unnecessary additives. Discover practical ways to use this household classic.

What exactly is pure soap?

Pure soap is made from plant oils, water and soda. The process is called saponification. It produces a mild, solid soap with no excess fat.

It leaves no harmful residues in wastewater. Its simple formula makes it a useful base for a range of DIY cleaning projects.

“Pure soap is the foundation of an eco-friendly household. Its versatility can replace a whole range of specialist cleaners.”

How can I use pure soap around the home?

Pure soap has plenty of uses around the home, from tackling tough dirt to caring for delicate fabrics.

Which floors can I clean with pure soap?

A pure soap solution is suitable for tiles, stone floors and durable PVC flooring. It lifts dirt and grease without damaging the surface.

Grate one tablespoon of soap into a bucket of hot water and stir until the flakes dissolve. Mop the floor as usual for a clean, streak-free finish.

Can I wash laundry with pure soap?

Yes, pure soap works well for hot-water washes and durable cotton fabrics. Rub the damp fabric with the soap or add grated flakes directly to the drum.

Pure soap has a mild brightening effect on white laundry. Test it first on an inconspicuous area of coloured fabric.

For washing cotton baby clothes, a mild pure soap solution is a gentle alternative.

How do I wash dishes with pure soap?

A bar of pure soap is a traditional dishwashing option. It lathers well even in hard water and cuts through grease.

It is not suitable for dishwashers, but works well for washing dishes by hand. Unlike many liquid alternatives, it does not leave behind harmful microplastics.

Why is pure soap useful in the garden?

In the garden, pure soap can help control pests with a simple spray. Used carefully, it can target pests while reducing the impact on beneficial insects.

How do I get rid of aphids with pure soap?

This is the best-known use as insecticidal soap. The solution works by coating aphids and disrupting their protective outer layer.

Dissolve 20-30 grams of grated pure soap in one litre of hot water. Let the mixture cool, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray affected plants thoroughly, especially the undersides of the leaves.

Repeat the treatment every two to three days until the infestation is gone. Keep beneficial wildlife such as birds in mind, as it can help control pests naturally.

Does pure soap work against other pests too?

Yes, this method can also help against mealybugs, spider mites and young caterpillars. Increase the concentration slightly if needed.

For a stronger effect against sap-sucking insects, mix one litre of soap solution with one tablespoon of rapeseed oil. The oil helps the solution stick to the leaves.

“The mechanical action of potassium soap against sap-sucking insects is a recognised and environmentally friendly method in hobby gardening.”

For comprehensive plant protection, explore more environmentally friendly options in our Pest & Plant Protection category.

How can I make practical household cleaners myself?

Use pure soap as a base for homemade cleaning products. You’ll know exactly what goes into them and can cut down on packaging waste.

Recipe: All-purpose cleaner made from pure soap

You will need 30g grated pure soap, 1 litre of water, optionally 2 tbsp washing soda and 10 drops of essential oil, such as lemon.

Heat the water and dissolve the grated soap in it. Let the mixture cool. Add washing soda and essential oil if desired, then pour everything into a spray bottle.

Recipe: Cream cleaner for stubborn dirt

Mix finely grated pure soap with an equal amount of baking powder or fine sand. Add just enough water to make a paste.

This paste can help remove burnt-on residue from ovens or grill grates. Apply it, leave it to work briefly, then scrub with a sponge.

Which products are suitable for getting started?

To get started, all you need is a bar of high-quality pure soap. We recommend products made with certified organic ingredients.

The

SONETT Pure Soap 1 bar = 100 g

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For households that use pure soap regularly, the

SONETT Pure Soap 6 bars = 600 g

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For gentle pest control on plants, you can also use ready-made liquid solutions. The

SODASAN Liquid Soap Citrus-Olive 1 Liter Plant Soap

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Explore our range of garden tools for more equipment and accessories to help care for your garden.

What are the limitations of pure soap?

Despite its versatility, pure soap isn’t a solution for every cleaning task. It’s not suitable for all materials.

Don’t use it on painted wood, marble or travertine. Its alkaline pH can damage these materials or leave stains.

It’s also unsuitable for cleaning aluminum or copper containers, as it can cause a chemical reaction.

If you’re unsure, test it on a hidden area first. This can help prevent unpleasant surprises when cleaning furniture or wooden toys.

Pure soap as part of a sustainable lifestyle

A bar of pure soap is a simple, effective alternative to many cleaning products. It helps reduce plastic waste and exposure to chemicals while making you more aware of the ingredients in the products you use around your home.

It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a useful staple. Pair it with other natural cleaning ingredients such as vinegar, citric acid or washing soda.

Step by step, you can create a sustainable household that’s better for you and the environment. Start today with a bar of pure soap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pure soap really biodegradable?

Yes. High-quality pure soap made with virgin plant oils such as olive or coconut oil is fully biodegradable. It contains no synthetic surfactants, fragrances or preservatives, so it won’t pollute wastewater or compost.

Can I use pure soap to wash delicate fabrics?

Yes, pure soap is suitable for wool and silk. Dissolve around 20-30 grams of grated soap in hot water, let the solution cool, then gently hand-wash the items. This helps protect the fibers and avoids optical brighteners.

How does pure soap work against aphids?

The soap solution coats aphids in a thin film that blocks their breathing pores and suffocates them. It also dissolves their protective wax coating. Be sure to thoroughly wet the undersides of the leaves. Repeat the treatment every two to three days.

Can I use pure soap for personal care?

Pure soap with a high olive oil content can be used as a gentle hand and body soap. It cleans gently, and its glycerin content helps moisturize your skin. For your face or very dry skin, specially formulated plant-based soaps with additional nourishing oils may be a better choice.

How do I make an all-purpose cleaner from pure soap?

Grate 20-30 grams of pure soap and dissolve the flakes in one liter of hot water. Let the mixture cool, then stir well. For extra grease-cutting power, add two tablespoons of washing soda. Pour the cleaner into a spray bottle.