My husband, many years ago, introduced me to the joys of foaming handsoap. Pre-foamed and ready to wash, it makes handwashing quick and fun for the kids, and, let’s face it, adults too! However, foaming handsoap is not always easy to find in the store, especially if you’re not into seriously strong smelling soap (ahem, Bath and Body Works). So how about making your own? It’s incredibly easy.

What You Need

To make your own foaming soap, you need: liquid handsoap, water, and a foaming soap dispenser. I reuse Dial Complete foaming handsoap bottles — the empty bottles I bought on Amazon never held up well.

Make It Work

Foaming soap dispensers work by aerating your soap, but regular liquid handsoap is too thick to pump air into. The solution? Water down your soap! It’s as easy as that. Fill your soap dispenser up about a quarter of the way with soap; fill the rest of the bottle up with water. Screw on the top and gently shake the bottle until the soap is fully diluted. Voila! Homemade foaming soap.

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The Great Antibacterial Debate

I used to obsessively purchase Dial Complete Foaming Antibacterial soap because I liked the little bottles, and they had a nice scent without being overpowering. I also liked the idea of having antibacterial soap — any soap that claimed to be extra effective seemed like a good idea. However, back in September 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a consumer alert about antibacterial soap. Basically, no one has been able to prove that antibacterial soap is more effective than regular soap, and the chemicals that make antibacterial soap “antibacterial” may be more harmful than helpful. (See the full consumer update here.)

There are many non-antibacterial liquid soaps out there, with a variety of scents. Try a bunch and see what appeals to you. I’ve switched to Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castille Peppermint Soap; I like the way it smells and I recognize all the ingredients. However, Dr. Bronner’s doesn’t come in a foaming liquid. But I know how to handle that.

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