In a few weeks we’ll know how microbe friendly the diluted soap is :) made sure to smudge my dirty hands in each dish for maximum yuck. Then exposed them to the air for a few hours before lidding them up.
I wonder how to measure surfactancy and general soap efficiency tho if anyone knows :)
this post was submitted on 25 Apr 2026
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If you wet your hands first you only need a tiny drop of undiluted soap. Rub hands together vigorously for about 10 seconds to make a foamy lather. I stretch it out by always trying to use as little as possible from the dispenser.
This is the way, OP. What you suggest is anti-frugal as you are considering buying a whole other product to further cut a product you are already cutting. You will end up spending more money and time in the long run. AI has it right this time.
I already have a lifetime supply of corn and potato starch, and my thought was that it wouldn’t require a lot to gel it up again. Time is not really an issue in my life so I don’t mind boiling some dilution water every now and again.
Then you are adding extra steps for fun. Carry on.
For sure, figuring out solutions to silly problems to save pennies can be loads of fun :)
That works for me but my spidey senses say if that I can’t be instructing guests how to use the soap. I tried modifying the pump to have a shorter stroke, but the pump broke surprisingly fast, I think due to the downwards pressure people expect to need.
Could you shorten the stroke in the other direction, and stop the pumphead from going all the way back up?
Alternatively, I've been enjoying some touchless soap dispensers I got for fairly cheap, I dropped the dispensed amount to the minimum and can go a long time between refilling.
Soap absolutely allows for microbial life if you dilute it or add anything. It’s only undiluted soaps that are antimicrobial. You’re better off just adding the undiluted soap to whatever you’re washing and then adding water.
This is only true if you plan on keeping it diluted for a lengthy period of time (like putting it in a dispenser ready to go). If you dilute it just prior to the use, it's fine.
Thats what i was worrying about, which prompted me asking! Thanks :)
I would look for a soap dispenser that dispenses smaller amounts instead. Not only is diluting it going to be a lot of work, doing it too much can cause it to weaken to the point stuff can grow in it - if you insist, xantham gum is your best bet.
Getting a new dispenser also spending tho. I tried modifying my old dispenser with a ziptie around the neck but the dispenser broke very quickly, which I think was due to the force you expect to put into it. But thats just a guess, could’ve been a bad pump too
But thats what lead me to looking into dilution/gelling.
But yea buying gum is another purchase whereas i already have plenty of starch.
Dr. Bronners castille soap.
You literally get a giant ass bottle of the stuff, and only really need a few drops in a cup of water to clean anything, it's so concentrated.
Just keep in mind you do this when using it, not keeping it in a dispenser. Diluting soap long term just ruins the soap. Not only will it stop being anti-bacterial, the sufactant part won't work either.
I’ve heard of this brand, but I already have soap. When it runs out and the bins stop providing more I will consider it!
Oo this is interesting! What causes this degradation? Does regular liquid soap also degrade in it’s bottle or is it concentrated enough to last/effects to be negligible? Thanks for adding information!
Soap works by some chemical reaction with water. Adding water to it basically starts it reacting and eventually all the catalysts are used up and all you have is basically water without actual soap in it, but whatever is left after the reaction to the water.
My solution is to dilute liquid soap about 5 to 1 and put it in a foaming soap dispenser.
Yea perhaps looking into making the dispenser foaming is a better approach.
don't dilute it. just take smaller amounts. it will dilute naturally as you rub it around your wet hands.
This isn't frugal, it's just cheap. Buy bar soap and an inexpensive soap dish that allows drainage.
I’ll maintain that soap from the trash is much much cheaper than buying soap and a soap dish tho. Frugality is making things reach further with small means no?
People have already told you it will grow unhealthy bacteria and mold. So you are ~~rushing~~ risking health and sanitation for this. It's cheap.
I’m not doing anything but asking questions to find out if its doable or not. I too can see the consensus is it’s a bad idea ✌️
Haha idk why you gonna be so stingy and throw around definitions of words, especially when using opinion sources rather than a dictionary. Don’t you know that language is defined by how it is used? Regardless,
- Frugality is Strategic: It involves planning, research, and aligning spending with personal values and financial goals.
This post is the research. One of my values and goals is to consume as little as possible, let alone buying unnecessary stuff in a world of over production of garbage. I actually have a soap dish and hard soap for those that prefer it. Personally I tend to get terrible pimple breakouts from it tho.
The financial goal of this little project is to not spend more money than necessary in general and as most soap just gets put down the drain anyway I thought it a decent afternoon project to look into.
- Frugality is Value-Oriented: The focus is on the overall value received, not just the price tag paid.
Arguably the value added by diluting the soap is very small, but if successful would double the range of a soap bottle, which has intrinsic value in consuming less and producing less garbage (packaging and soap dishes) on top of the fact I don’t have to buy any soap 🤷♂️
On the other hand your solution is generating more garbage in form of packaging and a soap dish, whilst adding absolutely nothing of value to my bathroom nor does it adress the issue of wasting soap.
> *Frugality is Empowering: It gives you control over your finances, reducing stress and building wealth.
I have very good control of my finances because I chose to not spend my money where it can be avoided. Hence the dumpster diving to acquire said soap. I spend it on beer instead :)
Now, looking at merriam webster dictionary, which is the definition I actually when deciding where to post my question, it gives much simpler answer than the capital powerhouse you shared.
the quality or state of being [frugal] : careful management of material resources and especially money
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frugality
Cheers
So you're willing to risk "friends'" health for beer. Choose any source you want. "Difference between cheap and frugal."
Obviously I’m not willing to risk anyones health, I posted to ask about if it might be a problem. So I’m not sure where you reached this conclusion. But the aggressive tone seems quite unnecessary and adds absolutely nothing 🤷♂️✌️