Soap is surprisingly versatile. Castile soap is incredibly handy to have around as it can be used on fruit, veggies, make-up brushes, and floors. It’s solid cousin, the good-old bar of soap, can be transformed into detergent, it can fix zippers, can whiten shoes, make drawers move smoothly, clean walls, and a whole lot more. While almost any bar of old-fashioned soap can be used for multiple uses, the Irish Spring brand has some special uses, according to a few experts.
If you find yourself thinking of Irish Spring Soap, the first thing that likely comes to mind is its fresh, invigorating scent. That iconic green bar’s scent doesn’t just keeping you smelling great, though. From helping around the house to offering unexpected solutions in the garden, Irish Spring has some unexpected uses, making it a handy tool in everyday life. Here are a few ideas for using those bars of Irish Spring far outside the shower.
Neutralize Odors
"[Irish Spring] bar soap can be cut up in small blocks, put inside a breathable bag and dropped in the botttom of a trash can to neutralize odors," says Elizabeth Shields, the Operations Manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville. "It will also work on musty drawers and closets or sweaty gym bags."
Stop Moths
"Toss a bar in your sock drawer. Not only does it keep things smelling like 'Irish mountain air', but it also deters bugs—a bonus if you're storing season clothes," suggests Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning.
Fishing Bait
"Fishermen (especially in the South) swear by cutting Irish Spring into little cubes and using it to attract catfish. No clue why it works, but catfish seem to love this cologne-y cube of weirdness," says Webber.
Protect Your Garden
"My mother swore by this hack and I've used it many times as well! In the spring as my hosta and other perennials are emerging, they are often a tempting treat for rabbits and other animals to nibble on," says Annemarie Schumacher, Founder of Make Every Day An Event. "If you shave slices of Irish Spring Soap around the plants and your problem is solved. The scent of Irish Spring discourages rabbits from chomping on your plants' new leaves,"
Repel Outdoor Pests
"Irish Spring Soap is a great natural pest repellent. So, you can use it strategically to keep pests away from you when you are outside," suggests Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Cabana. "For example, if you don’t want to be bothered by mosquitos or other pests when lounging around your pool, you can rub the soap along the edges of your poolside lounge chairs. The same goes for your patio table and chairs."
Keep Mice Away In Campers And RVs
"Tuck pieces into cabinets and under the seats in your RV. Mice hate the strong scent, and it keeps your camper smelling like an Irish lumberjack's cologne," says Webber.
Shoe Freshener Sabotage
"Cut a bar and stick each half in a sweaty shoe overnight," says Webber.