11 Ingenious Uses for Zote Soap

Who said soap is only good for cleaning? With the diverse array of soaps available, it’s refreshing to find one that serves multiple purposes. Luckily, Zote soap fits the bill perfectly. Renowned primarily as a laundry detergent, this versatile bar offers a plethora of unexpected benefits. Its affordability and versatility make it a staple in any household. If you’re seeking a handy cleaning product that also softens fabrics, clears acne, and repels dirt and insects, read on to discover the myriad of issues this unassuming soap can tackle!

Zote soap presents a cost-effective substitute for traditional detergents. Simply grate a bar of pink or white Zote soap using a cheese grater or food processor. Combine it with Borax (a laundry enhancer) and baking soda to create your homemade detergent powder! Use 1 tablespoon (14.3 grams) for small loads and 2 tablespoons (28.6 grams) for larger loads of laundry.

• The iconic pink Zote soap contains milder ingredients (with less citronella oil), making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin and for use on colored garments. Conversely, the white Zote soap boasts enhanced whitening abilities and a stronger citronella fragrance. Select the variant that suits your needs best!
• If concocting your detergent isn’t your cup of tea, Zote offers laundry flakes that can be directly added to the washing machine.
• For handwashing, dissolve approximately 1 tablespoon (14.3 grams) of homemade detergent or flakes in warm water. Once dissolved, soak the clothing in the solution, gently rubbing out any stains with your fingers. Rinse and dry the clothes as usual.

Zote soap can be applied directly to stains for effective removal. Simply wet the bar and vigorously scrub the stain until it's completely covered. Allow the garment to sit for 10 minutes to facilitate the lifting of the stain. Then, launder the clothing with a regular load. This method is particularly useful for stubborn stains!

The combination of citronella and tallow in Zote soap works wonders for softening fabrics. Slice a small, golf ball-sized piece from a bar of pink or white Zote soap. Insert the chunk into a sock (or tie the sock around the chunk) and add it to the washer towards the end of the wash cycle. The sock ensures even distribution of the soap, resulting in luxuriously soft clothes!

Zote's rich fat content effectively cleans brushes without causing dryness. This method is suitable for both paint and makeup brushes! Cut a pink Zote bar into small pieces and place them in a pot. Fill the pot with water until it covers the soap. Bring it to a boil, then wait until the soap softens to form a paste. Drain excess liquid and mix the paste with 1 tablespoon (14.3 grams) of safflower oil. Transfer the paste into a plastic or metal container. Swirl dirty brushes on the paste and rinse with water to remove grime!

• (Optional) Enhance the paste with two or three drops of essential oil for added fragrance!
• Instead of discarding excess liquid, store it in a squirt or pump bottle for use as a countertop or dish cleaner.

Zote, containing citronella, serves as a natural insect repellent. The aroma of citronella oil is particularly potent when you first open a bar. Placing a freshly opened bar near your bed or carrying a small chunk outdoors effectively keeps insects away!

Before gardening, applying Zote soap to your nails prevents dirt accumulation! Prior to outdoor activities, gently rub your nails with a Zote bar. The soap forms a protective layer on your nails, repelling not only dirt but also insects! Moreover, it leaves a pleasant scent compared to soil.

Create a convenient degreaser by boiling shredded Zote bar in water. Although it may not tackle the toughest stains like regular dish soap, it's perfect for everyday cleaning. Wet a sponge with Zote bar or dissolve Zote flakes in warm water to make a liquid dish soap. Boil grated Zote soap in hot water, add a cup of vinegar, and apply to stove burners or dishes with heavy grease. Let it sit off heat for three minutes, then rinse.

A mixture of bacon, garlic, and Zote soap creates an effective bait. Melt shavings from a Zote bar in warm water, then combine with roasted garlic cloves and bacon grease. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until solid. These cubes adhere to hooks and are irresistible to catfish. Give them a try on your next fishing excursion!

Create a makeshift patch for leaks by cutting a Zote bar into small pieces. Boil the pieces in water, then drain excess liquid and mash the softened pieces into a paste. Apply this paste over cracks in pipes and allow it to dry to halt leakage! Keep in mind, this is only a temporary fix, offering a brief respite if you can't immediately address the issue properly.

Harness the potent aroma of Zote to combat unpleasant odors. Place a chunk of Zote soap in those musty gym shoes stashed under the dresser. Additionally, consider placing soap pieces inside closets or at the bottom of hampers to prevent any lingering odors from permeating the room.

The gentle foam left behind by Zote serves as an excellent shaving primer. Wet the soap bar and glide it gently over the area you intend to shave. It will leave behind a lather that facilitates smooth gliding of the razor across the skin.