To thin out liquid hand soap, the most effective and recommended method is to add water to it.
The Method: Diluting with Water
Liquid hand soap is often quite concentrated. Thinning it out is a simple process, commonly done to make it more suitable for specific dispensers, such as foaming soap dispensers, or simply to adjust the consistency.
According to recommendations, you should use only water to dilute liquid soap.
Recommended Water Types
The type of water you use can impact the result and longevity of the diluted soap.
The reference specifically states: "Use only water to dilute liquid soap, preferably distilled water or reverse osmosis water. I recommend distilled or reverse osmosis water for best results. Filtered and boiled rainwater can be used in a pinch."
Using distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water is preferred because these types of water have fewer minerals and impurities compared to regular tap water. This helps prevent cloudiness or potential interactions with the soap over time.
Here's a breakdown of suitable water types based on recommendations:
| Water Type | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | Recommended | Best results due to lack of impurities. |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water | Recommended | Excellent choice, similar to distilled water. |
| Filtered & Boiled Rainwater | Acceptable (in a pinch) | Use only if other options are unavailable. Filtering and boiling help remove some contaminants. |
| Tap Water | Generally Avoided | May contain minerals that can affect soap clarity and stability over time. Not recommended by the reference. |
Step-by-Step Guide
Thinning liquid hand soap is straightforward. Here's how to do it:
- Choose your container: Select a clean container or use the soap dispenser you plan to use.
- Add soap: Pour the desired amount of concentrated liquid hand soap into the container.
- Add water slowly: Gradually add the recommended type of water (distilled or RO is best) to the soap. A good starting ratio for foaming dispensers is often 1 part soap to 5-10 parts water, but for general thinning, you might start with much less water (e.g., 1 part soap to 1 part water or even less).
- Mix gently: Stir or gently swirl the mixture to combine the soap and water. Avoid shaking vigorously, as this can create excessive foam.
- Check consistency: Observe the consistency. Is it thin enough for your needs?
- Repeat if necessary: If it's still too thick, add a little more water, mix, and check again.
- Test in dispenser: If using for a specific dispenser (like a foaming one), test the mixture in the dispenser to ensure it pumps correctly.
Tips for Success
- Start slowly: It's easier to add more water than to thicken soap that's too thin. Add a small amount of water first and gradually increase.
- Note the ratio: Once you find a consistency you like, note the ratio of soap to water for future reference.
- Mix thoroughly: Ensure the water is fully incorporated into the soap for a uniform consistency.
- Patience: Don't rush the process. Take your time adding water and mixing until you achieve the desired result.
By following these steps and using the recommended water types, you can easily adjust the thickness of your liquid hand soap.
