One South African household item that has truly stood the test of time, is a bar of Sunlight soap. Beyond the laundry bar’s intended purpose for hand-washing clothes, it has many nifty uses – including removing stains, preventing pests and cleaning makeup brushes.
We’re sharing 14 different uses for the humble bar of Sunlight soap:
1. Stain-removing miracle worker
Nobody wants to sport oily stains. Sunlight soap is known for its effectiveness in removing stains from fabric. Rub the bar of soap directly onto stains before washing, or create a solution by grating the soap and mixing it with warm water to soak clothes before laundering. Works like a charm.
2. Removes grease like nobody’s business
Sunlight soap is also particularly good at cutting through grease. Use the bar of laundry soap to clean greasy dishes, pots, and pans by scrubbing with a sponge or soaking them in a solution of grated soap and hot water.
3. Preventing pests in your garden
Some gardeners use grated Sunlight soap (yes, you’ve noticed a trend here, always keep your grater at hand) as a natural insect repellent. Sprinkle it around plants or dissolve it in water and spray it on plants to deter pests like aphids and caterpillars.
4. Removing stickers and adhesives
The joy of breaking in a new set of glassware is always dampened by a stubborn adhesive that just won’t come off. Rubbing a bar of Sunlight soap on sticky residues from labels, stickers, or tapes can help loosen them (a lot), making them easier to remove from surfaces.
5. Cleaning brushes and combs
Soaking brushes and combs in warm water with grated Sunlight soap can help remove built-up oils, dirt, and hair products.
6. Cleaning makeup brushes
Soaking makeup brushes in warm water with grated Sunlight soap can help dissolve makeup residue and bacteria, leaving your brushes clean and fresh.
7. Removing stubborn makeup stains
Sunlight soap can be effective in removing makeup stains from fabrics. Rubbing the soap onto the stain and letting it sit for a few minutes before washing can help lift the makeup.
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8. Cleaning jewellery
Sunlight soap can be used to clean some jewellery, particularly pieces made of non-porous materials like gold or silver. Soak the jewellery in warm, soapy water, then gently scrub with a soft brush before rinsing thoroughly.
9. Pet shampoo
Some pet owners use a small amount of mild soap like Sunlight to bathe their pets, especially if they have sensitive skin. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation, though. Always do a patch test.
10. Removing paint from clothes
Paint marks on your clothes after repainting the walls? Sunlight soap can be effective in removing paint stains from clothes. Rubbing the soap onto the stain before washing can help lift the paint.
11. Cleaning tools
Sunlight soap can be used to clean various tools and equipment, such as gardening tools, paintbrushes, and even car parts. Its grease-cutting properties make it effective for removing dirt and grime.
12. Deodorising shoes
A pair of smelly shoes can be remedied by placing a bar of Sunlight soap to help absorb odours and leave them smelling fresher.
13. Repelling moths
Some people place bars of Sunlight soap in closets or drawers to help repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh.
14. Preventing glasses from fogging
Rubbing a bar of Sunlight soap onto the lenses of glasses and then wiping them clean can help prevent them from fogging up.
ALSO SEE: How to treat and prevent bad smells in drinking classes
Article was originally written and published by Savanah Douglas for Woman&Home.
Feature image: Unsplash
