Soap Bags

[laceyj1204]

Please bear with me here because I'm slightly confused. What exactly is a "soap bag"? I mean, I know it's a knit or crocheted bag that holds a bar of soap, naturally, but is it used in place of a wash cloth or bath pouf? Does it increase the life of the bar of soap? Wouldn't it get all nasty and gross if you didn't take it off the bar of soap and rinse it? Do any of you make them, or use them? I came across some for sale at a church rummage sale a couple days ago and have been pondering them ever since. Thanks for any input.

[karenarp]

I used to design my own soap bags years ago when I wanted to test new stitches.
My family as a result got to test them for me. Plus I grew up in a house where they used them, so it was not unusual for us. You do use them in place of a wash cloth with the soap inside. Make sure to hang it up and not toss it down on the corner in a puddle and it will drip dry nicely and not get nasty or gross. If you are concerned about personal hygiene you can make a different coloured or patterned one for everyone in the family. When the bar of soap was gone you could toss the bag into the washer, heck, you could toss it in once a week if you like - just remember to remove the soap! It will also extend the life of your soap. Which is nice if you buy fancy handmade soaps that are super pricey. I do run clear water over it after using it (just as you would for a loofah or wash cloth) before hanging it to dry.

[laceyj1204]

Thank you, karenarp!! I was at a total loss since I'd never seen any before until the other day. I personally use handmade goat's milk soap since I have developed some skin issues here lately so this may be a great way for me to extend the life of the soap that is a bit pricey. I've got some spare cotton yarn around here somewhere so maybe I'll give one a try and see how I like it. Thanks again!!!