Soap Maintenance - Keep it Dry!

My routine has changed over the past year - I rarely "tub lather" any of my soaps.  Instead, I use a small butter knife to scoop out a dollop of soap, smash into a hot-water warmed ceramic bowl, bloom, and then load the brush.  

I do it for one simple reason - I was concerned about the performance and longevity of my soaps.  I noticed some of my soaps softening due to the added moisture and the alternative is/was to leave the soap uncapped to dry, however then I felt I might risk fragrance loss.  

Am I alone in this unusual habit?

-Jay

Last year I asked a few of my favorite artisans (via Twitter, actually), whether it was important to leave tubs uncovered for a while after using. Both agreed it wasn't necessary, especially if loose excess water is poured out first. There's enough air remaining after covered, and the lids aren't SO air-tight, that the soaps do just fine. I let the top of the soap dry during the coarse of my shave and after-shave routine, which takes the "glisten" away, then close the lid and have no trouble. I don't like the idea of dust and the mold/yeast spores that are inevitably in open air getting onto my soaps. But that's also my own neurosis. :-)

I have had some of my artisanal pucks for five years, now, and they are fine. They may be a tad drier and firmer through loss of moisture, but they still smell and look fine.

I keep the lid off for about a day after a shave. Haven't noticed any ill effects.

Water is an unnecessary evil in soap making. It's best to let it evaporate before sealing it up.

I rinse off the tub after loading, and place it upside down while I shave. Right side up after I'm done where it sits overnight. Lid goes back on before the morning shower. Good as new every time.

I always let mine dry as well. I have a friend who caps his right after, and his Caties Bubbles turned quite goopy. I do notice that some of my soaps firm up a bit, but performance and scent are never affected.

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Last year I asked a few of my favorite artisans (via Twitter, actually), whether it was important to leave tubs uncovered for a while after using. Both agreed it wasn't necessary, especially if loose excess water is poured out first. There's enough air remaining after covered, and the lids aren't SO air-tight, that the soaps do just fine. I let the top of the soap dry during the coarse of my shave and after-shave routine, which takes the "glisten" away, then close the lid and have no trouble. I don't like the idea of dust and the mold/yeast spores that are inevitably in open air getting onto my soaps. But that's also my own neurosis. :-)

actually, Joe from IB told me that it's better to let it dry completely, when you deal with a "super fat" soap. Otherwise it might go rancid.

Mine sits while I shave then again in my room for 30 min to an hour. I don't want to live it out much more then that. I touch it to make sure it's dry. I also wipe away suds from it after I load and I load with a shaken synthetic, so water is very min and suspect all but used in loading the brush.

I've found caties bubbles will start to look like a desert if left open too long. Usually goes back to normal over night. I won't use any of my soaps for weeks probably a month now I almost have 30

I rinse off the tub after loading, and place it upside down while I shave.  Right side up after I'm done where it sits overnight.  Lid goes back on before the morning shower.  Good as new every time.

Ditto