8 Creative Uses for Irish Spring Soap That Go Way Beyond the Shower
Let’s talk about Irish Spring soap. You probably know it for that super-strong “clean” smell that’s a little nostalgic and a lot punchy. But did you know this old-school green bar is basically a secret weapon for home and garden hacks?
I had one bar leftover in the back of the linen closet and decided to test a few DIY ideas with it—and honestly, I didn’t expect much. But after cutting it up and trying a few tricks, I was hooked. Now I keep a bar or two stashed under the sink just for this reason.
If you’ve got an extra bar lying around, or if you're the type to buy in bulk, here are 8 smart and unexpected uses for Irish Spring soap that’ll make your home smell fresh and your garden stay pest-free.
Tools and Materials:
- 1 bar of Irish Spring Original Soap🧼
- Small cheese grater or paring knife
- Scrap fabric or old socks
- String, twine, or rubber bands
- Empty spice jars, mesh bags, or tea strainers
- Old pantyhose or knee-highs
- Scissors
- Ziplock bags
Irish Spring Bar Soap
Before you dive into these ideas, you’ll want to prep your soap so it’s ready to go. You can either grate the bar with a mini cheese grater (great for sachets, trash cans, or air vents) or cut it into small chunks using a kitchen knife—think sugar cube size.
However you prep it, one bar goes a long way, and you’ll be surprised how strong the scent is even in tiny pieces.
1. Car Freshener in a Spice Jar
Cut a bar of Irish Spring soap into small cubes or slivers and drop them into an empty spice jar—the kind with the holes in the top. Place the jar in a cup holder or under a seat in your car.
6 Pack 14 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Black Ca
Why it works: The bar's intense scent cuts through that dreaded “I-forgot-my-takeout” smell and helps freshen stale air. The best part? You can shake it occasionally to revive the scent or replace the pieces every couple of months.
2. Keep Pests Out of Indoor Plants
Slice or grate a bar of soap and tuck small pieces into the top layer of soil in your potted plants. Try not to bury them—just nestle them in.
Why it works: The scent is too strong for many small pests like fungus gnats and even squirrels or cats that like to dig. It’s non-toxic to the plant, and you can swap out the soap when the scent fades. (Keep it away from water roots, though—just in the topsoil.)
3. Make Scented Sachets for Drawers & Closets
Take small chunks or shavings of Irish Spring and wrap them in a scrap of breathable fabric—cotton works great.
Tie it with twine or ribbon and pop it into drawers, closets, gym bags, or your pantry.
Why it works: These sachets are a budget-friendly alternative to chemical air fresheners. The soap scent repels moths, mice, and pantry pests—and leaves everything smelling crisp and clean. You can also stash a sachet in luggage before a trip.
4. Hideaway Freshener
Place a bar or chunks of soap into a knee-high stocking or old sock, tie it closed, and tuck it behind your trash can, under the sink, or in laundry hampers.
Why it works: The scent covers up sour smells and the sock keeps the mess contained. It’s an easy win, especially for musty cabinets or behind-the-door zones.
5. Deodorize Gym Shoes and Boots
Cut up a bar and toss the chunks into old socks. Knot them and drop them into your shoes between wears.
Why it works: Irish Spring helps absorb lingering odors and keeps shoes smelling neutral. Perfect for closets where shoes are stored close to coats or bags.
6. Slip It in the Bottom of Your Trash Can
Before adding a new bag, place a slice or chunk of Irish Spring soap at the bottom of the bin. You can also toss a whole bar into an old sock and secure it with a rubber band to keep it mess-free.
Why it works: This hack keeps your trash can from smelling like…well, trash. It helps absorb nasty odors before they get out of hand. Works especially well for kitchen and bathroom bins.
7. Under-Couch or Under-Bed Freshener
Stick chunks of Irish Spring soap into an old sock or fabric pouch, then slide them under the couch cushions or the bed. Works well in storage bins too!
Why it works: This is one of those “invisible wins” you don’t think about until your house smells mysteriously fresher. It’s especially good if you’ve got pets that hang out under furniture or storage boxes tucked under beds.
8. Use It as Tailor’s Chalk or to Lubricate Sticky Zippers
Draw lines on fabric with a bar of Irish Spring to mark cuts (just like tailor’s chalk). You can also lightly rub it on a zipper that’s sticking—it helps it glide smoothly again.
Why it works: Soap is a super old-school hack in the sewing world. It marks fabric without leaving permanent stains, and the natural oils help ease sticky mechanisms like zippers or even drawer tracks.
🛒 Shop the Post:
> Irish Spring Original Bar Soap – 12 Pack
The classic green bar that started it all. Perfect for every hack in this post—cut it, melt it, stash it everywhere.
Great for grating Irish Spring into sachets, trash cans, or even to sprinkle around problem spots.
These are adorable for tucking soap pieces in your car or drawers without making a mess.
Place grated or chopped soap in pretty sachets and tie it up with string—super cute in drawers or closets.
> Small Storage Baskets with Lids
Ideal for keeping soap sachets contained in linen closets or under sinks (bonus: they look nice, too).
Hometalk may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via Amazon links in this article but at no cost to you.
Freshen Up Your Home with These Surprising Uses for Irish Spring Soap
Honestly, I never thought I'd be chopping up soap bars and tucking them all over the house, but here we are—and I don’t hate it! These little hacks are cheap, easy, and actually do what they’re supposed to without spraying chemicals everywhere. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about finding new ways to use things we already have.
I’ve had so much fun experimenting with these ideas, and it’s got me thinking… what are the benefits of using Irish Spring soap in my yard too? (I’ve heard everything from pest control to deterring deer, and I’m definitely testing a few tricks this spring!)
If you've tried any outdoor Irish Spring hacks or have your own go-to uses, I’d love to hear all about them. Drop a comment below and let’s swap some soap stories!
Comments
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Only helpful if you like what Irish Spring smells like!
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Definitely going to try it in the garden. I'm wondering if it will deter the deer.
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Where in Australia can I buy this Irish Spring soap please