How to Use The Soap Bar Duo and The Soap Tray for a Luxurious Shower Experience

Quick Answer

To get the most from your bar soap, pair The Soap Bar Duo with The Soap Tray: keep the bar dry between uses, lather directly on skin or a washcloth, and store it on the tray to extend its life. The Soap Tray is designed to hold one or two bars, making it perfect for rotating scents or sharing.

Bar soap is making a comeback, and for good reason. It's often more sustainable, travel-friendly, and can feel like a daily ritual when done right. But a luxurious shower experience isn't just about the soap itself—it's about how you use and store it. That's where The Soap Bar Duo and The Soap Tray come in.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best way to use bar soap in the shower, from lathering techniques to proper drying and storage. You'll learn how to make your bars last longer, keep them hygienic, and turn a simple shower into a spa-like moment.

Why Bar Soap Deserves a Tray

Bar soap can last longer and feel more luxurious when it's allowed to dry between uses. A soap tray isn't just a pretty accessory—it's a functional tool that prevents your soap from sitting in a puddle of water, which can turn it into a mushy mess and waste product. The Soap Tray from Nécessaire is designed with this in mind: it's sized to hold one soap bar in a classic lay-down position or two soap bars side by side, making it easy to rotate scents or share with a partner.

Using a tray also keeps your counter or shower ledge clean and free of soap scum. The Soap Tray is a limited edition interior object designed by renowned design firm NEW TENDENCY, Germany, for Nécessaire. Industrial designer Manuelle Goeller is celebrated for his utilitarian materiality work in steel, so you're not just getting a functional tool—you're adding a design piece to your bathroom.

• Place the tray on a flat, dry surface away from the direct spray of your showerhead.
• If you have two bars, alternate them so each has time to dry completely.

How to Lather Bar Soap for Maximum Luxury

The key to a luxurious bar soap experience is a rich, creamy lather. Start by wetting your skin and the soap bar with warm water. Then, either rub the bar directly on your skin or use a washcloth or loofah to work up a lather. For the best results, focus on areas that need more attention, like elbows and knees, and use circular motions to stimulate circulation.

If you're using a bar soap that's infused with nourishing oils, like those from Nécessaire, you might notice a creamy, moisturizing lather that doesn't strip your skin. That's because high-quality bar soaps often contain glycerin and plant oils that cleanse without drying. Take your time to enjoy the scent and the feel of the lather—this is your moment of self-care.

• Don't leave the soap bar sitting in water while you wash—pick it up, lather, and set it back on the tray.
• For a more exfoliating experience, use a dry brush before you shower, then follow with bar soap.

Drying and Storing Your Soap Bar Correctly

After you've finished washing, rinse off and then place the soap bar back on The Soap Tray. Make sure the tray is in a well-ventilated area so the bar can dry completely between uses. This prevents the bar from becoming soggy and helps it last much longer. If you have two bars, you can rotate them, giving each one a full day to dry.

The Soap Tray's design allows for proper airflow, which is essential for preventing bacteria growth and maintaining the integrity of the soap. Avoid storing your soap in a closed container or on a wet surface, as this can cause it to dissolve quickly. A dry bar will also lather better and feel more luxurious on your skin.

• If you notice your soap bar is getting soft, let it dry for a full 24 hours before using it again.
• Keep the tray clean by wiping it down occasionally with a damp cloth.

Extending the Life of Your Bar Soap

One common mistake is leaving the soap bar in the water stream while you shower. This washes away the top layer of soap and shortens its life. Instead, keep the bar on the tray and only pick it up when you're ready to lather. Another tip is to cut larger bars in half if you find them too big to handle—this gives you two bars to rotate and makes each one last longer.

Bar soap can also be used beyond the shower. Place a bar in your closet or drawer to scent your linens, or use it as a hand soap at the sink. With proper care, a single bar can last for weeks, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice compared to liquid body wash.

• Use a soap saver bag for the last sliver of soap to avoid waste.
• Rotate between two bars to extend their lifespan even further.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using The Soap Bar Duo and The Soap Tray

1. Step 1: Set Up Your Tray: Place The Soap Tray on a flat, dry surface in your shower or on your bathroom counter, away from the direct spray of water. Ensure it's stable and won't tip over. Checkpoint: The tray should be level and not in a puddle of water.
2. Step 2: Wet Your Skin and Soap: Turn on the shower and wet your body thoroughly. Hold the soap bar under the water for a few seconds to soften the surface, then set it back on the tray. Checkpoint: Don't let the soap sit under running water while you're not using it.
3. Step 3: Lather Up: Pick up the soap bar and rub it directly on your skin or a wet washcloth. Work up a rich lather using circular motions, focusing on areas that need extra care. Checkpoint: If the lather isn't creamy, you may need to add a bit more water.
4. Step 4: Rinse and Replace: Rinse your body thoroughly to remove all soap. Then place the bar back on The Soap Tray, ensuring it's not sitting in water. Checkpoint: The bar should be placed on the tray with enough space for air to circulate.
5. Step 5: Dry and Rotate: Allow the soap to dry completely between uses. If you have two bars, rotate them so each has at least 24 hours to dry. This extends the life of both bars. Checkpoint: A dry bar will last longer and lather better.

Product Facts

• The Soap Tray: The Soap Tray is a Limited Edition Interior Object designed by renowned Design Firm NEW TENDENCY, GERMANY for Nécessaire. It is sized to hold (1) soap bar in classic lay-down or two (2) soap bars. This means you can use it to store a single bar or rotate between two scents, keeping your soap dry and your bathroom stylish.
• The Body Wash | Multi-Oil: The Body Wash is a rich, non-drying, non-stripping cleanse for the skin. Niacinamide and Plant Oils rich in Vitamin C/E and Omega 6/9 are paired with a high concentration of glycerin and gentle plant surfactants to provide a nourishing cleanse. If you prefer liquid body wash, this formula offers similar nourishing benefits to bar soap, making it a great alternative for those who don't want to switch to bars.

Using The Soap Bar Duo with The Soap Tray is a simple way to elevate your daily shower into a luxurious ritual. By following these steps, you'll enjoy a rich, nourishing cleanse while making your bars last longer and keeping your bathroom organized. Whether you're a bar soap convert or just starting to explore, this duo is a worthy addition to your body care routine.