Cover thy Soap?

Icemanxxxv · #1 11-06-2009, 07:58 AM

My rotation right now is four soaps and 1 cream. My Tabac came with a lid it stays covered. I have a Glycerin based soap from a local company and I'm using Arko these are uncovered. I have a VHD soap that is also uncovered that doesn't see much use.
I rotate everyday between these soaps and the Bigelow Cream. My question is. Do I really need to cover my soaps when not in use? Why or why not? I have yet to notice any degradation in scent or performance. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks

mliguori · #2 11-06-2009, 08:14 AM

I have a rotation of a few glycerin based soaps which I don't cover. I haven't seen any issues with them.

AJ72 · #3 11-06-2009, 08:32 AM

I cover all my soaps to keep the dust out plus I like to stack my bowls so I must keep them covered. I don't think it matters from a functional standpoint though. I don't think the soap will be affected whether covered or uncovered.

Tony

_JP_ · #4 11-06-2009, 08:34 AM

I cover all of my soaps as a matter of course. It helps to preserve the scent. The performance of the soap is not otherwise diminished if it is left uncovered, unless it is for an extended period of time such as weeks.

WhosYerBob · #5 11-06-2009, 08:34 AM

I always cover mine; it helps to keep the moisture content of the soap the same, to retain fragrance and keep any unwanted bathroom yuck out.

Klopstick · #6 11-06-2009, 08:54 AM

Covered is especially important for any soap without preservatives such as Cella. You want to keep it at least loosely covered to keep mold spores from settling on it. The cleaner your gear, the less likely you'll have a problem with your skin, too. WhosYerbob has has a good point about moisture retention. That way your soap acts the same when you try to later it up.

Boba Fett · #7 11-06-2009, 09:12 AM

Much to the tune of some other commenters, I cover to help preserve scent, retain proper moisture balance, and aid in stacking. I have noticed with a few of my soaps, which I used to leave uncovered, would lose some scent after a little while. The biggest culprit was my Conk almond, and my Williams seemed to do that as well.

The National Razor · #8 11-06-2009, 11:05 AM

the only soap i don't cover is my provence sante, and that's because the clay pot it comes in has no lid. i do think the scent has diminished since i've had it.

cfriend · #9 11-06-2009, 11:11 AM

The only uncovered soaps I have are sticks that come in a wrapper as opposed to a dispenser with a cap. They are on the cheap side, so I don't worry about replacing them.

redbike · #10 11-06-2009, 11:15 AM

I'm pretty sure one of our resident soapmakers opined that the scent will diminish if the soap is left uncovered. After I shave in the am, I leave my soap uncovered to dry until I get home from work. Otherwise mine are covered with a screw-on or snap-on lid.

NostalgicinSC · #11 11-06-2009, 03:01 PM

I have my VDH Deluxe in an Old Spice mug. It is uncovered but stays in a drawer as I have not used it as much lately. The last time I did use it I noticed it was a little softer than when I first got it. However, this may happen to all VDH pucks as they get close to being finished. I'm not sure since this is my first puck.

My C&E Nomad stays in a hand made wooden bowl turned by my Father. I have cheese grated the Nomad into the bowl and I keep it covered (after the soap dries after use) because it has a lid and it looks nicer on my counter when covered.

Icemanxxxv · #12 11-07-2009, 09:35 AM

While A Wally World last night I picked up 5 screw on lid 1.2 cup Rubbermaid kitchen containers. Thy Soaps are covered!

dpmtherrien · #13 11-08-2009, 01:03 PM

I have some that are covered and some that are not. To tell the truth, I haven't noticed a difference between either.