A bar of soap usually sits beside the bathroom sink or in the shower, and most people use it for little else. You might have a few spare bars tucked away in a cabinet or left over from hotel stays, waiting to be used.

But bar soap has plenty of uses outside the bathroom. People have relied on it for years to quiet squeaky hinges, freshen storage spaces, help with minor repairs, and handle other everyday household problems.

Here are 12 practical ways to use an ordinary bar of soap around your home.

Help Remove a Stuck Ring

A ring that won’t slide off your finger can become uncomfortable, especially if your finger is a little swollen. Rub a small amount of soap around the ring and your finger to create a slippery surface that may help it come off more easily.

Quiet Squeaky Doors and Drawers

A dry bar of soap can help lubricate parts that rub together and cause annoying squeaks. Rub it over door hinges, drawer runners, or other noisy spots, then move the parts back and forth to spread the soap.

Make Sticky Zippers Slide More Easily

A zipper that keeps catching may need a little lubrication before you consider replacing it. Rub a small amount of dry soap along the zipper teeth, then move the zipper up and down several times to distribute it.

Freshen Drawers and Closets

A scented bar of soap can give stored clothes, towels, and linens a light, clean smell. Wrap the bar in a thin piece of fabric or leave it in a breathable container, then place it inside a dresser drawer, storage bin, or closet.

Discourage Pets From Digging

Some animals dislike the smell of certain soaps, which may make treated areas less appealing to dig. Try placing small pieces or soap shavings around flower beds and garden borders, but keep them out of reach of pets that might chew or swallow them.

Clean Minor Wall Scuffs

A little bar of soap may help remove light scuff marks from washable painted walls. Dampen a soft cloth, gently rub the mark, then wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue; test a hidden spot first to avoid damaging the paint.

Store Sewing Needles

A bar of soap makes a handy place to keep sewing needles and straight pins between projects. Push them into the bar so they stay together, and the soap can leave a light coating on the metal that helps needles pass through thicker fabric.

Temporarily Seal Small Leaks

In a pinch, softened soap may help slow a very small leak around a hose connection or outdoor faucet. Treat this as a temporary measure only, since soap won’t repair a damaged pipe or fitting and the problem still needs a proper fix.

Reduce Shoe Odors

A dry bar of scented soap can help freshen shoes that have picked up unpleasant odors. Place one inside each shoe overnight, and make sure the shoes are completely dry before putting the soap inside.

Help Keep Garden Pests Away

Some gardeners hang strongly scented soap bars in mesh bags around vegetable patches and flower beds. The smell may discourage deer, rabbits, and other visitors, though results vary and soap works best alongside fencing or other garden barriers.

Make Your Own Liquid Soap

Don’t throw small leftover soap pieces straight into the trash. Grate them into hot water, stir until dissolved, let the mixture cool, and transfer it to a pump bottle; keep in mind that homemade mixtures may separate or change texture over time.

Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Grated bar soap is often used in homemade laundry detergent recipes alongside washing soda and baking soda. The mixture can be a low-cost option for some households, but make sure the soap and recipe suit your washing machine, since too much soap can leave residue on clothes or inside the machine.