What is Sugar Soap and How to Use It?

Don’t be put off by the name; sugar soap is an excellent cleaner for removing insisting grimy and greasy build-up stains anywhere in your home. It does not leave a residue after cleaning. That is the primary advantage sugar soap has over comparable products.  While a very popular product in the United Kingdom, it can be more challenging to obtain in other parts of the world.

What is Sugar Soap?

If you think they make sugar soap from that sweet stuff you put in tea, you are wrong. The name is misleading. The name is derived from the powdered variation of sugar soap, which looks quite a bit like the sweetening product. However, it also comes in a liquid form. Keep in mind that nowadays, some beauty products label themselves as sugar soap.

They are a completely different product and not useful for residential cleaning. The main ingredients present in any sugar soap product are sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, and sodium silicate. However, every brand has its recipe and may add other elements into the mix.

When & Where Should You Use It?

Sugar soap has several potential uses. It is one of the best-recommended methods for cleaning water or oil painted walls or wallpaper. It is also a valuable substitute for a general cleaner. It is a less harmful alternative than many other powerful cleaners.

Both the powdered variety and liquid variety will get the job done. However, the powder version is less expensive. Therefore, we recommend it for more extensive cleaning jobs.

The price of the liquid version will add up. Some people report that sugar soap is their preferred cleaner for patio furniture. It is also an excellent cleaner for the garage, as it is instrumental in cutting through grease.

Why Can’t I Use a General Cleaner?

There are several surfaces and types of stains where using a general cleaner is inadvisable. Painted walls are a good example. A coat of paint is not the most durable finish out there. If you use a general cleaner, you may damage them. The same is true for wallpaper, which may begin to peel off or swell with the wrong type of cleaner.

In other parts of your home, general cleaners will often do a good job of removing grimy and greasy build-up. However, they may leave a considerable amount of residue. While you may not see it, it will have a detrimental effect on the new coating and lower its level of adhesion.

Meanwhile, some people who are worried about residue use warm water. It can be applied on its own or with some organic additives. However, water will not clean as comprehensively as sugar soap.

In many other cases, there is no reason not to use a general cleaner instead. You can use either substance in the garage or on your outdoor furnishing. However, you may find sugar soap preferable.

Keep in mind that sugar soap can also be used as a general cleaner and is not particularly dear. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about it sitting around the house unused. If you buy the powdered version, it will also cost about a general cleaner’s will. 

How to Use Sugar Soap?

When applying to a wall, mix 1/4 cup liquid sugar soap into a bucket containing 5 litres of water. Then dip a sponge into the solution. Always work from the top of the walls to the bottom to avoid pushing the dirt up. An excellent way to speed up drying time is by opening the windows or turning on a fan.

If you are using it in the bathroom, sprinkle or pour some onto the dirty surface. Typically, it is used for sinks, tubs, and showers. Then apply a bit more on to a damp cloth. Wipe down the area with the fabric. Then rinse it out thoroughly with a good amount of water. When you apply sugar soap to the toilet, let it sit for an hour before flushing the toilet.

If you want to use sugar soap for patio furniture, countertops, or any other simple domestic surface, make a sugar soap-based spray and put it into used window cleaner containers. We recommend you mix 1/8 cup of liquid sugar soap into 2 litres of water in a bucket, then move the mix into the spray bottles.

After you spray the mix onto the dirty area, wait a few minutes before thoroughly wiping it off. Make sure to rinse the cloth as well.  In the garage, use enough sugar soap to cover the stains. Drizzle with water if you are using the powdered version. After waiting half an hour, scrub it off.

Remember to stay safe. While not a particularly dangerous cleaner, sugar soap does contain chemicals. Therefore, make sure always to wear gloves when using the solution. Also, avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes while using it.