Ever since Antoine Philips van Leeuwenhoek, the famous Dutch glassmaker, looked through his microscope and saw a living organism, the world has realized how many bacteria live all around us. From our dining table to our pillows terrace chairs, bacteria are everywhere. It is important to know who invented liquid soap/
According to research, approximately 1.5 trillion bacteria live on the surface of our skin. Most species are harmless and invisible to the eye, some are beneficial, and a small percentage of them can pose a health risk. For this and many other reasons, people realized they needed protection against bacteria, which is when soap was invented.
Who invented liquid soap? Well, there are numerous theories about who created the famous soap, but one name keeps popping up. In this blog post, we will discuss soap invention, the creator, and the multiple benefits liquid soap brings today.
History of Liquid Soap: When Was Liquid Soap Invented?
Some will say soap is the greatest medical discovery in our history. Unfortunately, soap is underestimated because it suffers from marketing and PR problems. It is challenging to promote soap when it cleans bacteria and impurities, which is something we can’t see.
Soap saves numerous lives every day, including healthy people in constant contact with bacteria. It has saved more lives than penicillin but does not get the recognition it deserves.
The first liquid soap appeared and was patented in 1865. However, despite its popularity throughout the years, it wasn’t until 1980 that the liquid invention became mass-produced. That year, the Minnetonka Corporation of Minnesota presented their first liquid soap for domestic use – Softsoap.
Related: Who Invented Paper Towels?
Who Invented Liquid Soap?
William Sheppard patented the first liquid soap. He is also presented as the creator behind liquid soap, but considering his patent was for “Improved Liquid Soap,” many assume that the idea was already out there, and he just improved the formula.
William Sheppard, in his patent, explained he’d discovered that combining small amounts of soap with a large quantity of ammonia produced a liquid similar in consistency and features to syrup.
In the beginning, much of the liquid soap William patented was used for commercial purposes only, including in hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and other public places.
When Was Dish Soap Invented?
The dish soap, also known as dish detergent, was invented and manufactured in 1930-1940, first in the United States and later in Europe. It is a combination of surfactants and is suitable for washing plates, glasses, and cooking utensils.
Today, dishwashing detergent retail sales exceed billions of dollars. Dishwashing products are manufactured as gels, liquids, cartridges, tablets, and powder. Any dishwashing liquid product may contain enzymes and bleach with low skin irritation.
Some dishwashing detergents are homemade with eucalyptus oil, essential oil, and borax.
The Benefits of Liquid Soap
Is liquid soap similar to bar soap in terms of bacteria protection? We all have different opinions and theories – some will say that bar soap is better, while others will vote for liquid soap as a more effective product.
The difference between the two will come out by learning the pros and cons of bar soap and liquid soap.
Bar Soaps:
- Cost-effective
- Prevent wastage
- More eco-friendly cleaning products (they don’t use plastic for packaging)
- Due to their popularity, you can find a vast selection of bar soaps available
- Tend to harvest bacteria and germs on wet surfaces
- Turns mushy and slimy in standing water
- Made with detergents and lab-generated chemicals
- Have a higher pH level than liquid soaps
Liquid Soaps:
- Reduce the exchange of germs between users
- Convenient to use
- Never get slimy
- Tend to create a richer lather
- Contain a lower pH level and are gentler for people with sensitive skin
- Not eco-friendly due to the packaging
A Few Quick Facts About Liquid Soaps
- Soap has been around for more than 4,800 years
- Ancient Egyptians used a product that was similar to the soap we use today
- The name “soap” comes from Mount Sapo, a story mentioned in Rome
- In the nineteenth century, Spain, Italy, and France were the soap capitals
- In 1927, P&G was one of the first soap brands to advertise soap products to households
Who invented liquid soap? Now that you know “When was soap invented and by whom,” you’ll maybe look at liquid soap with different eyes.
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