What To Do With Those Extra Hotel Soaps & Shampoos
I think even the most seasoned travel veterans can’t resist occasionally taking some of the hotel soaps and amentities home. I’m pretty disciplined now, but for awhile almost every 3*+ hotel I stayed at had better products than I used at home — I think LA Source used to be my favorite.
And then it was, “this travel size will be great for my next trip,” even as my hotel stays quickly overtook my nights at friends.
Even now, traveling internationally, I get sucked in by full size bottles of the wine themed hair products at the Park Hyatt Mendoza or in Bali where they bring fresh Acca Kappa supplies twice a day. And sometimes I can’t resist a particularly nice bar of soap — “this would be great when I have guests.”
In fact, I first got that idea years ago when visiting family friends and saw they thoughtfully had provided high-end, travel size toiletries for my use (and from their recent trips to nice hotels). So that’s definitely one use!
But, as I’m sure you guessed, my collection kept growing faster than I or my guests could use it. Even being highly selective about what I take back with me still left me with a dozen bars of high-end soap and more than a handful of brand new shampoos and conditioners. Not to mention all the mini packages of toothbrushes & tooth pastes that come in airplane amenity kits. It seemed a shame to throw them out, but it was clear I wasn’t going to use them.
That’s when my mom had a brilliant idea — why didn’t I donate them to a local homeless women’s or homeless shelter? Sure enough, I called and they’d be delighted to take any unopened items I might have. So if you too have compiled a collection of unused toiletries you won’t be using, consider taking a minute to drop them off at your nearest shelter.
I found these two national listings of shelters, but if you know of other directories, please let me know in the comments!
Homeless shelters, including a list of accepted donations
Maybe this is a good project for the weekend if you’re not traveling? 🙂
Note: These places only take unopened, unused items. But if you’re debating whether the half used soap or shampoo you leave behind will be wasted, there’s hope! According to a recent USA Today article, more and more of the major chains are working with Clean the World to recycle and sterilize half used items and send them to the needy.
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Heels First is the travels and tribulations of two twenty-something frequent fliers jumping into the world of travel. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.
Oh, I still have those wine toiletries from Mendoza too! as for donations to shelters – yes, I do the same. Last year, I gave away a lot of the toiletries to collections for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
What a great idea. My wife gives me a hard time because we have a drawer full of them. I also read about the Clean The World organization that sterilizes and recycles soap for the needy. I feel so much better about the remaining 95%+ of soap bars that are left after only a couple hand washes during my stays.
I collect them for use by breast cancer 3 day walkers who get to camp and realize they forgot their toiletries.
^Clean the World is an amazing organization and they accept partially used soaps/shampoos/body washes because they have sanitation procedures and things. I’ve volunteered at their Las Vegas processing center before, really good people trying to go really good things for others.
Been doing this for years – result of business travel. Started my own project here in Detroit area earlier this year and have formalized the process so others can get involved. Self-funded, all volunteer, so worthwhile. My project goes back into the community and the shelters are helping homeless and others in need. My web site is GBProject.org. Thanks and keep up the great work!