The fatty acid salts formed during production constitute the actual soap and are effective cleaners due to their surfactant properties. Using soap helps dissolve many water-insoluble substances, like fats and oils, making them washable with water.
In most cases, hard soaps or products based on them are used for handwashing because they exhibit an alkaline (pH value above 7) nature and can irritate the skin when in contact with mucous membranes. Hard soap has antiseptic qualities and can be used alongside warm water as a household remedy for paronychia. It's also used to shape dreadlocks.
In the realm of detergents, soaps are generally secondary due to the creation of soap scum. They are primarily utilized as defoamers.
Beyond cleaning, soaps also treat wood surfaces. They enhance the appearance of conifer woods, seal the wood's pores, minimize dirt accumulation, and prevent staining from fats or embedded dyes. For cleaning brushes, especially in oil painting, hard soap ensures extended durability of the bristles or hairs.
On occasion, water-based soap solutions are employed for pest control on cultivated plants, like against thrips and aphids.