How To Hide Those Pesky Wall Holes With A Bar Of Soap
It is nearly impossible to keep the walls of your abode impeccably hole free — whether it's a ding from moving a coffee table or divots made while creating the perfect gallery wall – accidents happen. Fortunately, there is a way to patch those pesky wall holes without drilling a hole in your wallet. To hide unsightly blemishes on your walls all you need is a bar of soap and a little elbow grease — simply rub the soap back and forth over the hole until the soap completely fills the opening.
If you hire a professional to repair a few small wall holes, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 per hour on labor alone. Compare that with the price of a single bar of soap and you are looking at double-digit savings. With such a simple solution you don't have to beat yourself up each time you want to hang a picture or you notice a cavity in your wall. Moreover, this hack can work with all types of walls, including drywall, which is especially susceptible to holes, cracks, and craters.
The bar method
Repairing a hole in your wall with a bar of soap is a relatively straightforward process. The key to a quick fix is selecting the right bar. It is critical to find a soap that matches the color of your wall. While white is the easiest to get, brands like Dove, Dial, and Irish Spring offer alternative shades including orange, blue, green, and powder pink. The next step is to remove any dirt or debris in and around the hole before rubbing the bar of soap back and forth over the opening. Once the hole is filled with soap, use a clean cloth to brush off any residual soap scraps and gently buff any uneven patches. The goal is to rub the soap on the hole until it seals completely and the filler becomes flush with the wall.
The bar method is the ultimate quick fix, but keep in mind, it is also temporary. The clever technique is best reserved for renters who are in need of a fast, easy, and affordable way to make walls look new before the landlord arrives for the final inspection. Before attempting the soap bar strategy, carefully assess the hole to determine if the drywall needs to be replaced rather than repaired, as soap will have little effect on extremely large holes or water-damaged, crumbling drywall.
Alternatives to soap
When it comes to cheap and easy ways to fill wall holes, soap is not the only solution. Social media is flooded with unusual fixes for wall dints and dimples. Commenters on a TikTok post that showed how to use the soap hack listed some of their favorite go-to hole fillers, including toothpaste, Wite-Out correction tape, chalk, toilet paper, Ranch dressing, and Play-Doh.
Still, critics are quick to point out that soap, as well as any other creative cures, will only serve as an interim remedy. Remodeling die-hards adamantly oppose repairing wall holes with anything less than professional materials, noting that soap is not sturdy enough to properly plug a hole. Moreover, moisture compromises the integrity of soap. The minute water comes into contact with your makeshift soap sealant, it will begin to dissolve, leaving you with a goopy mess all over your wall. If you are looking for a permanent fix for punctures in your wall, save the soap for your hands and head to the hardware store for a traditional hole repair kit.