Soviet soap is expensive. Is it true that in the ussr soap was made from dogs?

The rumor that stray dogs were allowed to make laundry soap was actively exaggerated by citizens Soviet Union... That is why even children were afraid and hated by employees of special services involved in trapping stray animals. However, were dogs really allowed to wash in the USSR?

Animal fats

The composition of laundry soap has not changed for many years. According to GOST 30266-95, soap is based on alkalis and fatty acids of animal fat (GOST 30266-95, 4.3 Requirements for raw materials and auxiliary materials). The percentages indicated on the bar are indicators of the content of these same fatty acids: 72%, 70% and 65% (GOST 30266-95, 4.5 Marking). What is animal fat and how is it obtained?

According to "Big Soviet encyclopedia”, Animal fats is a product obtained from animal tissues. Beef and lamb fats are given as examples in this publication. In addition, the encyclopedia also talks about liquid animal fats, which are part of the tissues of marine mammals and fish. No pets, in particular dogs, are mentioned in the article.

Journalistic investigation

There is a project on Sputnik FM radio in Ufa called "Lilya Seeks the Truth", which is directed by journalist Lilia Shakirova. The main goal of this project is to refute the rumors and speculations that are currently overflowing with the Internet. In search of an answer to the question of whether it is true that dogs were made (and are still making) the basis for laundry soap, Shakirova, along with her colleagues, called several factories specializing in the production of such products.

The employees of the enterprises assured the journalists that animal fat is really used in the manufacture of soap, but not dog fat, but beef and pork fat. The experts said that dog fat is not suitable for the production of laundry soap. But even if it did fit, the dogs don't have as much of it as needed. Therefore, the losses when using dog raw materials would be greater than when using pork or cow.

Fighting stray animals

Thus, the rumor that it was the dogs that were used to make soap did not find its confirmation. Where did such speculation come from? Most likely, they were associated with the active struggle of the Soviet authorities with stray animals, or rather with the diseases they spread. All orphaned cats and dogs were subject to capture and destruction. Moreover, ordinary citizens could even earn extra money on this. For example, you could get about 1 ruble for a stray dog. Perhaps this is why the rumor about soap making from pets was born.

One of the first documents aimed at eliminating rabies is the decree of 10/01/1928 "On measures to combat dog rabies." Clause 2 of this document states that all captured dogs must be destroyed. No mention is made of any use of their fabrics for soap making. However, already in the third paragraph of the resolution it is said: "In areas where there are recycling plants and special institutions, the corpses of destroyed dogs are to be sent to these institutions for their disposal for industrial purposes." What is this industrial target, is not indicated in the document.

Before the war, only two types of soap were produced in the USSR: "marble" household soap in huge pieces and "Egg", which was cut into tiny pieces the size of a quarter of a matchbox and given out in the baths, which gave rise to a joke: "But I wanted to wash myself entirely ..."

After the war, the assortment expanded slightly. The most fragrant was considered "Strawberry". For the hands was meant "Coniferous". For a bath - respectively, "Bath". For washing - “Household. From dandruff - "Tar".

The idea of ​​producing soap intended for washing children appeared much later than the idea of ​​toilet and laundry soap. It was created on the recommendation of doctors who came to the conclusion that ordinary alkaline-based soap adversely affects the skin of babies. Alkaline substances and chemicals. Included in toilet soap, destroy the protective film on the baby's skin and, as a result, lead to allergic reactions, inflammation and irritation.

The special baby soap does not contain any chemical substances, no perfume additives, - only useful: lanolin, glycerin, vegetable oils... This soap not only washed children, but also washed baby diapers and undershirts. It was easily washed off, and the linen after it becomes soft and does not smell like perfume.

Sometimes baby soap from the Svoboda factory was used, for example, by numismatists. They rubbed it on a fine grater, made a saturated soap solution, and lowered especially soiled coins into it. In general, a decent house should have had a special soap grater, because, for example, for washing in the washing machine and for washing dishes, housewives rubbed on it laundry soap.

The same operation was performed when going to wash the windows. So the Soviet baby soap can be considered universal and multifunctional.

Natalia Vishnyakova

Laundry soap. A block of menacing brownish-gray or childish surprise, flaking and bad smelling. This is the opinion of modern housewives about a universal miracle remedy originally from the USSR. Jokes about laundry soap, like the witticism about the deadly effect on bacteria of just one type of bar of soap and its relationship with city dogs. And it is in every home. Why is laundry soap useful?

First of all, it is hypoallergenic and anti-allergenic. The composition of this soap is simple: natural animal fats and sodium salt. On its basis, adding various perfumes and dyes, you can get other types of soap. How is it useful in everyday life?

For cuts and burns, treat the affected area with laundry soap, just soap the wound or burn. If a dog has bitten or scratched by a cat, laundry soap foam is the first remedy. The antiviral properties of soap should be used during epidemics of acute respiratory infections and flu. Lubricate your nose with lather and let it dry - the soap will perfectly protect you from disease. If a runny nose begins, also lubricate the nose with foam - it will not. Laundry soap fights against fungal diseases of the feet and also effectively prevents them. Wash your feet regularly with soap, and after visiting a public bath or swimming pool, rinse them thoroughly, leaving the foam for 1-2 minutes.

The soap will also help with more serious health problems. In case of hemorrhoids, wash yourself with laundry soap, gently adjusting the bumps. With thrush, vaginitis and genital infections, it is useful to wash off with laundry soap. It will locally help in the fight against infection, as well as relieve itching, redness, disinfect and protect. Laundry soap can be used to form constipation candles; its relaxing properties were used in Soviet medicine. This product is absolutely safe, suitable even for the smallest.

Laundry soap has long stood guard over beauty. Now the ladies will grimace, but the laundry soap is great for skin and hair. It is great for washing your hair. Lather with soap and massage into scalp. Rinse off the product. It is great to rinse your hair with water and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. For problem skin, laundry soap is an effective healer. Wash your face 2 times a day with laundry soap, be sure to use baby cream or other organic cream after it. The effect of such washing is that acne disappears, the skin is noticeably cleansed and smoothed, it acquires normal oily content and an even color. Laundry soap slows down skin aging. Use soap instead of gels - after a while, you will forget about dry and flaky skin.

Laundry soap is a true guardian of beauty and health. Despite its oblivion, the effectiveness of this miracle remedy has been confirmed by generations and more and more women are choosing ordinary laundry soap instead of branded, newfangled personal care products.

The myth about the benefits of laundry soap, moreover, the one made according to the Soviet recipe, is firmly entrenched in our culture. In fact, this particular soap not only does not possess any useful properties but it can even be dangerous.

I remember that we used to use this soap all the time. I somehow was not interested, but it turns out I did not know much about the composition and options for using this soap.

What is it made of

In the USSR, the main component of laundry soap was fat - pork, beef, lamb and even fish. Now there is nothing like this in the composition, manufacturers use analogues, adding sodium, lauric acid, salomas and alkali.

Which is better

Contrary to popular belief, laundry soap from the Soviet era is no better than modern soap. Kaolin and rosin were added to it, moreover, it was never recommended to wash their body or hair.

Purpose of laundry soap

This soap is labeled “household” for a reason. It is simply not intended for the body: it removes grease deposits and stubborn stains from fabric materials with laundry soap. If you use it as usual, then chemical burns cannot be avoided. Laundry soap very effectively destroys the upper layer of the epidermis - the skin quickly loses its elasticity, inflammation and irritation begin.

Modern supplement

Modern versions of laundry soap are no better in this regard. Now manufacturers often add an increased dose of sodium hydroxide to it. Such a product really removes stains better, but it threatens with a completely real chemical burn to the body.

Antibacterial properties

The highly publicized antibacterial properties are not a myth. But there is nothing good in this: in the USSR, laundry soap was used on animals, since it perfectly removes fleas from the wool. For people, household, as in principle, any antibacterial soap with constant use is dangerous. This soap destroys the top layer of the epidermis, which is designed to protect against bacteria.

Carcinogenic effect

Today, a refined version of laundry soap is often found on the shelves. This is no longer the same brown nondescript bar - it can be white and have a pleasant smell. This soap owes its fresh color to titanium dioxide, a chemical element that has a carcinogenic effect.

Single use

You can use the antibacterial properties of laundry soap to your advantage. For acne and acne, this soap (with a single use) will soothe irritation. Long-term use is dangerous. Forget the myth of "great laundry soap that's best." Do not risk your health in vain.

Sources of

The rumor that stray dogs were allowed into the production of laundry soap was actively exaggerated by the citizens of the Soviet Union. That is why even children were afraid and hated by employees of special services involved in trapping stray animals. However, were dogs really allowed to wash in the USSR?

Animal fats

The composition of laundry soap has not changed for many years. According to GOST 30266-95, soap is based on alkalis and fatty acids of animal fat (GOST 30266-95, 4.3 Requirements for raw materials and auxiliary materials). The percentages indicated on the bar are indicators of the content of these same fatty acids: 72%, 70% and 65% (GOST 30266-95, 4.5 Marking). What is animal fat and how is it obtained?

According to the "Great Soviet Encyclopedia", animal fats are a product obtained from animal tissues. Beef and lamb fats are given as examples in this publication. In addition, the encyclopedia also talks about liquid animal fats, which are part of the tissues of marine mammals and fish. No pets, in particular dogs, are mentioned in the article.

Journalistic investigation

There is a project on Sputnik FM radio in Ufa called "Lilya Seeks the Truth", which is directed by journalist Lilia Shakirova. The main goal of this project is to refute the rumors and speculations that are currently overflowing with the Internet. In search of an answer to the question of whether it is true that dogs were made (and are still making) the basis for laundry soap, Shakirova, along with her colleagues, called several factories specializing in the production of such products.

The employees of the enterprises assured the journalists that animal fat is really used in the manufacture of soap, but not dog fat, but beef and pork fat. The experts said that dog fat is not suitable for the production of laundry soap. But even if it did fit, the dogs don't have as much of it as needed. Therefore, the losses when using dog raw materials would be greater than when using pork or cow.

Fighting stray animals

Thus, the rumor that it was the dogs that were used to make soap did not find its confirmation. Where did such speculation come from? Most likely, they were associated with the active struggle of the Soviet authorities with stray animals, or rather with the diseases they spread. All orphaned cats and dogs were subject to capture and destruction. Moreover, ordinary citizens could even earn extra money on this. For example, you could get about 1 ruble for a stray dog. Perhaps this is why the rumor about soap making from pets was born.

One of the first documents aimed at eliminating rabies is the decree of 10/01/1928 "On measures to combat dog rabies." Clause 2 of this document states that all captured dogs must be destroyed. No mention is made of any use of their fabrics for soap making. However, already in the third paragraph of the resolution it is said: "In areas where there are recycling plants and special institutions, the corpses of destroyed dogs are to be sent to these institutions for their disposal for industrial purposes." What this industrial purpose is, the document does not indicate.