Lava Heavy Duty Hand Soap Bar 5.75 oz Review

That great, gray, gritty bar.  I saw my first Lava Soap in my little Swedish grandma's bathroom when I was about five.  To wash with it was to experience the I-Mean-Business tingle of volcanic pumice.  Why, there was even a volcano on the wrapper.  Awesome!

Today,  Heavy Duty Lava's been slicked up a bit colorwise.  Moisturizers have been added to both the bar and Lava Liquid.  But, just as it was a favorite with coal miners and oil-rig workers in the 1890s, Lava Soap remains the province of dirty people.

Dirty people like me, always grubbing around in the garden without gloves.  People like my friend Tom, a former auto mechanic who now tinkers with race cars.  Painters, craftspeople covered with glue, kids sliding into home base, printers forever picking up ink on their hands and arms -- you name dirty, and Lava spokesmen talk back.  "Whatever You're Into, Lava Gets It Out."

The WD-40 Company, multiple generations removed from the original owners, intends to keep Lava Soap and the newer Lava Liquid in the public consciousness.  You can buy a twinpack (and more WD-40 products) by accessing www.lavasoap.com.  The Lava "twins", each 5.75 ounces cost about two bucks each.  Save the postage by checking your local hardware.  While you're at it, you may find some other historic cleaners that still do the job.

If it's occurred to you that Lava is a "natural" exfoliant, you're right.  The thought of pumice in an eye, however, should give anyone pause for thought where the face is concerned.  For some tender flowers, regular use of Lava can be irritating.  If so, go easy and save it for the big messes!