14 Jul 2026
Summer holidays are here, so we’re down for some curious questions, unexpected experiments and finding fun in everyday things.
This smoltalk we're celebrating a pretty amazing milestone, turning a plughole into a volcano, uncovering what's really happening inside all those cleaning bubbles, and introducing some wonderful new Foaming Handwash fragrances.
Let’s get stuck in!
Let’s just pause for a second here, because this number is WILD.
It’s how much single-use plastic smol customers have now saved.
3,000 tonnes! Yes, that's three thousand tonnes. Let’s try and picture that properly.
It’s about:
- 10 fully loaded jumbo jets
- 15 Angels of the North
- 500 African elephants
Or (stay with us)… one BILLION pygmy shrews
It’s the kind of number that happens when everyday people stick with everyday smol swaps.
And the best bit is that the number gets bigger daily.
Every refill, delivery, and every smol swap adds another little bit to the total.
So this feels like a good moment to pause and say it properly: this one’s because of YOU.
It’s something you’ve done, just by choosing to do things a bit differently.
And the planet’s 3,000 tonnes of plastic lighter because of that.
Thank you.
But we didn’t want to stop there.
To celebrate reaching 3,000 tonnes of single-use plastic saved, we’re donating 3,000 bundles of smol products to The Hygiene Bank.
Because while we’re reducing waste, there are still an estimated 4.1 million people in the UK living in hygiene poverty.
These bundles will help provide everyday essentials to people who need them most through The Hygiene Bank’s network of community groups, schools and charities.
So this milestone doesn’t just mean less plastic. It means more support too.
Which feels like a pretty good way to celebrate.
Need something to entertain the kids this summer? Try turning your kitchen sink into a volcano.
We're talking about the classic bicarbonate of soda and vinegar experiment. The one that erupts all over the place (in a controlled way, hopefully).
Here's how:
- Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda down the plughole.
- Follow up with one cup of white vinegar.
- Stand back and enjoy the fizzing volcano.
- Leave it for 10–15 minutes.
- Flush through with warm water.
What's going on?
The bicarbonate and vinegar react to create carbon dioxide gas, which causes all those exciting bubbles and fizzing.
And while it's great fun for curious kids, it can also help loosen some of the gunk that builds up in slow-flowing plugholes.
Will it magically fix every blocked drain?
No.
But it's a fun little science experiment and can help freshen things up while teaching kids a bit of chemistry at the same time. That's what we call a win-win.
More bubbles = more cleaning?
If a washing machine is packed with foam does that mean some serious dirt removal is taking place?
Not quite. Because bubbles aren’t really an indicator of cleaning.
The real cleaning happens thanks to ingredients called surfactants. These clever molecules grab onto dirt with one end, while the other end likes to hold onto water. When you rinse, the dirt gets carried away with the surfactants and the bubbles are just a side effect.
More modern cleaning products are deliberately designed to create fewer bubbles because too much foam can actually get in the way. Dishwasher tablets, for example, are specially formulated to be low-foam because a dishwasher full of bubbles would be a bit of a disaster.
So why do we love bubbles so much?
Because they’re fun and they look like something is happening!
But when it comes to cleaning performance, it's what's happening at a microscopic level that really matters.
So, no, bubbles aren’t what’s doing the cleaning - they just look busy.
Hands up for new fragrances!
Love a great-smelling handwash? Hands up.
We’ve just launched three brand new fragrances for Foaming Handwash, bringing the total to four wonderful scents to choose from:
Sea Breeze. The original. Refreshing sea salt and sandalwood, like a deep breath of coastal air. It’s always clean, crisp and breezy.
Cucumber & Rose (Sensitive). Calming, delicate and dewy. Fresh cucumber with soft rose petals for a light botanical feel.
Pomegranate & Rhubarb. Vibrant and full of life. Sweet pomegranate and tangy rhubarb create a bright, uplifting fragrance.
Vanilla & Pear. Bougie vanilla meets juicy pear. Warming, smooth and a little bit indulgent.
Each one brings its own mood to your sink, why not match them to our fabulous aluminium bottles-for-life?
And because it’s a smol Foaming Handwash¹, it’s not just about fragrance.
- A rich, gentle foam that spreads easily
- Dermatologically tested formulas
- Suitable for sensitive skin (Cucumber & Rose)
- 89% lower carbon emissions vs traditional liquid soap
- Refillable bottles-for-life with tiny tablet refills
- Lasts longer and costs less than traditional liquid soap
Upgrade your everyday routine without adding more single-use plastic.
Go on… hands up.
¹ for more on our claims visit smol.com/our-claims
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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