Dry Soap, Clean Look: What Makes a Soap Dish Truly Functional
How proper storage protects your soap, keeps your sink clean – and what ROCKY M. has to do with it
Soap is simple. Its storage should be, too.
But that’s exactly where things often go wrong.
Solid soaps are making a comeback. Whether for handwashing or body care – they’re plastic-free, long-lasting, and naturally effective. But no matter how good the soap is: without the right soap dish, it often becomes a source of frustration.
Maybe this sounds familiar:
Your soap sits in water
It gets soft, slippery, begins to dissolve
A sticky film forms underneath
The sink gets dirty
And visually? Everything feels a bit... off
This isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about durability, hygiene – and making sure small things work well in everyday life.
Why most soap dishes fail
Most soap dishes are well-intentioned – but poorly designed.
They might look great, but:
They lack proper drainage: Water pools beneath the soap
They’re too flat or too smooth: No air circulation
They’re too shallow or too steep: The soap slips or tips over
They’re made from porous materials: The dish itself becomes unsightly or unhygienic
The result: your soap doesn’t last as long, feels unpleasant to use – and your sink is constantly messy.
What a good soap dish should do
A functional soap dish doesn’t need to be complicated – but it should follow a few key principles:
1. Ventilation
The soap needs air – including underneath – to dry properly between uses.
2. Elevation
Soap shouldn’t lie flat. A ribbed surface or raised structure lets water drain away easily.
3. Stability
Both the dish and the soap should stay put. A well-balanced form ensures calm in the object.
4. Ease of cleaning
No intricate grids, no waterlogged wood. A good dish rinses clean in seconds.
5. Material quality
Durable, hygienic, and tactile. Ideally ceramic – because it not only works, it feels right.
The solution: ROCKY M. by OBAstudios
ROCKY M. is a ceramic soap dish – handmade and made for everyday life.
Developed by OBAstudios with one clear principle: as little as possible, but everything essential.
What sets ROCKY M. apart:
Ridges instead of flat surfaces: The soap is slightly elevated, water drains away – no soggy mess.
Solid stoneware: Durable, easy to clean, resistant – and dishwasher-safe if needed.
Clear form language: Subtle and minimal – fits quietly into any bathroom.
No plastic, no compromise: Each piece is handmade in an inclusive workshop in Germany.
Whether you're using natural soap, facial bars or solid shampoos – ROCKY M. ensures your products stay dry, clean, and last longer.
Common questions – answered
Doesn’t ceramic get dirty quickly?
Not at all. Stoneware has a dense, glazed surface – residues rinse off easily. No grooves, no grates to scrub.
Will it fit on a small sink?
Yes. ROCKY M. is compact, with just the right amount of surface to hold most soaps securely – without taking up too much space.
What if I use a particularly soft natural soap?
Especially then, ROCKY M. helps. The slight elevation keeps soap out of standing water – extending its lifespan noticeably.
How do I clean the dish itself?
A quick rinse with warm water is enough. For occasional deep cleaning, use a bit of vinegar or mild soap solution. And yes – it’s dishwasher-safe too.
Who is ROCKY M. for?
For those who value thoughtful design in everyday life.
For people who choose intentionally rather than replace frequently.
For spaces where quality matters more than quantity.
“Good design is actually a lot harder to notice than poor design, in part because good designs fit our needs so well that the design is invisible.”
— Don Norman, author of The Design of Everyday Things
Conclusion: Less fuss. More function.
If soap is part of your daily routine, it deserves a place to rest – dry, clean, and secure.
ROCKY M. isn’t an invention. It’s an improvement.
A small object.
With a big impact.