The very most important thing to do to make sure your handmade soap lasts is to not let it sit and soak in water. Handmade soaps can be much 'softer' than commercial bars. They also still have all their glycerin in them (a natural byproduct of saponification which is usually removed from commercial bars); glycerin is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture. This is one reason why natural soaps are so moisturizing and good for your skin, but it can also lead to your soap melting away quickly if you don't treat it right. Either remove it completely from your tub/shower when you're finished using it, or at the least get a draining soap dish for it. Make sure water doesn't run over it when not in use.
Tied in with keeping it out of water, is if you have the chance once you get your bar of soap, unwrap it to let it dry out more. Most soaps are 'cured' or allowed to dry anywhere from 2-6 weeks before you buy it, but this is the minimum amount of time soaps need to cure. I know I tend to want to use them immediately, but giving them some additional drying-time will help to harden it and make it last longer. If you particularly like the scent, you could put it in with your towels or even in your underwear drawer, as it will lightly scent anything it comes into contact with; this will help keep excess moisture and humidity from getting to it as well.
Don't use your soap as a scrubber. Even if the texture is rough, using it as an exfoliator will make it disappear much more quickly. Instead, soap up with the soap then set it aside, and use a loofah or bath pouf to gently exfoliate your skin.
Remember to care for your natural soaps, and enjoy the many benefits they will bring you!
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