People who use the method generally keep the bar dry and place it beneath the sheet near their legs or feet. Others gently rub the soap over the fitted sheet before getting into bed. The idea is remarkably simple, which may help explain why it has survived for so long. There is no complicated preparation, expensive equipment, or special technique involved. For some people, simply knowing the soap is there becomes part of a familiar bedtime routine that makes them feel more comfortable.

Some supporters believe the soap’s ingredients or fragrance may somehow influence uncomfortable sensations in the legs. Lavender soap is especially popular because its scent is commonly associated with relaxation and winding down before sleep. However, these explanations remain speculative. Personal experiences can certainly feel convincing, but they cannot establish that the soap caused an improvement. Nighttime cramps can also naturally come and go, making it difficult to determine whether a particular remedy made a difference.