A soap receptacle for minimizing or preventing water erosion of soap and the resulting residue. The receptacle is formed of a pile textile fabric saturated with a stiffening agent in a predetermined shape. The soap receptacle is rigid and is capable of embodying ornamental designs in the textile fabric. The textile material in the receptacle, including the pile material, permits associated water to be absorbed and evaporated, thus avoiding erosion of the soap and the resulting residue.