Melt and Pour Soap Making - Home Made Soap the Easy Way
Intro: Melt and Pour Soap Making - Home Made Soap the Easy Way
This is a great way to make 'home made' soap as presents for friends and family. All the information you need to get started is around on the internet, but tends to be a little scattered. I taught myself to do this about a year ago when I wanted to make presents for Christmas rather than simply buying them. I enjoyed it so much I continued learning and experimenting, and decided to share my techniques and tips in an instructible.
I will start with the absolute basics, then include a few more ideas later on. If you already make soap and are just looking for new ideas, you might want to skim over the basics and head to the end!
Just a note: Melt and pour soap could be considered a 'cheat's' way of making soap, as you purchase pre-made soap base, melt it and add things to it. I like it because it is ideal for a small kitchen, very forgiving and easy to be creative with. It would be an ideal project for kids, though under supervision only - the molten soap can get very hot, and before melting it usually needs to be cut up with a knife, so please be careful!
An inventive example of what you could do with M&P soap can be found here.
I will start with the absolute basics, then include a few more ideas later on. If you already make soap and are just looking for new ideas, you might want to skim over the basics and head to the end!
Just a note: Melt and pour soap could be considered a 'cheat's' way of making soap, as you purchase pre-made soap base, melt it and add things to it. I like it because it is ideal for a small kitchen, very forgiving and easy to be creative with. It would be an ideal project for kids, though under supervision only - the molten soap can get very hot, and before melting it usually needs to be cut up with a knife, so please be careful!
An inventive example of what you could do with M&P soap can be found here.
STEP 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment.
You will need:
Ingredients
Melt and pour soap base, either clear or opaque, or both - I tend to get mine in very big blocks on ebay. Beware, it must be M&P soap base, most ordinary soap won't melt. I learned this the hard way so you wouldn't have to!
Soap colouring - ebay again. Be sure to get the water soluble colours if you are using clear soap.
*There are several specialist soap making shops online - so far ebay has always been cheapest for the soap base and colouring. You might find things cheaper elsewhere if you are prepared to shop around a bit. *
Cosmetic grade scent or essential oils - I buy essential oils from places like health food shops. Soap making sites stock special scents but essential oils are cheaper and more natural!
Surgical spirits - try your pharmacy, I got mine from Superdrug. I believe it is known as rubbing alcohol in the US. I have also read that you could substitute witch hazel, though I haven't tried it.
Equipment
A microwave - You could do this in a double boiler on the stove if necessary, but that would be a nuisance!
Microwave safe container to melt the soap - I picked up a couple of microwave pots on sale in a local thrift store for about a pound. A microwaveable plastic or glass jug works well too. You really want that pouring spout!
Something to stir with - I used some pieces of dowel rod we had lying around.
A small spray bottle - try the travel section of your pharmacy. I got mine from Superdrug.
A mould - this needn't be a specialist soap mould, though there are plenty of them available on ebay and soap making sites. Any reasonably flexible container will do, as long as it won't melt too easily! Think cream cheese tubs, yoghurt containers, silicone ice cube trays etc.
Cling film - This soap does not like being exposed to the air, so wrap it fairly soon after it has set.
A chopping board and knife, or a grater - chopping or grating the soap base helps it melt .
A scale - this becomes less necessary as you learn to measure by eye.
If you buy the powdered colourant, you will also need some small dropper bottles (pharmacy again) and other small containers such as plastic shot glasses to mix it all up in.
Some people are fussy about not using the same piece of equipment for both craft and food, but this is soap for goodness sake! I am more concerned about getting a bit of old broccoli in my soap than having food taste funny. Just wash it well and you will be fine.
Optional - Things you might want to add to your soap to make it look pretty
Glass or plastic beads
Children's novelty pencil rubbers
Small soaps or pieces of commercially made soap
Buff Puff - Those scrubby things made of plastic-y netting.
Small plastic or rubber toys
Glitter
Gold or silver powder
Fake flowers
Any other non-organic, non-ferrous item you wish to embed in your soap. Don't be tempted to use anything that could react with water (e.g. dried flowers) as the soap has a high water content. It might look pretty now, but mould or rust in soap is not a nice idea!
This seems like a lot of stuff to buy, but really you can make do with the minimum to start with and add to your collection as you go along. The more expensive parts are the soap base, the colouring and special soap moulds. Everything else can be bought cheaply for a few pounds or less. If you keep your eyes open and shop around a bit you will find all sorts of things you can use, even if they are meant for something else entirely!
Ingredients
Melt and pour soap base, either clear or opaque, or both - I tend to get mine in very big blocks on ebay. Beware, it must be M&P soap base, most ordinary soap won't melt. I learned this the hard way so you wouldn't have to!
Soap colouring - ebay again. Be sure to get the water soluble colours if you are using clear soap.
*There are several specialist soap making shops online - so far ebay has always been cheapest for the soap base and colouring. You might find things cheaper elsewhere if you are prepared to shop around a bit. *
Cosmetic grade scent or essential oils - I buy essential oils from places like health food shops. Soap making sites stock special scents but essential oils are cheaper and more natural!
Surgical spirits - try your pharmacy, I got mine from Superdrug. I believe it is known as rubbing alcohol in the US. I have also read that you could substitute witch hazel, though I haven't tried it.
Equipment
A microwave - You could do this in a double boiler on the stove if necessary, but that would be a nuisance!
Microwave safe container to melt the soap - I picked up a couple of microwave pots on sale in a local thrift store for about a pound. A microwaveable plastic or glass jug works well too. You really want that pouring spout!
Something to stir with - I used some pieces of dowel rod we had lying around.
A small spray bottle - try the travel section of your pharmacy. I got mine from Superdrug.
A mould - this needn't be a specialist soap mould, though there are plenty of them available on ebay and soap making sites. Any reasonably flexible container will do, as long as it won't melt too easily! Think cream cheese tubs, yoghurt containers, silicone ice cube trays etc.
Cling film - This soap does not like being exposed to the air, so wrap it fairly soon after it has set.
A chopping board and knife, or a grater - chopping or grating the soap base helps it melt .
A scale - this becomes less necessary as you learn to measure by eye.
If you buy the powdered colourant, you will also need some small dropper bottles (pharmacy again) and other small containers such as plastic shot glasses to mix it all up in.
Some people are fussy about not using the same piece of equipment for both craft and food, but this is soap for goodness sake! I am more concerned about getting a bit of old broccoli in my soap than having food taste funny. Just wash it well and you will be fine.
Optional - Things you might want to add to your soap to make it look pretty
Glass or plastic beads
Children's novelty pencil rubbers
Small soaps or pieces of commercially made soap
Buff Puff - Those scrubby things made of plastic-y netting.
Small plastic or rubber toys
Glitter
Gold or silver powder
Fake flowers
Any other non-organic, non-ferrous item you wish to embed in your soap. Don't be tempted to use anything that could react with water (e.g. dried flowers) as the soap has a high water content. It might look pretty now, but mould or rust in soap is not a nice idea!
This seems like a lot of stuff to buy, but really you can make do with the minimum to start with and add to your collection as you go along. The more expensive parts are the soap base, the colouring and special soap moulds. Everything else can be bought cheaply for a few pounds or less. If you keep your eyes open and shop around a bit you will find all sorts of things you can use, even if they are meant for something else entirely!
STEP 2: Preparation
Decide what mould, colour and scent you want to use and put them somewhere convenient near your microwave. Fill your spray bottle with surgical spirits, check it works by spraying somewhere like your sink or bath and have that handy too. If you are putting things in your soap, place the inserts into the mould and arrange them attractively before preparing the soap base.
Measure the volume of your mould in millilitres using water and a measuring jug if you have one. You will need a similar weight of soap base in grams. I tend to measure by eye and have a small mould (eg shaped ice cube trays) standing by for any excess, but it is initially difficult to guestimate the amount of soap you will need.
Chop up your soap and weigh it, then place in your microwave proof container. If you have the patience you could grate it - small, even pieces melt easier than big, uneven pieces.
Measure the volume of your mould in millilitres using water and a measuring jug if you have one. You will need a similar weight of soap base in grams. I tend to measure by eye and have a small mould (eg shaped ice cube trays) standing by for any excess, but it is initially difficult to guestimate the amount of soap you will need.
Chop up your soap and weigh it, then place in your microwave proof container. If you have the patience you could grate it - small, even pieces melt easier than big, uneven pieces.
STEP 3: Nuke It!
Depending on the volume of soap, microwave it for 30-50 seconds before stirring well. Continue to microwave in 10 - 20 second blasts, stirring in between until the soap base is mostly melted. If you have just one or two small lumps left, stir until they melt rather than microwaving more. This stuff can get too hot and go funny, so be a bit careful here. You are aiming for just melted rather than very hot.
Add colouring and scent and stir it in. The amount of colouring will depend on the depth of colour you are trying to achieve - if using clear soap in a white container the colour will seem deeper than it actually is. You will learn what works for you!
Be careful with strong essential oils like peppermint or tea tree, if you use too much they will sting when used on *ehem* sensitive areas. Start with a couple of drops and add more if needed. The soap will have a slightly stronger scent when it is used than when it is molten. Always add your colour first so the soap has a chance to cool slightly before adding essential oils - if the soap is too hot you will simply evaporate them. This also goes for re-melting soap to which you have already added scent, you might need to add a little more.
Add colouring and scent and stir it in. The amount of colouring will depend on the depth of colour you are trying to achieve - if using clear soap in a white container the colour will seem deeper than it actually is. You will learn what works for you!
Be careful with strong essential oils like peppermint or tea tree, if you use too much they will sting when used on *ehem* sensitive areas. Start with a couple of drops and add more if needed. The soap will have a slightly stronger scent when it is used than when it is molten. Always add your colour first so the soap has a chance to cool slightly before adding essential oils - if the soap is too hot you will simply evaporate them. This also goes for re-melting soap to which you have already added scent, you might need to add a little more.
STEP 4: Pour and Wait!
Pour your coloured, scented soap into your mould and immediately spritz the top with surgical spirits - this reduces the surface tension and gets rid of any bubbles on the top. If you have some very small, foam-like bubbles around the edge that just won't go away, your soap was probably a little too hot. Don't worry, it will still work as soap, just try not to over-heat it next time! Bubbles are not really a functional problem, but tend to spoil the aesthetics of the finished bar.
After pouring and spraying, leave the soap where it is to set. Try not to bump it for at least half an hour, as the soap forms a custard-like skin on top which will wrinkle if you bump it. Again, it will still work, but looks a bit odd. I find that even stepping heavily on the wobbly floorboards can cause this problem, so be careful and place your mould in a safe place before you pour the soap.
After pouring and spraying, leave the soap where it is to set. Try not to bump it for at least half an hour, as the soap forms a custard-like skin on top which will wrinkle if you bump it. Again, it will still work, but looks a bit odd. I find that even stepping heavily on the wobbly floorboards can cause this problem, so be careful and place your mould in a safe place before you pour the soap.
STEP 5: Finishing Up
After about 30 - 60 minutes, depending on volume, your soap will have set enough to move it around. Do not try to take it out of the mould yet, it needs to be completely cool. This can take several hours at room temperature - ideally leave it overnight. Don't be tempted to put it in the fridge though, as condensation can be a problem. You can, however, put the soap in the freezer BRIEFLY once it is cool if you are having trouble getting it out of the mould. Be careful though, I split my bar making mould by leaving it in the freezer for too long, which made it go brittle and crack when I flexed it.
To de-mould the soap, tip the mould upside down over a suitable surface, and gently flex your mould and push the base. If it is properly set, the soap should pop out quite easily. If not, leave it a while longer or try the freezer trick. A complex pattern in your mould will make it more difficult to remove.
Admire your soap, then wrap it in cling film. You don't need to do this immediately, but certainly within a day or two, as the soap can 'sweat' if left out for too long. If you like, you can make a fancy label for it.
To de-mould the soap, tip the mould upside down over a suitable surface, and gently flex your mould and push the base. If it is properly set, the soap should pop out quite easily. If not, leave it a while longer or try the freezer trick. A complex pattern in your mould will make it more difficult to remove.
Admire your soap, then wrap it in cling film. You don't need to do this immediately, but certainly within a day or two, as the soap can 'sweat' if left out for too long. If you like, you can make a fancy label for it.
STEP 6: Making It Look Good.
Here are a few ideas for making your soap look pretty. Look at the notes on the pictures below for ideas of how to achieve the look.
When embedding anything, or making layers stick, spritz well with surgical spirits. The only limit is your imagination!
When embedding anything, or making layers stick, spritz well with surgical spirits. The only limit is your imagination!
STEP 7: What Not to Do!
Experimentation is good, but learn from my mistakes! These ugly soaps were a result of putting random bits of left over soap together with basic clear soap. I was just experimenting with the idea that if it worked it would make a good pressie, but if not I could use it myself. They certainly worked fine!
STEP 8: Presentation
I like to make up a basket of bath bits with home made soaps. I usually line the basket with a face cloth, and add things like a novelty shaped nail brush, pumice stone, bath bombs, bags of mini-soaps etc.
55 Comments
KarenW133 7 years ago
If you buy palm free melt and pour you will be helping to save the orang utans, it's really important, you can get it from eBay, it's no more expensive. It only comes in clear but make it white with mica? Do your bit before its too late.
ucanBanerd 13 years ago
nikolnolan 9 years ago
I would separate. You can pick them up cheap enough, so it's a good idea to have soap tools separate from your normal kitchen utensils. It may not hurt you, but if something is not cleaned thoroughly you could get sick.
Good thing to remember is a lot of the melt and pour or rebutted soaps have lye in them...so to be safe just act like you are dealing with lye :)
DeniseW16 8 years ago
Although lye is one of the ingredients used to make the soap base, after the saponification chemical process it changes into something else, so there should be no lye in the melt and pour base.
sara.bein.7 9 years ago
Pyrex is non-pourous, so you can use it again, for food.
Tygress 10 years ago
You should keep food separate from non-food. So no - get a pyrex just for the soap, do not use it for food. Same with the molds. If you use cute molds that could be for chocolate or ice, don't use them for soap afterwards.
PamelaY1 8 years ago
I was wondering if you can use natural things like lemon zest or other natural items for added design so there won't be something like a plastic object falling out when using. Also do the water soluble colors bleed when used?
RomanFlores 8 years ago
Sonali1234 8 years ago
Very nice
ThomasP5 9 years ago
I found these directions from 1833 on how to make soap.
http://www.epic-soap.com/how-to-make-organic-soap-...
sjpowling1 9 years ago
Hi,
Thank you for this I've been looking for simple instructions on soap making. I'm looking at making a three tier wedding cake made of soap as our wedding favours. I'm just wondering if it safe to pour the soap into loose bottom metal cake tins to set, will this cause any issues with the soap setting etc?
sjpowling1 9 years ago
Hi,
Thank you for this I've been looking for simple instructions on soap making. I'm looking at making a three tier wedding cake made of soap as our wedding favours. I'm just wondering if it safe to pour the soap into loose bottom metal cake tins to set, will this cause any issues with the soap setting etc?
monica.fox.98 9 years ago
angie.putman.1 9 years ago
Is melt and pour soap supposed to stay soft after it hardens? Can anyone tell me what we're doing wrong? Thanks
nikolnolan 9 years ago
What did you add to it? And what type of base are your using?
It should dry hard, depending on what base and how much liquid you may add to it.
angie.putman.1 9 years ago
First time coconut milk & second time regular milk. The second time was worse. It was an avocado rebatch kit. First time user. Thanks
MsJan 11 years ago
nikolnolan 9 years ago
Essential oils are actually very healthy and have a lot of health benefits if used correctly.
You have to be careful though, and make sure they are "true" essential oils, and not cheap store brand ones that may be cut with something harmful.
-no username- 9 years ago
can we use any soap???like dove or pears or something??can we melt them?
nikolnolan 9 years ago
No you can't. You can pick up a "melt and pour" at your local craft store or online. There are a few different type, I prefer goats milk and honey.