Are you ready to enter the world of soap making? Don’t worry, it’s way easier than you might think. With this simple guide, you’ll learn how to make melt and pour soap at home. We will show you how to use melt and pour soap bases to create exquisite designs, scents, and colors. You’ll be amazed by the endless possibilities!
What You Need
Equipment / Tools:
- Kitchen scale
- Cutting board
- Parchment or wax paper
- Small glass bowls
- Set of measuring spoons
- Metal whisk
- Large knife
- Rubber or silicone spatula
- Soap mold
- Glass measuring cup
- Newspaper
- Microwave or double boiler
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients:
- Simply Earth Essential Oils
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle
- Melt and pour soap base
- Additives (colorants, dried flowers, dried fruit, exfoliants, etc.)
How to Make & Pour Soap
Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies and Work Space
Gather all of your ingredients and supplies. Be sure to measure everything carefully and have all your tool ready. Next, clear a good workspace and protect it with newspaper or a plastic cover. This will give you room to work and protect your surfaces from spills or splatters that are difficult to clean.
Step 2: Prepare Essential Oils
Preparing your essential oil beforehand prevents the soap from hardening during soap-making. Begin by placing a small glass bowl on your scale, zero out your scale, and then aim for a starting amount of 0.4 ounces of essential oil per pound of soap. Depending on the strength of the fragrance, you can adjust this amount accordingly.
Step 3: Cut and Weigh the Melt & Pour Soap Base
Place your glass measuring cup on the scale and zero out the weight before you begin. Then, cut the soap base into small chunks and add them to the glass measuring cup until you have the correct amount for your mold or recipe.
Step 4: Melt the Soap Base
Heat the soap in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time and stir it thoroughly between each interval, being careful to avoid any burns as the melted soap can be extremely hot. Keep heating and stirring until most of the soap is liquid, but don’t let it exceed 160ºF to avoid a rubbery texture. If the soap base starts to foam, it’s too hot, so stop microwaving.
As an alternative to the microwave, you can melt the soap base in a double boiler. This allows for better control over the temperature of your soap.
Step 5: Add Natural Colorants
Adding color to your soap is like putting your personal stamp on the finished product. The color combinations are endless, and adding a little dash of colorant or mica powder can make a big difference. When adding your dye, stir well so it is completely incorporated. And if your soap starts to thicken while adding the colorant, don’t worry! Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it has thinned.
Step 6: Add Essential Oils
Before adding your premeasured fragrance, check the temperature of your soap to ensure that it falls between the recommended range of 140-150ºF (60-65.6°C). Stir in your chosen essential oils once your soap is at the proper temperature.
If you encounter bubbles while stirring your soap mixture, grab a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol and give the mixture a light spritz.
Step 7: Add Additives
Let your imagination run wild with additives in your soap! From herbs and exfoliants to fun glitters and sparkles, the possibilities are endless, and the results can be truly spectacular. Adding ingredients like lavender and oats can give your soap a soothing, spa-like quality, while adding biodegradable glitter can make your creations perfect for a kid’s party.
Step 8: Pour Soap Into Mold
Take your time and pour slowly to avoid any unwanted bubbles. And if they do pop up, spritz with the alcohol. Once your soap is poured, carefully move the mold to a safe spot and cover it with plastic wrap.
Step 9: Allow the Soap to Cool
Allow the soap to cool naturally for 24 hours. You can place the soap in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Step 10: Clean Up
Rinse any remaining soap bits with water and use a scrub brush or dishcloth to loosen any larger pieces. If you find a thick layer of soap left in your container, try pulling the layer of soap out while it is still warm.
Step 11: Unmold the Soap
Apply light pressure to the center of the cavity when you invert the mold – forcing the soap out can result in a crumbled mess. Once you’ve got those bars out, you can easily rub off any imperfections or trim them away with a cloth or knife.
Melt and pour soap base is already cured, meaning you can use your soap right away. This is especially great for those new to soap-making who don’t want to wait weeks to try out their creations!
Melt & Pour Soap Recipes
Try out some of these fun soap recipes below! Feel free to make changes according to your preferences. Remember — melt and pour soap is completely customizable!